New Education Department Grants: Millions Available for School Improvement

You might care about this because the Department of Education is offering a big opportunity for organizations to get money for improving schools. These are competitive grants under the Comprehensive Centers program for the 2026 fiscal year. The goal is to help schools and educational agencies make education better for all students, especially those who need it most. This means improving learning opportunities, helping students do better, and closing achievement gaps. The grants also aim to make teaching quality higher. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2026. This announcement explains who can apply, what types of projects they are looking for, and how much money is available for each type of center. The Department has set out specific priorities, including supporting a National Center, various Regional Centers, and centers focused on improving literacy for students with disabilities. Other priorities include centers that come from ideas in the field, centers for new needs, and those focusing on meaningful learning opportunities. They also have preference for proposals that return education control to states, provide meaningful learning opportunities, and promote literacy based on evidence. Organizations like research groups, universities, and partnerships can apply. The funding amounts vary widely, with some centers potentially receiving over $6 million. All the details and application instructions are available on the Department of Education's website and Grants.gov. This is a chance to get funding to directly help improve education across the country. This announcement is interesting because it outlines a large investment in educational improvement across the United States. The Department of Education is clearly prioritizing support for various types of educational centers. These range from national to regional centers, and those focused on specific content areas like literacy for students with disabilities. The inclusion of both "absolute priorities" and "competitive preference priorities" shows the specific areas the government wants to see addressed. For example, "Returning Education to the States" as a competitive preference priority suggests a policy direction that could lead to more localized control and tailored solutions in education. The wide range of maximum award amounts, from $1 million to over $6 million for different types of centers and regions, indicates a flexible approach to funding based on the scope and needs of each area. This flexibility allows for a broad impact, from nationwide support to specific regional challenges. The emphasis on "capacity-building services" means these grants are not just about short-term fixes. They are about strengthening the ability of educational systems to improve over time. This makes the program more than just a grant cycle. It is a strategic effort to build stronger, more effective educational structures across the country. Many different groups and individuals would find this legal document very interesting. Educational professionals, including teachers, school administrators, and district leaders, should definitely pay attention. Universities and other institutions of higher education, especially those with education departments or research arms, are clear target audiences. This is because they are eligible entities to apply for these grants. Research organizations focusing on education, child development, or public policy would also be highly interested. State and regional educational agencies are explicitly mentioned as beneficiaries of the program's services. Some might also be eligible to apply directly or as part of a partnership. Organizations that work to improve literacy, especially for students with disabilities, will find the specific priority for a National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities particularly relevant. Grant writers and development officers at non-profit organizations or educational consultancies that help secure funding for schools and educational programs would also find this notice important for their work. Finally, anyone involved in creating and delivering professional development for educators, or developing curricula, should review these opportunities.