[Council of Independent Colleges](https://cic.edu)

November 2026 (Application deadline)

Nearly $2 million distributed since inception; typical awards support new State Council initiatives. Matching funds may be required.

Funds innovative programs to enhance college access and success for underrepresented students, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Only CIC State Councils are eligible to apply.

--- ## Description The State Councils First Opportunity Partners Grants are funded by an Inequality and Economic Empowerment Grant from the UPS Foundation and administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). This program supports CIC State Councils in launching new, collaborative, and innovative initiatives that increase college access and success for first-generation, low-income, minority, and new American students. The grant places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), seeking to empower educational opportunity through programs designed or supported by State Council organizations. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Nearly $2 million has been distributed since the program’s inception to fund over 50 grant programs. - Reported matching funds total more than $2 million, with a total economic impact exceeding $4 million. - Typical awards support new, collaborative, and innovative State Council initiatives; matching funds from third parties may be required. --- ## Eligibility - **Only CIC State Councils are eligible to apply.** - Individual researchers, institutions, or organizations unaffiliated with a CIC State Council are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted by CIC State Councils. - Proposals should focus on new, collaborative, or innovative approaches to increasing college access and success for underrepresented student groups, with a clear emphasis on DEI. - Matching funds from third parties may strengthen applications. - For detailed application instructions and requirements, consult the [program page](https://cic.edu/opportunity/first-opportunity-partners-grants). --- ## Additional Information - The program is dedicated to supporting initiatives that foster educational opportunity and empowerment for first-generation, low-income, minority, and new American students. - Since inception, the program has demonstrated significant impact through funded projects and matching partnerships. --- ## External Links - [First Opportunity Partners Grants Program Page](https://cic.edu/opportunity/first-opportunity-partners-grants) - [About CIC’s State Councils](https://cic.edu/networks/netvue) - [Council of Independent Colleges Home Page](https://cic.edu) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------| | Sherita C. Ashmon | Director of State Councils and Networks Support | [sashmon@cic.edu](mailto:sashmon@cic.edu) | (202) 466-7230 | | General CIC Contact | | [cic@cic.edu](mailto:cic@cic.edu) | (202) 466-7230 |

State Councils First Opportunity Partners Grants

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