The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant Program aims to help rural students get into college, stay in college, and graduate by creating career paths in high-demand, well-paying industries in their area.
Who it's for: This grant is for organizations that want to support rural students in accessing and completing higher education. Eligible applicants include Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public and state colleges and universities, and other unrestricted entities.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Entities not focused on rural education or economic development
- Late application submission
- Incomplete application package
What You May Need
- Proof of eligibility (e.g., nonprofit status or tribal organization documentation)
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
- Organizational financial statements
- Evidence of past success in similar projects
- Registration with the System for Award Management (SAM)
Cautions
- Ensure alignment with high-skill, high-wage, in-demand industries
- Strict adherence to application deadlines
- Need for comprehensive project planning and documentation
- Potential competition due to broad eligibility
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, public and state institutions of higher education, and other entities without specific restrictions. This means a wide range of organizations can apply, as long as they focus on improving postsecondary outcomes for rural students.
Overview
This grant is for organizations that want to support rural students in accessing and completing higher education. Eligible applicants include Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), public and state colleges and universities, and other unrestricted entities.
Likely Disqualifiers
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Entities not focused on rural education or economic development
- Late application submission
- Incomplete application package
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to develop programs that help rural students enter and succeed in college, particularly in high-demand fields. This includes creating career pathways, supporting student persistence, and ensuring program completion.
Total Program Funding
$45,000,000
Expected Awards
300
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- May 21, 2026
- Deadline
- Jun 23, 2026(10 days)
- Archive Date
- Jul 23, 2026
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility based on organization type
- Register or update information in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Prepare a detailed project proposal focusing on rural student success
- Develop a budget plan aligned with grant objectives
- Gather letters of support from partners or stakeholders
- Compile organizational financial statements
- Submit the complete application by the deadline