Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 122024 001
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), through its National Center for Education Research (NCER), is offering a discretionary grant opportunity under the Education Research and Development (R&D) Center Program (Assistance Listing Number 84.305C). The basic idea of this program is to fund a small number of high-capacity, multi-year research centers that do more than run a single study. These centers are expected to carry out a coherent, focused program of research aimed at tackling an important education problem, producing new, credible knowledge in a defined topic area, and helping the field use that knowledge. In addition to generating evidence, the centers are intended to serve as national leaders in their topic areas by supporting research training, building research capacity, and conducting outreach so findings and tools reach educators, institutions, and policymakers. A distinctive feature of the program is that centers should also be able to respond quickly to emerging issues by conducting relatively rapid research and scholarship on supplemental questions that arise within their scope, rather than being locked into only the original set of planned studies.
This opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and is listed as Funding Opportunity Number ED GRANTS 122024 001. The application deadline provided is March 14, 2025. The notice indicates an award ceiling of $15,000,000 and anticipates making 2 awards, signaling a competitive program with large, center-scale budgets and a limited number of funded projects. Like many IES competitions, the public summary provided is explicitly described as a synopsis, and applicants are directed to rely on the official Federal Register application notice for the controlling requirements, including any pre-application steps, required components of the narrative, submission instructions, program priorities, performance measures, and contact information. Applicants are also directed to the Department of Education Revised Common Instructions for Applicants (published December 7, 2022) for the standard procedural requirements around obtaining and submitting an application.
The competition described here includes at least two topical areas with different eligibility rules. For the topic area focused on Improving Gifted Education, eligible applicants must apply as a partnership that includes at minimum (1) at least one institution of higher education and (2) at least two State educational agencies, and the partnership must demonstrate the ability and capacity to conduct rigorous research. The notice also allows these partnerships to be broader, meaning they may include additional universities, additional State educational agencies, local educational agencies, other public agencies, private agencies and organizations, other research institutions, and both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. This structure reflects an emphasis on combining research expertise with statewide policy and implementation reach, which can be especially important for gifted education identification practices, service delivery models, and equity-related issues that vary by state context.
For the topic area centered on Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Improve Instruction in Postsecondary Education, eligibility is broader and is framed around research capability rather than a mandated partnership structure. Entities that can conduct rigorous research may apply, including but not limited to nonprofit and for-profit organizations and public or private agencies and institutions such as colleges and universities. This suggests IES is seeking strong empirical work on how generative AI can be used to improve postsecondary instruction, potentially including questions about instructional design, learning outcomes, faculty supports, student supports, implementation conditions, and responsible use, provided the applicant can mount the kind of careful research designs IES expects.
The government-wide eligibility categories listed for this opportunity are expansive and include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and other eligible entities. In practice, the key filter is not only organizational type but also whether the applicant meets the topic-specific eligibility rules (particularly the partnership requirements for the gifted education center) and can demonstrate the staffing, governance, data access, and methodological strength needed for a national R&D center.
Overall, this grant is designed for applicants prepared to operate at a national center level: setting a clear research agenda around a defined problem, producing high-quality evidence, building field capacity through training and outreach, and maintaining enough flexibility to address timely, emerging questions within the center’s topic area. For anyone considering applying, the most important next step is to review the official Federal Register notice closely, since that document will spell out the absolute requirements, the competition priorities, the expected project structure and deliverables, and the submission rules that determine whether an application is considered responsive and complete.Apply for ED GRANTS 122024 001
- The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Education Research (NCER): Research Education Research and Development Center Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305C" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.305.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-03-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $15,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Others.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), through its National Center for Education Research (NCER), under the Education Research and Development (R&D) Center Program (Assistance Listing Number 84.305C). It is intended to fund a small number of multi-year, high-capacity research centers that conduct a coherent program of work in a defined education topic area.
Which agency is offering and administering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by IES/NCER and administered by the U.S. Department of Education.
What is the Funding Opportunity Number?
The Funding Opportunity Number is ED GRANTS 122024 001.
What is the Assistance Listing Number?
The Assistance Listing Number is 84.305C.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline provided is March 14, 2025.
How many awards does the program expect to make?
The notice anticipates making 2 awards.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling indicated is $15,000,000.
What is the overall purpose of the Education R&D Center Program?
The program is designed to fund centers that go beyond a single study by running a focused, coherent research agenda aimed at addressing an important education problem, generating new credible knowledge in a defined topic area, and helping the field use that knowledge.
How is an R&D Center different from a typical research grant?
The description emphasizes that these are center-scale efforts: multi-year organizations with the capacity to lead a sustained program of research, support training and capacity-building, and conduct outreach so findings and tools reach educators, institutions, and policymakers. The expectation is broader than delivering results from one project.
