Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program—Short-Term Projects, Assistance Listing Number 84.021A | ED GRANTS 012623 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for ED GRANTS 012623 001

The Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education under the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) and International Foreign Language Education (IFLE), is a discretionary grant program meant to strengthen modern foreign language instruction and area studies in the United States by funding structured, faculty-led group experiences overseas. The central idea is that educators and students gain direct, on-the-ground exposure to languages, cultures, and regional contexts abroad, then bring that knowledge back home to improve teaching, curriculum, and broader institutional capacity in international education. This specific listing focuses on the short-term projects track, identified as Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.021A, though the overall competition also notes a separate long-term track (84.021B) and requires applicants to clearly choose and label the correct track on the SF-424 cover sheet.

Under ALN 84.021A, applicants can propose one of three short-term project types, each with a distinct structure and duration. First are short-term seminar projects lasting about 4 to 6 weeks, designed around a focused area studies theme such as the culture, society, or other regional dimensions of a specific country or area. These seminars are built so participants return to the U.S. prepared to integrate international content into curricula at institutions of higher education or within school systems. Second are curriculum development projects lasting roughly 4 to 8 weeks, emphasizing the collection and development of instructional resources abroad. The expectation is that participants will acquire materials and insights that translate into stronger modern foreign language and area studies curriculum products and that those products will be used and shared in the United States. Third are group research or study projects, which are longer in duration (about 3 to 12 months) and are designed to support participants conducting research or sustained study in a foreign country as a coordinated group activity.

While the opportunity is titled for short-term projects (84.021A), the notice also explains what the long-term option would look like (84.021B) to help applicants route their application correctly. Long-term projects are intensive advanced language programs abroad that can be offered across a full year, academic year, semester, trimester, quarter, or summer. These programs are meant for participants who already have substantial preparation, typically at least two academic years of prior study in the target language. The long-term model also requires that the language be indigenous to the host country and that the project make maximum use of local institutions and personnel, reinforcing the program goal of deep linguistic and cultural immersion.

Eligibility is described at a high level in the synopsis and points applicants back to the official Federal Register notice for the definitive requirements and any clarifications. The Grants.gov-style summary lists eligible applicants as certain nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits other than institutions of higher education) and also notes an “Others” category with additional eligibility details provided in the full notice. In practice, because GPA projects often involve academic and educator cohorts, many proposals are built by organizations that can credibly manage overseas programming and demonstrate how the experience will translate into concrete improvements in U.S.-based language and area studies teaching, learning resources, and dissemination.

From an operational standpoint, the Department emphasizes that the funding opportunity description is only a synopsis and that the Federal Register application notice is the authoritative source for requirements such as application components, submission procedures, performance measures, priorities, and contact details. Applicants are also directed to the Department’s Revised Common Instructions for Applicants to Department of Education Discretionary Grant Programs (published December 7, 2022) for standardized guidance on how and where to obtain and submit application materials. A pre-application webinar is typically offered, with details posted to the program website, and the Department also points new applicants to a “grant funding basics” resource to help them understand the federal discretionary grant process.

Key logistics included in the synopsis are that the opportunity is run by the U.S. Department of Education, with the funding opportunity number ED GRANTS 012623 001. Applications for this cycle were available beginning January 26, 2023, with a deadline for transmittal of applications of March 27, 2023. The listed award ceiling is $180,000, and the Department anticipated making about 15 awards. For program and competition questions, the notice provides a direct program contact: Cory Neal at the U.S. Department of Education, with the program email GPA@ed.gov and a telephone number for inquiries.

• The Department of Education in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE): International Foreign Language Education (IFLE): Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad (GPA) Program—Short-Term Projects, Assistance Listing Number 84.021A" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 84.021.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 26, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 27, 2023 Applications Available January 26, 2023. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications March 27, 2023. Pre-Application Webinar information The Department will hold a pre-application webinar for prospective applicants. Detailed information regarding this webinar will be provided on the GPA website at www2.ed.gov/programs/iegpsgpa/index.html. Additionally, for prospective applicants that have never received a grant from the Department and those that are interested in learning more about the process, please review the grant funding basics resource at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/funding-101/funding-101-basics.pdf. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Cory Neal, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, room 258-12, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone (202) 704-3437. Email GPA@ed.gov.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $180,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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