Emergency Assistance for Postsecondary Students Grant Request for Proposal now open

3/27/2025

 

The Office of Higher Education in now accepting proposals for the Emergency Assistance for Postsecondary Students (EAPS) Grant. The purpose of this program is to foster postsecondary attendance and retention for low-income students by providing funding and resources to Minnesota colleges and universities with a demonstrable homeless population. Grant funds are intended to meet immediate student needs related to housing, food, and transportation that would otherwise prevent students from completing their term.

Who is Eligible to Apply and What are Eligible Services?

Institutions eligible for EAPS grant funding include private, non-profit postsecondary institutions and/or Tribally-affiliated postsecondary institutions with a physical campus in Minnesota, that have a demonstrable homeless population.

Funds awarded to postsecondary institutions must be used to administer an emergency grant program. This may include: 

• Funds paid to students
• Funds paid to third-parties on behalf of students
• Gift cards provided to students

How much Money can a Grantee Receive?

The maximum allowable request per institution is $75,000; a 25% match (monetary or in-kind) is required of all grantees.

Request for Proposals (RFP)

• RFP Available: March 24, 2025
• RFP Deadline: May 8, 2025

The Minnesota Legislature established the EAPS Grant Program in May 2017. In 2024 over $900,000 in EAPS funding was provided to 10 Minnesota tribal and private, nonprofit institutions provide campus-run emergency assistance support to students.

For more information, full eligibility requirements, deadlines or to find the Request for Proposal, visit the OHE website or email gwi.ohe@state.mn.us.