What kinds of activities are centers expected to carry out besides research studies?
In addition to generating evidence, centers are expected to serve as national leaders in their topic areas by supporting research training, building research capacity, and conducting outreach so that findings and tools reach educators, institutions, and policymakers.
What does it mean that centers should be able to respond quickly to emerging issues?
A distinctive feature described is flexibility: centers should be able to conduct relatively rapid research and scholarship on supplemental questions that arise within the center's scope, rather than being locked into only the original set of planned studies.
What topic areas are included in this competition?
The synopsis describes at least two topic areas: (1) Improving Gifted Education and (2) Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Improve Instruction in Postsecondary Education.
Are the eligibility rules the same for all topic areas?
No. The synopsis indicates that different topic areas have different eligibility rules, including a required partnership structure for the Improving Gifted Education topic area.
Who is eligible to apply for the Improving Gifted Education topic area?
Applicants must apply as a partnership that includes, at minimum: (1) at least one institution of higher education and (2) at least two State educational agencies. The partnership must also demonstrate the ability and capacity to conduct rigorous research.
Can the partnership for the Improving Gifted Education topic area include additional organizations?
Yes. The synopsis states the partnership may be broader and may include additional universities, additional State educational agencies, local educational agencies, other public agencies, private agencies and organizations, other research institutions, and both nonprofit and for-profit organizations.
Why does the Improving Gifted Education topic area require a partnership with State educational agencies?
Based on the synopsis, the structure reflects an emphasis on combining research expertise with statewide policy and implementation reach, which is described as important for gifted education identification practices, service delivery models, and equity-related issues that vary by state context.
Who is eligible to apply for the Using Generative Artificial Intelligence to Improve Instruction in Postsecondary Education topic area?
Eligibility is described as broader and centered on research capability rather than a mandated partnership structure. Entities that can conduct rigorous research may apply, including but not limited to nonprofit and for-profit organizations and public or private agencies and institutions such as colleges and universities.
Does the Generative AI postsecondary topic area require a specific partnership structure?
The synopsis does not describe a required partnership structure for that topic area. It emphasizes that eligibility is framed around the ability to conduct rigorous research.
What kinds of questions might be relevant to the Generative AI postsecondary topic area?
The synopsis suggests research on how generative AI can be used to improve postsecondary instruction, potentially including instructional design, learning outcomes, faculty supports, student supports, implementation conditions, and responsible use, as long as the work reflects careful research designs consistent with IES expectations.
What types of organizations are listed as eligible in the government-wide eligibility categories?
The listed categories include: state, county, city or township, and special district governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and other eligible entities.
If an organization is in an eligible category, is it automatically eligible for every topic area?
No. The synopsis explains that, in practice, eligibility depends on meeting the topic-specific eligibility rules (especially the partnership requirements for the gifted education center) and demonstrating the capacity to run a national R&D center.
What does the program mean by "rigorous research" and "credible knowledge" in this synopsis?
The synopsis repeatedly emphasizes the expectation for high-quality, careful research designs and the capacity to produce new, credible knowledge. It also notes that applicants should be able to demonstrate methodological strength, staffing, governance, and data access suitable for a national center.
What capacity is implied by "national center level" in this synopsis?
The synopsis describes applicants as needing the ability to set and execute a clear research agenda around a defined problem, produce high-quality evidence, build field capacity through training and outreach, and maintain flexibility to address emerging questions within the center's scope.
What document controls the official requirements for applying?
The synopsis states that applicants must rely on the official Federal Register application notice for controlling requirements, including pre-application steps, required narrative components, submission instructions, program priorities, performance measures, and contact information.
Is the public description enough to prepare an application?
No. The synopsis explicitly says it is only a synopsis and directs applicants to the official Federal Register notice for the controlling requirements.
Where do applicants find the standard procedural requirements for submitting an application?
Applicants are directed to the Department of Education Revised Common Instructions for Applicants (published December 7, 2022) for standard procedural requirements related to obtaining and submitting an application.
What should applicants focus on first if they are considering applying?
The synopsis indicates the most important next step is to review the official Federal Register notice closely, because it will specify absolute requirements, competition priorities, expected structure and deliverables, and submission rules that determine whether an application is responsive and complete.
Does this program sound highly competitive?
Yes, based on the synopsis. It anticipates only 2 awards and lists an award ceiling of $15,000,000, which signals a limited number of funded projects and a center-scale competition.
Can for-profit organizations apply?
The government-wide eligibility categories listed include for-profit organizations (other than small businesses). Topic-specific eligibility rules may still apply depending on the chosen topic area.
