The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) will consider unsolicited applications for research, evaluation, and statistics projects that would make significant contributions to the mission of the organization. Our mission is to expand fundamental knowledge and understanding of education and to provide parents, education leaders and practitioners, researchers, and the general public with unbiased, reliable, and useful information about the condition and progress of education in the United States; about education policies, programs, and practices that support learning, improve academic achievement, and increase access to education opportunities for all students; and about the effectiveness of Federal and other education programs.
Under this announcement, we will consider applications for projects that are not eligible under our FY2025 grant competitions, both open and closed, described at https://ies.ed.gov/funding/. The applicant must demonstrate that the project was not eligible under one of our FY2025 grant competitions. A project that lacks student education outcomes and would be eligible under an FY2025 competition if student education outcomes had been included is not eligible as an unsolicited project under this announcement. In addition, we do not provide funds for projects that consist solely of program delivery or the provision of services to students. Activities supported by IES must be relevant to U.S. schools.
You may submit a prospectus at any time during the fiscal year. However, to be assured consideration for funding in FY 2025 (ending September 30, 2025), your prospectus must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern time on March 6, 2025.
Award amounts depend on the scope of the proposed work. Over the last 5 years, the average total award was approximately $380,000, with a typical performance period lasting 1 to 3 years. Larger awards will be considered if the scope of the proposed work requires additional funds. Applicants need to provide a compelling justification for the amount of funding requested. Both IES and external peer reviewers will expect projects proposing larger budgets to demonstrate exceptional potential for resulting in products or activities that will significantly advance our mission.