Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE): Office of Indian Education (OIE) Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies

The Office of Indian Education (OIE) Formula Grants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) program invites applications for fiscal year 2025 to support programs addressing the unique cultural, linguistic, and educational needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) students. Funds are allocated to LEAs, Indian tribes, organizations, and Indian community-based organizations (ICBOs) to enhance elementary and secondary school programs. These initiatives must align with state academic standards and meet the requirements outlined under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), including meaningful consultation with AIAN communities and tribal representatives. The funding is structured as formula grants, with an estimated allocation of $110,381,000 for FY 2025, pending final congressional approval. Award sizes range from $4,000 to $2,416,936, with an average of $84,908. Grants are awarded for one-year project periods. Applicants may consolidate these funds with Title I schoolwide programs or integrate them with other services as permitted by ESEA. Administrative costs are capped at 5% of awarded funds, excluding indirect costs, which are calculated using restricted rates. Eligible applicants include certain LEAs (including charter schools recognized as LEAs), Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, tribes, Indian organizations, ICBOs, and consortia of eligible entities. These applicants must use the grant funds to supplement, not supplant, existing funding. Programs must address the unique needs of AIAN students through culturally responsive education, professional development for educators, and activities promoting equitable access to education. The application process is managed through the Electronic Application System for Indian Education (EASIE), which comprises two parts. EASIE Part I, due by March 7, 2025, gathers student count data to determine funding eligibility. Part II, due by May 9, 2025, requires details about the proposed program, its objectives, and budget. Applicants must also submit documentation such as tribal agreements, Indian Parent Committee approvals, and plans for data collection and reporting. Applications can be submitted electronically via EASIE or in paper form with prior notice to the Department of Education. Applications are evaluated based on adherence to program goals, consultation with AIAN communities, the quality of professional development plans, and the use of state assessment data to improve educational outcomes. Successful applicants must provide annual performance reports and demonstrate effective use of funds, with a focus on culturally responsive activities and meeting academic benchmarks. This program is authorized under 20 U.S.C. 7421 and subject to various administrative requirements, including maintaining registrations in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Additional guidance and technical assistance are available through the OIE’s Partner Support Center and the EASIE Communities of Practice website.