Navigating the world of grants has always been a bit of a rollercoaster. There are a number of benefits—securing funding that powers your mission, expanding your reach, and making a real impact. Grants can also be daunting. Right now one of the biggest challenges facing colleges and universities is the uncertainty around the future of federal funding.

As the landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that success in the world of grants isn’t just about adapting to funding cuts—it’s about embracing a future where intelligence drives your grant strategy. Whether you’re diversifying your funding with state and foundation opportunities or simply getting smarter about how you approach grant proposals, staying informed is the key to thriving in the current environment.

Thinking Outside the Box: Your New Grants Strategy

Every new administration brings with it new priorities, new funding opportunities and changes to existing programs and funding opportunities. This administration is no different.

In a recent episode of EAB’s podcast, Senior Vice President and Leader of the Higher Education Practice at McAllister & Quinn, Dr. Jessica Gerrity, and EAB’s Tara Zirkel, Director of Strategic Research, discuss how these cuts are affecting grant strategies and offer actionable advice for navigating this challenging environment. They also share tips on how university leaders might adapt grant strategies in the months ahead.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The landscape of federal funding for higher education is evolving…quickly. Knowing what is going on in DC is fundamental to staying competitive with federal grants. Here are four ways to make sure you stay in the game:

Stay Informed: The federal budget process is long and often confusing. Don’t panic when programs are paused or delayed. Stay informed by following updates from trusted sources.

Diversify Your Funding Sources: Consider state and local grants, corporate sponsorships, and private foundations. Don’t rely on just one funding stream—casting a wider net increases your chances of success!

Refine Your Grant Proposals: Tailor each proposal to align with the latest funding priorities. Make sure your proposals clearly show the impact your organization will make and how your project fits within the funder’s priorities.

Embrace the Shift: The political climate creates new opportunities. Workforce development, for example, is expected to be a priority area in future funding cycles, so institutions should start planning strategies around this theme.

Looking Ahead: Grants Intelligence Service

With the right tools and strategies in place, you’ll be ready to navigate the grants landscape and quickly pivot to apply for available funding. Grants Intelligence Service (GIS) delivers expert-driven, real-time federal funding insights to position your institution for success—powered by the proven expertise of McAllister & Quinn.

At a time when many institutions may not be submitting grants due to perceived uncertainty, McAllister & Quinn is working closely with clients to ensure they are in the queue and ready to be reviewed… and funded!

Click here or fill out the form below for a FREE grants consultation! 

The Department of Education’s (ED) has announced the process for the designation of eligible institutions and waiver applications due April 7, 2025 (link)! Receiving designation makes an institution of higher education (IHE) eligible to apply for specific ED grant programs. These designations are awarded to IHE with a significant number of minority students, students in need of financial assistance, and which expend a significant amount of their institutional budget on core educational expenses.

­Process Overview

This process (known as the eligibility matrix) is applicable to programs authorized under:

• Title III, part A of the HEA: Strengthening Institutions Program (Part A SIP), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (Part A ANNH), Predominantly Black Institutions (Part A PBI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (Part A NASNTI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (Part A AANAPISI).
• Title III, part F of the HEA: Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation (Part F HSI STEM and Articulation), Predominantly Black Institutions (Part F PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (Part F ANNH), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (Part F NASNTI), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (Part F AANAPISI).
• Title V part A of the HEA: Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (Part A HSI).
• Title V part B of the HEA: Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (Part B PPOHA).

This process also has implications on waiving cost sharing requirements for certain programs (such as ED UISFL and TRIO SSS), as well as federal work study so we’d highly encourage you to check your eligibility even if the above programs are not of interest this year.

How to Check Eligibility

To check your institution’s eligibility, go to https://HEPIS.ed.gov/​, and log into the system using a Login.gov account. If you are not sure whether you have an account in the system, click the “Request Account” button. If you do not have an account, the system will walk you through setup. Note that it may take up to five business days to verify user identity and to complete new account setup, so please allow enough time to complete the application. If the Grant Eligibility Application system is open for new applications, you may check your institution’s eligibility status by clicking the “View pre-Eligibility Information” button. Your institution’s eligibility information will display.

