Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANT 26 054

  • The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promise Neighborhoods-84.215N" and is now available to receive applicants.
  • Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.215.
  • This funding opportunity was created on 2026-05-11.
  • Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
  • The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 12 candidate(s).
  • Eligible applicants include: Others.
Apply for ED GRANT 26 054

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:

Opportunity Summary:

Promise Neighborhoods (CFDA 84.215N) is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, aimed at producing measurable improvements in academic and developmental outcomes for children and youth in some of the most distressed communities in the country. The core idea is to help a defined neighborhood build and sustain a community-based continuum of high-quality supports that start early (school readiness) and extend through adolescence (successful progression through school and high school graduation), while also strengthening pathways that help young people thrive beyond K-12. Rather than funding a single service in isolation, the program emphasizes coordinated, wraparound strategies that connect schools, families, and community partners so children have consistent supports across the places and stages that shape learning and development.

The opportunity is specifically targeted to neighborhoods with high concentrations of low-income residents and multiple signs of distress. The notice highlights common indicators of distress such as high poverty rates, childhood obesity, persistent academic challenges, and elevated rates of juvenile delinquency, adjudication, or incarceration. It also explicitly recognizes the role of adverse childhood experiences as part of the context these communities face. In addition to neighborhood-level need, the program also serves schools that are engaged in improvement efforts under section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended, meaning it is designed to align with school turnaround and targeted improvement work where performance concerns are already formally identified.

A key requirement is that every strategy funded under the Promise Neighborhoods approach must be accessible to children with disabilities and to English learners. This is not framed as a separate add-on, but as a program-wide expectation that the full pipeline of supports and services be usable and effective for these students, reflecting federal emphasis on equity, inclusion, and removal of barriers to participation and outcomes.

Eligibility is limited to entities defined in section 4622 of ESEA. An applicant must be either an institution of higher education as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act, an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, or one or more nonprofit entities that apply in formal partnership with at least one of the following: a high-need local educational agency, an institution of higher education, the office of a chief elected official of a unit of local government, or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. In practical terms, the program is built around cross-sector partnership, with nonprofits often serving as lead applicants while anchoring the work through formal commitments with schools, local government, higher education, or Tribal entities.

From the source data provided, this opportunity is listed as Funding Opportunity Number ED GRANT 26 054, categorized as a discretionary education grant. The closing date is August 6, 2026. The Department anticipates making about 12 awards. The listing shows an award ceiling of 0, which typically signals that a specific maximum award amount is not stated in the summary field and would need to be confirmed in the full notice or application package materials. The overall thrust of the competition is to support comprehensive, place-based solutions that improve cradle-to-career outcomes in high-need neighborhoods by aligning schools and community systems around shared goals, coordinated services, and inclusive access for all children and youth served.

Promise Neighborhoods (CFDA 84.215N) - FAQs

What is the Promise Neighborhoods grant program (CFDA 84.215N)?

Promise Neighborhoods is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). It is designed to produce measurable improvements in academic and developmental outcomes for children and youth in some of the most distressed communities in the United States.

What is the main goal of Promise Neighborhoods?

The program supports comprehensive, place-based solutions that improve cradle-to-career outcomes. The core idea is to help a defined neighborhood build and sustain a community-based continuum of high-quality supports that begin early (such as school readiness) and continue through adolescence (including successful progression through school and high school graduation), while also strengthening pathways that help young people thrive beyond K-12.

How is this program different from funding a single service or intervention?

Promise Neighborhoods emphasizes coordinated, wraparound strategies rather than funding one isolated service. It focuses on connecting schools, families, and community partners so children experience consistent supports across the settings and stages that influence learning and development.

What types of communities is this opportunity intended to serve?

The opportunity is targeted to neighborhoods with high concentrations of low-income residents and multiple signs of distress. The notice describes distressed communities as those facing overlapping challenges that affect children, families, and school outcomes.

What are examples of "indicators of distress" mentioned in the notice?

Examples cited include high poverty rates, childhood obesity, persistent academic challenges, and elevated rates of juvenile delinquency, adjudication, or incarceration. The notice also explicitly recognizes adverse childhood experiences as part of the context these communities may face.

How does Promise Neighborhoods connect to school improvement under ESEA?

The program serves schools engaged in improvement efforts under section 1111(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended. This means the grant is intended to align with work in schools where performance concerns have already been formally identified and improvement efforts are underway.

Who is eligible to apply for Promise Neighborhoods funding?

Eligibility is limited to entities defined in section 4622 of ESEA. Applicants must be one of the following: (1) an institution of higher education as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act; (2) an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; or (3) one or more nonprofit entities applying in formal partnership with at least one required partner type.

If a nonprofit applies, what partnerships are required?

A nonprofit (or multiple nonprofits) must apply in a formal partnership with at least one of the following: a high-need local educational agency (LEA), an institution of higher education, the office of a chief elected official of a unit of local government, or an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. The program is built around cross-sector partnership and formal commitments.

Can an institution of higher education apply directly?

Yes. An institution of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act, is listed as an eligible applicant type under section 4622 of ESEA.

Can an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization apply directly?

Yes. Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations, as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, are listed as eligible applicant types under section 4622 of ESEA.

Is this a formula grant or a competitive grant?

This is a discretionary grant program, which means awards are made through a competitive process rather than by formula.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this competition?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed for this opportunity is ED GRANT 26 054.

When is the application closing date?

The closing date shown for this opportunity is August 6, 2026.

