The U.S. Department of Education has issued revised common instructions for applicants to its discretionary grant programs, superseding the previous version published on December 7, 2022. These instructions are designed to streamline the application process by centralizing guidance for grant competitions, which will reference this document instead of detailing instructions in each Notice Inviting Applications (NIA). Notably, this revision includes updated guidance on the use of artificial intelligence in grant applications, addressing potential risks such as bias and inaccuracies.
Key requirements for applicants include obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), and submitting applications via Grants.gov. The document emphasizes electronic submission, provides clear formatting requirements, and includes critical deadlines and procedures to ensure compliance with the application requirements.
In addition, the document outlines processes for submitting paper applications under specific circumstances and encourages accessibility by offering assistance to individuals with disabilities. The revisions reflect the Department's commitment to facilitating equitable access to education resources while ensuring the integrity and quality of applications submitted for federal funding.
The U.S. Department of Education is inviting applications for fiscal year 2025 for the Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH) Program, aimed at enhancing the capacity of eligible higher education institutions to support Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students. The program encourages institutions to develop, implement, and strengthen educational activities tailored to the needs of these populations. Grantees must participate in evaluation activities and provide data on student inclusion, program sustainability, and performance measures.
The program includes two prioritization areas for applicants: expanding access to distance education and integrating Artificial Intelligence in educational practices. Eligible institutions must have a significant enrollment of Native students, with at least 20% Alaska Native or 10% Native Hawaiian, respectively. Grants of up to $1 million are available for Individual Development Grants and up to $1.5 million for Cooperative Arrangement Development Grants.
Applications are due by August 13, 2025, with a selection process based on comprehensive development plans, measurable objectives, and project management quality. The Department emphasizes federal civil rights compliance, assessing grantee performance for continuation awards. Overall, this initiative reflects the government's commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Indigenous students and nurturing inclusive learning environments.