If the system does not show that your institution is eligible for a program, you can apply for a waiver or reconsideration using the process described in the federal register notice and application booklet (to be updated soon by Dept of Ed). The application process mirrors that used in previous years. You will first complete an application on the website at https://HEPIS.ed.gov/​. If you remain ineligible based on your application, you will choose the waiver option(s) on the website to submit the required information and supporting documentation. The Department estimates that all reviews and decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the deadline, although this has varied in the past. Once all waiver decisions are made, the data from the eligibility system will be used to build a final EM that will be published on the Department’s eligibility website https://www.ed.gov/​grants-and-programs/​grants-higher-education/​eligibility-designations-higher-education-programs. The matrix will be published likely in Spring/Summer 2025.

Basis for Eligibility

To qualify as an eligible institution under the grant programs listed in this notice, your institution must satisfy several criteria, including those that relate to the enrollment of needy students and to the Core Expenses per FTE student count for the specified base year. An institution is considered to have an enrollment of needy students if it meets either of the following two criteria: (1) at least 50 percent of its degree-seeking students received financial assistance under the Federal Pell Grant, FSEOG, or FWS programs; or (2) the percentage of its undergraduate degree-seeking students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Federal Pell Grants exceeded the median percentage of undergraduate degree students who were enrolled on at least a half-time basis and received Federal Pell Grants at comparable institutions that offer similar instruction. For the Core Expenses per FTE Student requirement, an institution satisfies this program eligibility requirement if its Core Expenses for the 2022-2023 base year are less than the average Core Expenses of its comparable institutional category. *Note that this eligibility can vary based on specific programs such as PBI, so it’s important to go into the system to check your eligibility (see above for instructions).

The following table identifies base year 2022-2023 median Federal Pell Grant percentages and average Core Expenses per FTE student for the four categories of comparable institutions:

GIS Ask us Anything Session: 2025 ED Eligibility Process

Not sure what the ED eligibility designation means for programs like Title III and Title V? Join our upcoming Ask Us Anything Session to get clear, actionable insights tailored to your institution. Secure your spot now: Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 11:30am ET. We’ll break down how this process affects funding opportunities, cost-sharing waivers, and what steps you need to take.

Register Here!

Grants Intelligence Service (GIS)

GIS provides curated tools to help small and mid-sized colleges and universities understand the ED Eligibility Matrix. GIS Advisors lead one-on-one sessions with members to explain the ED Eligibility Matrix, assist with the waiver process, and provide recommendations and intelligence on grant programs for eligible applicants. Advisors regularly advise members on which waiver option to pursue and how to best demonstrate their evidence. GIS can also provide strategic guidance on applying for grants that can help your college or university work towards achieving ED Eligibility.

Become a GIS member today to navigate the ED eligibility process with certainty!

Grant funding plays a critical role in the success of institutions of higher education (IHE): supporting research, student scholarships, program development, and infrastructure improvements. A well-crafted grant proposal not only aligns with a funder’s priorities but also clearly articulates the need, impact, and sustainability of the proposed project. Strong proposals are strategic, data-driven, and structured to enhance competitiveness, helping institutions secure the resources necessary to advance their mission and serve their students effectively.

That being said, grant writing can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. This is where having the right grant writing strategies—and the right support—makes all the difference. Grants Intelligence Service (GIS) is your new federal grant strategy partner, here are some essential tips and techniques to help you navigate the grant writing process and increase your chances of success.

Tips & Techniques

1. Know Your Funder

Before you start writing, do your homework. Research the funding organization’s mission, priorities, and past awards. Tailor your proposal to align with their goals and demonstrate how your project fits within their funding objectives.

2. Follow the Guidelines—Every Detail Matters

Grant guidelines are your best friend. Funders provide specific instructions on formatting, required sections, budget limitations, and eligibility. Ignoring even minor details can lead to disqualification, so read carefully and follow every requirement.

3. Tell a Compelling Story

Numbers and data are important, but storytelling makes your proposal memorable. Clearly articulate the problem you’re addressing, why it matters, and how your project will create meaningful change. Use real-life examples, success stories, and testimonials when possible.

4. Be Clear and Concise

Avoid jargon and overly technical language. Grant reviewers often have limited time and may not be experts in your field. Write in a way that is easy to understand, logical, and engaging.

5. Learn from Rejections

Not every proposal will be funded, and that’s okay. If you receive a rejection, seek feedback, refine your approach, and try again. Many successful grant seekers have faced rejection before landing major awards.

By following these tips, you’ll strengthen your grant writing skills and improve your chances of securing funding. Grants Intelligence Service provides expert insights, personalized support, and curated funding alerts to help you stay ahead.