How many awards does the Department expect to make?

Based on the source information provided, the Department anticipates making about 12 awards.

Is there a maximum (ceiling) award amount listed?

The listing shows an award ceiling of 0. This typically indicates that a specific maximum award amount is not stated in the summary field and would need to be confirmed in the full notice or the application package materials.

What does "place-based" mean in the context of Promise Neighborhoods?

In this program, "place-based" refers to focusing the work on a defined neighborhood. The grant supports building and sustaining an aligned set of supports and services across that neighborhood so children and youth experience a connected pipeline of opportunities from early childhood through school and into life after high school.

What outcomes is the program trying to improve?

The program aims for measurable improvements in academic and developmental outcomes for children and youth. The description emphasizes outcomes tied to school readiness, successful progression through school, and high school graduation, along with stronger pathways for thriving beyond K-12.

What is meant by a "continuum of high-quality supports"?

It refers to a coordinated set of supports that begins early in childhood and continues through adolescence. Instead of disconnected services, the program emphasizes an intentional pipeline that supports children at multiple stages of development and schooling.

Are funded strategies required to be inclusive of children with disabilities and English learners?

Yes. A key requirement is that every strategy funded under the Promise Neighborhoods approach must be accessible to children with disabilities and to English learners. This expectation applies across the entire continuum of supports and is described as program-wide rather than a separate add-on.

Does the opportunity emphasize equity and removing barriers?

Yes. The notice frames accessibility for children with disabilities and English learners as a core expectation, reflecting a federal emphasis on equity, inclusion, and removing barriers to participation and improved outcomes.

What kinds of organizations typically lead Promise Neighborhoods applications?

In practice, the program is built around cross-sector partnership, and nonprofits often serve as lead applicants. However, eligible applicants also include institutions of higher education and Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations, and nonprofit-led applications must be anchored by formal partnerships with required partner types.

What is the overall focus of the competition described in the notice?

The competition is focused on comprehensive, coordinated neighborhood strategies that align schools and community systems around shared goals, coordinated services, and inclusive access. The intent is to improve cradle-to-career outcomes in high-need neighborhoods by connecting the people and systems that shape children and youth development.

Browse more opportunities from the same agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education

Browse more opportunities from the same category: Education

Next opportunity: Willow Creek Reservoir Water Quality Research and Evaluation Studies

Previous opportunity: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Program and Grantee Support Services: Comprehensive Centers Program, Assistance Listing Number 84.283B

USGrants.org 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 GRANT 26 054

 

[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?

Applicants also applied for:

Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (ED GRANT 26 054) also looked into and applied for these:

Funding Opportunity
Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Comprehensive Centers Program: National Comprehensive Center on Improving Literacy for Students with Disabilities; ALN 84.283D Apply for ED GRANTS 051126 001

Funding Number: ED GRANTS 051126 001
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,500,000
OSERS-OSEP: Expanding Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness of Special Education Teachers and Early Intervention Personnel Through Registered Apprenticeships, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325J Apply for ED GRANTS 051326 001

Funding Number: ED GRANTS 051326 001
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
OSERS-OSEP: Personnel Preparation of Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services Personnel, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.325K Apply for ED GRANTS 051326 002

Funding Number: ED GRANTS 051326 002
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $350,000
High School Equivalency Program 84.141A Apply for DOL OESE 34092

Funding Number: DOL OESE 34092
Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $550,000
College Assistance Migrant Program 84.149A Apply for DOL OESE 34111

Funding Number: DOL OESE 34111
Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $550,000
National Professional Development Program Apply for DOL OESE 34120

Funding Number: DOL OESE 34120
Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 Dominican Republic Apply for S DR860 26 NOFO 0001

Funding Number: S DR860 26 NOFO 0001
Agency: U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $35,000
Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2026 – Summit Dominican Republic Apply for S DR860 26 NOGO 0002

Funding Number: S DR860 26 NOGO 0002
Agency: U.S. Mission to the Dominican Republic
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $90,000
Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) Apply for OFOP0002825

Funding Number: OFOP0002825
Agency: U.S. Mission to Austria
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $24,500
OSERS-OSEP: National Assessment Center, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.326G Apply for ED GRANTS 052026 001

Funding Number: ED GRANTS 052026 001
Agency: Department of Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,000,000
Basic Needs for Postsecondary Students Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 034

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 034
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
Open Textbook Pilot Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 035

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 035
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $2,000,000
FY 2026 Transitioning Gang-Involved Youth to Higher Education (TGIY) Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 032

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 032
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,700,000
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 033

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 033
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $5,000,000
Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development Grant Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 036

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 036
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $2,500,000
Strengthening Institutions Program FY 2026 Competition Apply for ED GRANT 26 025

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 025
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $3,000,000
Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Apply for ED GRANT 26 026

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 026
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $1,100,000
Centers of Excellence for Veteran Student Success (CEVSS) Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 031

Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 031
Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $3,000,000
American History and Civics National Activities - 84.422B Apply for DOL OESE 34068

Funding Number: DOL OESE 34068
Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
Category: Education
Funding Amount: Case Dependent
American Spaces Administrative Funds Management 2026 Apply for PDS LUSAKA AMSPACES FY26

Funding Number: PDS LUSAKA AMSPACES FY26
Agency: U.S. Mission to Zambia
Category: Education
Funding Amount: $12,591

 

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

 

USGrants.org applicant portal membership

 

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.

Subscribe to Leads

 

Request more information:

Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "ED GRANT 26 054", 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.