Can tribal governments or tribal organizations apply?
Yes. The eligibility categories listed include federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, subject to meeting any topic-specific eligibility rules and demonstrating the capacity required for an R&D center.
Can multiple state educational agencies be involved in a single proposal?
Yes for the Improving Gifted Education topic area. The minimum partnership requirement explicitly includes at least two State educational agencies, and the synopsis also allows for additional State educational agencies beyond that minimum.
Does the synopsis specify required application components or page limits?
No. The synopsis states that required components and submission rules are in the official Federal Register notice and the Department of Education Revised Common Instructions for Applicants.
Does the synopsis specify any program priorities or performance measures?
No. It states that priorities and performance measures are part of the controlling Federal Register application notice.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education
Next opportunity: NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
Previous opportunity: Limited Competition: Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Coordinating Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Optional)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for ED GRANTS 122024 001
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANTS 122024 001) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Commemorating the 80th anniversary of V/E Day in Slovakia Apply for PAS SVK FY2025 03 Funding Number: PAS SVK FY2025 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Slovakia Category: Education Funding Amount: $24,999 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for PAS JAKARTA FY25 03 Funding Number: PAS JAKARTA FY25 03 Agency: U.S. Mission to Indonesia Category: Education Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| USAID Education for Social Prosperity Apply for 72066025RFI00002 Funding Number: 72066025RFI00002 Agency: Democratic Republic of the Congo USAID-Kinshasa Category: Education Funding Amount: $14,000,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Yangon Public Diplomacy Small Grants Competition Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 001 Funding Number: 25 MMR NOFO 001 Agency: U.S. Mission to Myanmar Category: Education Funding Amount: $99,999 |
| The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Slovakia Apply for PE SVK FY2025 04 Funding Number: PE SVK FY2025 04 Agency: U.S. Mission to Slovakia Category: Education Funding Amount: $35,000 |
| U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 003 Funding Number: 25 MMR NOFO 003 Agency: U.S. Mission to Myanmar Category: Education Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| : U.S. Embassy Yangon American Center Yangon (ACY) Small Grants Competition Apply for 25 MMR NOFO 002 Funding Number: 25 MMR NOFO 002 Agency: U.S. Mission to Myanmar Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): Fulbright-Hays Faculty Research Abroad (FRA) Fellowship Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.019A Apply for ED GRANTS 010825 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 010825 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE): Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) Assistance Listing Number 84.101A Apply for ED GRANTS 010725 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 010725 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS): Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA): Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who Are Blind (OIB) Program: Training and Technical Assistance ALN Number 84.177Z Apply for ED GRANTS 011425 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011425 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $599,706 |
| Sustainable Skills for Sustainable Communities – An Education Skills Program in support of the sustainable economic diversification of vulnerable communities in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Apply for 72067425RFA00003 Funding Number: 72067425RFA00003 Agency: South Africa USAID-Pretoria Category: Education Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| OSERS: OSEP: Technical Assistance and Dissemination to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities and Demonstration and Training Programs--National Technical Assistance Center on Transition for Students and Youth with Disabilities 84.326E Apply for ED GRANTS 011525 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011525 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $4,099,988 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Teacher Preparation Grants: Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.423A Apply for ED GRANTS 011725 001 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011725 001 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): Indian Education Discretionary Grants Program: Professional Development Program (PD) Training Grants, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.299B Apply for ED GRANTS 011725 002 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011725 002 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): Indian Education Discretionary Grants Program: Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.299A Apply for ED GRANTS 011725 003 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011725 003 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Grants to Military-Connected Local Educational Agencies for Academic and Support Programs and the World Language Advancement and Readiness Program Apply for HE125425R5000 Funding Number: HE125425R5000 Agency: DoD Education Activity Category: Education Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE): Indian Education Discretionary Grants Program: Professional Development Program (PD)--Native American Teacher Retention Initiative (NATRI) 84.299B Apply for ED GRANTS 011725 004 Funding Number: ED GRANTS 011725 004 Agency: Department of Education Category: Education Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| DoD Cyber Service Academy (DoD CSA) Apply for HQ003425NFOEASD03 Funding Number: HQ003425NFOEASD03 Agency: Washington Headquarters Services Category: Education Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| US Embassy Abidjan Cross Border University Partnership Initiatives Apply for PDS SIV 100 FY25 NOFO 01 Funding Number: PDS SIV 100 FY25 NOFO 01 Agency: U.S. Mission to Cote d Ivoire Category: Education Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2025 Apply for WINDHOEKAEIF FY25 04 02 Funding Number: WINDHOEKAEIF FY25 04 02 Agency: U.S. Mission to Namibia Category: Education Funding Amount: $35,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ED GRANTS 122024 001", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.