Grants Intelligence Service (GIS)

Even with solid grant writing skills, institutions of higher education often struggle with the bandwidth to stay on top of federal opportunities, trends, and best practices. That’s where a Grants Intelligence Service (GIS) can be a game-changer. GIS offers a tailored approach to help institutions navigate federal, state, and private funding landscapes. Membership provides access to the tools and intelligence needed to develop a culture of grant-seeking on campus, get up-to-date information on federal competitions and deadlines, and submit competitive grant proposals.

A short demo will show just how our service aligns with your institution’s strategic priorities, streamlining the grant process and increasing your chances of funding success. See firsthand how GIS can empower your institution to reach new funding goals—sign up for a demo today!

In today’s fast-changing world, a strong STEM workforce isn’t just an asset—it’s essential. The science, technology, engineering, and math fields drive innovation, fuel economic growth, and tackle some of the most pressing challenges we face. To meet demand and stay competitive, we need more skilled professionals entering STEM careers—and we need to ensure doors are open to everyone with the talent and drive to succeed.

That’s where the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) and Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) programs come in. These initiatives are designed to expand access to STEM education and hands-on training, creating pathways for students to not only enter high-demand fields but to excel in them. These programs offer unique support for students, educators, and institutions, aiming to increase workforce readiness by addressing skills gaps and promoting equitable access to high-demand fields.

NSF S-STEM: Scholarships and Workforce Readiness

The NSF S-STEM program supports students pursuing associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degrees in STEM disciplines by providing scholarships that reduce financial barriers to education. This program aims to boost enrollment and completion rates for STEM students and increase diversity within the field by offering opportunities to low-income, high-achieving students who might otherwise be unable to afford a STEM education. S-STEM is essential for workforce development because it connects qualified students directly to workforce needs, emphasizing hands-on experiences, internships, and mentorships that align with industry demands.

By financially supporting underrepresented groups, S-STEM helps close equity gaps in education and the STEM workforce, fostering a broader, more diverse talent pool. Graduates from S-STEM-supported programs are better prepared for STEM careers due to both their academic achievements and the program’s intentional focus on workforce-aligned skills and competencies. This aligns with nationwide goals to increase the representation of women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals in STEM fields, ultimately expanding innovation and diversity in the workforce.

NSF ExLENT: Preparing for Emerging Technologies

The NSF ExLENT program focuses on experiential learning in emerging and novel technologies, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biotechnology. It provides resources for colleges and universities to implement experiential learning programs that are designed in collaboration with industry partners, ensuring students gain practical, hands-on experience with technologies shaping the future workforce. This approach enables students to develop critical problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers in technology-intensive fields.

ExLENT’s impact on workforce development is profound, as it directly addresses the skills gaps that industries face as they adopt new technologies. By exposing students to the latest tools and practices through internships, apprenticeships, and research projects, ExLENT graduates are well-prepared to enter advanced roles. The program also supports training for educators, ensuring instructors are knowledgeable in cutting-edge technologies, which sustains a pipeline of highly skilled workers.

Collective Impact on Workforce Development

Together, NSF S-STEM and NSF ExLENT are cultivating a diverse, skilled workforce prepared to meet current and future industry demands. S-STEM addresses financial and equity barriers, allowing more students to pursue STEM careers, while ExLENT ensures these students are trained in skills relevant to the latest technological advancements. This dual approach not only increases the number of STEM professionals entering the workforce but also prepares them to excel in rapidly evolving fields.

These programs contribute to workforce resilience and economic competitiveness, fostering innovation by expanding STEM participation and readiness. For institutions of higher education, NSF S-STEM and ExLENT represent strategic opportunities to partner with industry, increase their relevance in the job market, and provide students with meaningful career paths—driving both educational and economic benefits for the communities they serve.

Grants Intelligence Service (GIS)

Unlocking funding opportunities can be a game-changer for colleges and universities, especially as competition for grants intensifies. Grants Intelligence Service (GIS) offers a tailored approach to help institutions navigate federal, state, and private funding landscapes. Membership provides access to the tools and intelligence needed to develop a culture of grant-seeking on campus, get up-to-date information on federal competitions and deadlines, and submit competitive grant proposals.

A quick demo can show just how our service aligns with your institution’s strategic priorities, streamlining the grant process and increasing your chances of funding success. See firsthand how GIS can empower your institution to reach new funding goals—sign up for a demo today!

Dispelling Common Misconceptions about Federal Grants: Unlocking Success with Grants Intelligence Service (GIS)

There are several common misconceptions about federal grants. Some of the most common include: grants equate to free money; only elite schools are competitive; and the federal grant landscape for higher education is limited and daunting. There are resources out there to help simplify this process. In this month’s blog, our goal is to debunk some of these common misconceptions and set the record straight.  

