Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) Program Assistance Listing Number: 84.015C
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Department of Education, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, is seeking discretionary grants through the Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) program to support institutions of higher education or consortia in addressing areas of national need. The program funds comprehensive or undergraduate centers that teach strategically important languages, provide related area studies instruction, support international studies research and training, and advance understanding of critical regions. Applications must follow the 2025 Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs and address the notice’s absolute and competitive preference priorities, with selection based on need, significance, project design, resource adequacy, management, and evaluation. The estimated total program funding is $70 million, with individual awards of $1.2 million to $1.4 million for a 48-month project period; applications are due July 7, 2026, and the program contact is Margarita Meléndez at CAANN@ed.gov, with an optional intent-to-apply email encouraged.
Eligible Applicants
An institution of higher education (as defined in this notice) or a consortium of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this part as either a comprehensive Center or undergraduate Center.