Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program
This grant funds programs that help college students meet basic needs like food and housing, and requires reporting on effective practices to improve student success.
Funder: Office of Postsecondary Education
Due Dates: June 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline | August 24, 2026: Deadline for Intergovernmental Review
Funding Amounts: $1,000,000–$5,000,000 per award (48 months); ~$10,000,000 total program funding; ~10 awards expected
Summary: Supports systemic and sustainable solutions to address postsecondary student basic needs insecurity and improve student outcomes.
Description
This federal grant program supports the development and scaling of systemic, sustainable approaches to address basic needs insecurity among postsecondary students. The initiative aims to fund projects at institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations that provide direct support for student basic needs—such as food, housing, childcare, and emergency financial assistance—and report on effective practices to improve student completion and workforce outcomes. Projects may also focus on connecting students to workforce-relevant credentials and work-based learning opportunities, including registered apprenticeships and pathways in high-growth sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.