Misconception #1: Federal Grants Are Free Money  

Many believe federal grants are free money that can be used for any purpose. While this would be nice, it is not true!  Grants are designated for specific projects or purposes and come with stringent requirements on how the funds can be used. They are designed to align with strategic funder priorities.  

Solution: GIS provides resources to help quickly identify and vet federal funding opportunities that are the right fit for your school.   

Misconception 2: Receiving a Grant is Quick and Easy  

Each federal agency has their own set of rules, expectations, and funding allocations. Some grants are small and focused on specific short-term projects, while others are larger and intended for long-term research and development. Understanding the differences can help you target the right grant opportunities for your institution. The process of applying for and receiving a grant can take several months from application submission to the disbursement of funds.  

Solution: GIS provides applicants with program specific resources, such as overview memos, data-tip sheets, previously funded proposals etc. Additionally, members have access to federal grant advisors to assist in this process. 

Misconception 3: Grants are Only for Science and Research 

While a lot of federal grants do focus on scientific research, there’s money out there for all sorts of initiatives. Education, the arts, community outreach, and student support services are just a few areas where grants are available for colleges and universities.  

Solution: GIS provides members with an annual cabinet level briefing to help institutions align federal grants with institutional priorities. 

Misconception 4: Only Top-Ranked Schools Get Federal Grants 

The truth is, federal grants are available to a wide range of institutions, not just the Ivy League or top-tier schools. Community colleges, regional universities, and even smaller private colleges are highly competitive, and eligible, to receive federal funding. The key is aligning your projects and goals with the criteria set by the granting agencies and knowing which opportunities are the right fit for your institution. 

Solution: GIS is the only database and interactive membership service with federal grants intelligence and resources curated specifically for small to mid-sized institutions of higher education. 

Federal Grant Opportunities for Small Colleges and Institutions 

Let’s look at a couple of federal grants where small institutions have found great success:  

Department of Labor (DOL) Strengthening Community Colleges (SCC5) Training Grants Program (Link)

The purpose of this program is to build community colleges’ capacity to meet the skill development needs of employers and equitably support students in obtaining good jobs in in demand industries, based on labor market information, using strategies rooted in evidence and designed to build further evidence on the effectiveness of sector-based career pathways programs in leading to positive employment outcomes. Grantees will enhance sector-based career pathways programs using strategies rooted in evidence and designed to build further evidence on the effectiveness of sector-based career pathways programs in leading to positive employment outcomes.  

Due date: September 24, 2024 

Award Amount: $1.75M – $5.75M over 4 tears 

National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program (S-STEM) (Link)

The NSF S-STEM program provides scholarships to academically talented low-income students to study and implement a program of activities that support the institutions recruitment, retention, and graduation in STEM.  

Due date: March 4, 2025  

Award Amount: $1M – $3M over 6 years  

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Humanities Connections (Link)

This program seeks to expand the role of the humanities in undergraduate education at two- and four-year institutions by encouraging partnerships between humanities faculty and their counterparts in other areas of study. Awards support the planning or implementation of curricular projects connecting the humanities to the physical and natural sciences; pre-service or professional programs, including law and business; computer science, data science, and other technology-driven fields; or other non-humanities departments or schools.  

Due date: September 5, 2025  

Award Amount: $50K – $150K over 1 – 2 years 

NACU Podcast: Unlocking Pivotal Funding Opportunities through Federal Grants 

Federal grants can be a fantastic resource for institutions of higher education, providing much-needed funds to support innovative projects and improve student experiences. On NACU’s podcast series, Connect, Collaborate, Champion, McAllister & Quinn’s Senior Vice President, Dr. Jessica Gerrity and President of The New American College & Universities (NACU), Sean Creighton speak to the ways in which grant funding can provide resources to help colleges and universities achieve goals they otherwise couldn’t without external dollars. In episode 45, titled “Grant Funding Strategies for Colleges and Universities,” they delve into ways that institutions might leverage outside support to navigate the funding process. 

Grants Intelligence Service (GIS) 

GIS is a membership service designed specifically to help colleges and universities navigate and win federal grants. Membership provides access to the tools and intelligence needed to develop a culture of grant-seeking on campus, get up-to-date information on federal competitions and deadlines, and submit competitive grant proposals. 

Grants Intelligence Service provides prospecting resources and tools to help make grant seeking a priority on your campus. Schedule a free demo today to learn more!