Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant opportunities
Hispanic-Serving Institutions
NAU was federally designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in spring 2021, having reached the 25% undergraduate Hispanic enrollment requirement.
As a research-intensive (R2), Hispanic-Serving Institution, NAU has the opportunity to leverage these institutional identities in meaningful and unique ways.
Although the HSI designation does not automatically result in any additional funding to higher education institutions, the opportunity to competitively apply for federal funding earmarked to support HSIs is available.
Such funds are designed to assist HSIs to expand educational opportunities and improve institutional conditions in support of degree attainment of students with diverse backgrounds. These grants can enable HSIs to thoughtfully and equitably expand and enhance their academic offerings, the quality of programs and services, and institutional capacity to better serve students with diverse backgrounds.
Grant categories
HSI grant RFPs generally fall into three categories:
HSI required: These grant opportunities are exclusive to HSIs and require proof that the university is an HSI. The U.S. Department of Education has provided digital proof of NAU’s 2023 HSI eligibility. Direct inquiries should be sent to nau-osp@nau.edu.
HSI encouraged: These grant opportunities are not exclusive to HSIs, but highly encourage HSIs to apply. Requests for proposals may include language encouraging “Minority Serving Institutions”, which is inclusive of HSIs. Proof of HSI status may or may not be required. Minority or underrepresented students are often expressed as a targeted population of interest.
Intentionally involves minority students: These grant opportunities are not exclusive to HSIs, but they explicitly call for or encourage the engagement of minority or underrepresented students (e.g., first generation, Pell grant recipient/low income). Engagement of these students should be coupled with asset-based recruitment strategies, culturally relevant learning experiences, inclusive mentoring practices, and more.
For questions or to learn more, please contact ovpr@nau.edu.
Hanover Grants calendar
In effort to monitor the funding landscape and facilitate strategic planning, Hanover produces bimonthly Grants Calendars centered on certain funding interests.
The Grants Calendars review upcoming grant opportunities focused on minority-serving institutions and diversity, equity, and inclusion, covering a range of federal grant making agencies.
GrantForward opportunities
Below are grant opportunities specifically targeted toward Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Each listing is currently open for submission and is available within the next six months.