Hello everyone! I am sharing this message from Nicole Allen @txtbks, the Director of Open Education at SPARC:
Dear OER colleagues,
The 2023 application period for the U.S. Open Textbook Pilot grant program is now open. Published today by the U.S. Department of Education, the grant competition will award a total of about $10.6 million in federal funds to higher education institutions to create or expand the use of open textbooks. The deadline to submit applications is May 16, 2023.
Open Textbook Pilot Grant Opportunity Details
The Open Textbooks Pilot program supports projects at U.S. institutions of higher education that create new open textbooks and expand the use of open textbooks in courses that are part of a degree-granting program, particularly those with high enrollments. The program is funded by Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of Education through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). Visit the 2023 Notice Inviting Applications in the Federal Register for the official details and how to apply.
- Applications are due May 16, 2023 (60 days from now). Applications can be submitted according to the Common Instructions specified in the Notice.
- Eligible applicants are U.S. institutions of higher education (as defined) and state higher education agencies. Applicants must form a consortium consisting of at least three institutions of higher education and meet additional requirements specified in the Notice.
- Applicants may request a budget of up to $2.125 million for a period of up to 36 months. With approximately $10.6 million available, the Department expects to award 5 grants.
- Grants are awarded on a competitive basis according to their score. The evaluation criteria is outlined in the Notice, along with priorities and requirements.
- IMPORTANT! We strongly recommend applying this year rather than waiting. If the program is renewed in 2024, the Department has signaled it may choose more applicants from this round rather than running a new competition.
Simultaneously, SPARC is working to advocate for renewed funding for the Open Textbook Pilot next year. Whether or not you choose to apply, we strongly encourage you to contact U.S. Senators and Representative to ask them to support FY24 funding for the Open Textbook Pilot. SPARC would like to express our gratitude especially to Senator Dick Durbin and Congressman Joe Neguse for championing this issue.
We will continue to post additional resources on our policy page as more information comes available. Please help share this opportunity far and wide!
Cheers,
Nicole
Nicole Starr Allen
Director of Open Education | SPARC
1201 Connecticut Ave NW, #608
Washington, DC 20036 USA
+1 (202) 750-1637
nicole@sparcopen.org
@txtbks she/her
