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education · DOL-OPE

Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program

Office of Postsecondary Education · ED-GRANT-26-036

Closed

Award Range

$1.5M$2.5M

Total Program Funding

$45.0M

Expected Awards

20

Deadline

June 23, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program. Office of Postsecondary Education . The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region. $1,500,000-$2,500,000 per award; $45,000,000 total program funding; ~20 awards expected.

Who Should Apply

Private universities/colleges, Nonprofits (501c3), Nonprofits (non-501c3), Other eligible entities, Public universities/colleges

Who Should NOT Apply

Organizations not matching the eligible applicant types listed above

Key Requirements (Plain English)

  • Eligible applicants are Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U
  • Deadline: 2026-06-23

💡 GrantQuick Tip

High-value award — invest significantly in proposal quality. Consider hiring a grant writer.

Competitiveness: High — limited number of awards

What This Grant Funds

The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through development of career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

Attachments

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants are Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) (20 U.S.C. 1001), that are public or private nonprofit IHEs, and public and private nonprofit organizations and agencies.Note: "Public agencies" includes State Education Agencies and State Higher Education Agencies.Note: An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may, under 34 CFR 75.51, demonstrate its nonprofit status by providing: Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. A statement from a state taxing body or the State attorney general certifying that the organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State and that no part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual. A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document if it clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or Any item described above if that item applies to a State or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.

Eligible Applicant Types

Private Colleges & Universities501(c)(3) NonprofitsNonprofits without 501(c)(3)Other (see NOFO for details)Public Colleges & Universities

Funding Details

Minimum Award
$1.5M
Maximum Award
$2.5M
Total Program Funding
$45.0M
Expected Number of Awards
20
Cost Sharing Required?
No
Funding Instrument
grant

Key Dates

Posted: May 21, 2026
Application Deadline: June 23, 2026 (0 days remaining)

Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time.

Agency Contact

Jymece Seward RPED@ed.gov

RPED@ed.gov

Ready to apply?

View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov