In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, emergency grants for postsecondary education were made available under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This fund was authorized and renewed under three separate legislation packages: CARES Act (HEERF I); CRRSAA (HEERF II); and ARP (HEERF III).
General summaries and news related to the three separate legislation packages are included below. To learn about the programs managed under HEERF and their relevant updates, visit the tabs above.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. This bill allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was allotted to the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF.
News Related to HEERF I
- January 28, 2021: The Department is committed to supporting grantees in meeting HEERF reporting requirements. To provide institutions more flexibility, we are extending the reporting deadline until February 8, 2021 for reporting HEERF data. A letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary can be accessed here (PDF, 138K).
- January 14, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today an additional $21.2 billion is now available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CRRSAA as HEERF II.
January 5, 2021: As announced in today's Federal Register, the newly enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 supersedes the U.S. Department of Education's December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice that reopened the HEERF grant program application period for certain limited applicants. The 2021 Appropriations Act prevents the Department from accepting or processing any applications for new awards under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (i.e., the "Student Aid Portion" program (ALN 84.425E) and the "Institutional Portion" program (ALN 84.425F)).
While the Department cannot accept or process any applications for CARES Act section 18004(a)(1) program funds, we are still able to accept applications for section 18004(a)(2) and (a)(3) HEERF programs (ALNs 84.425J, 84.425K, 84.425L, 84.425M, 84.425N) from applicants that meet one of the five conditions described in the Reopening Notice and that we verified previously have attempted to apply through grants.gov for one of these HEERF grant opportunities. Applicants for those funds must submit their revised or corrected applications no later than January 11, 2021.
- January 5, 2021: The reporting period for the first HEERF annual report begins today and ends on February 1, 2021. The grantee reporting portal can be accessed here. A user guide, webinar, and other resources can be accessed here. All HEERF grantees are required to submit an annual report during this reporting period.
- December 11, 2020: All institutions are required to submit HEERF annual performance reports via the Annual Report Data Collection System. As part of this, every institution is required to submit to heerfannual@ed.gov the names and email addresses of those individuals who will be authorized to edit and submit your institution's HEERF annual performance report. The submitter is the one grant official who will have the authority to submit the report on behalf of the grantee. Editors are users who will be able to complete, but not submit, the data collection form. The submitter will have the editor privileges and may also answer questions in the data collection form. The reporting period for the first HEERF annual report will be January 5 to February 1, 2021. These reports may be found in the HEERF I Programs tab above.
- September 8, 2020: CARES Act Update for Institutions in Massachusetts. IHEs in the State of Massachusetts: The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has preliminarily enjoined the the Department from enforcing the IFR as to any institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as to any student attending a school that is located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts v. DeVos, No. 1:20-cv-11600-LTS, ECF No. 3.
- June 17, 2020: On June 17, 2020, the Department published its Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding Eligibility of Students at Institutions of Higher Education for Funds Under the CARES Act here. The IFR constitutes the Department's binding final rule regarding student eligibility for HEERF assistance, and carries the force of law, except as enjoined with respect to the following entities:
- IHEs in the State of Washington: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington has enjoined the Department from restricting which students will receive HEERF emergency financial aid grants to only those students who are eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV. However, the court has affirmed that the restrictions of U.S.C § 1611 still apply to emergency financial aid grants to students made by any IHE in the State of Washington. Washington v. DeVos, No. 2:20-cv-00182-TOR, ECF No. 31, 63.
- California Community Colleges: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has preliminarily enjoined the Department from enforcing any eligibility requirements for students to receive HEERF emergency financial aid grants, including Title IV's eligibility criteria and applicable restrictions under 8 U.S.C. § 1611(a) "with respect to any community college in California." Oakley v. DeVos, No. 4:20-cv-03215-YGR, ECF No. 44.
May 21, 2020: The Department has stated that "guidance documents lack the force and effect of the law." On February 26, 2020, the Department published a Federal Register notice stating this principle along with an announcement of the existence and location of its guidance portal. The statement applies to all of the Department's guidance except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract.
This includes, for example, the statements in response to question 5 of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Institutional Frequently Asked Question document and question 9 of the HEERF Student FAQ document explaining that only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, may receive emergency financial aid grants. The Department will not initiate any enforcement action based solely on these statements because they lack the force and effect of the law. In contrast, the underlying statutory terms in the CARES Act are legally binding, as are any other applicable statutory terms, such as the restriction in 8 U.S.C. § 1611 on eligibility for Federal public benefits including such grants.
In addition, the Department reiterates its guidance that emergency financial aid grants under Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act may only be given to those who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), but emphasizes that that guidance is specific to the distribution of emergency financial aid grants and does not apply to the use of HEERF institutional allocations to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. The Department continues to consider the issue of eligibility for HEERF emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act and intends to take further action shortly.
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. In total, the CRRSAA authorizes $81.88 billion in support for education, in addition to the $30.75 billion expeditiously provided last spring through the CARES Act, Public Law 116-136.
News Related to HEERF II
- March 19, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today new assistance to institutions regarding use of COVID-19 relief funds through the duration of the pandemic. Additionally, we provided guidance and examples to help institutions identify both sources of lost revenue and how to measure and document lost revenue: HEERF Guidance on expenses through the pandemic and calculating lost revenue
- February 25, 2021: Notice of Proposed Institutional Eligibility Criteria for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Supplemental Aid to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) Program
- January 14, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today an additional $21.2 billion is now available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CRRSAA as HEERF II.
American Rescue Plan (ARP), 2021
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVD-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by CRRSAA (Public Law 116-260) and the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
News Related to HEERF III
- May 2023: The No Cost Extension (NCE) request form for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant(s) awarded to your institution of higher education is now available. Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(e)(2) and 34 C.F.R. § 75.261(a), and as stated in the Department’s HEERF ARP FAQs, grantees have the option to receive a No-Cost Extension (NCE) as applicable HEERF grant recipients can request an additional twelve (12) months to finalize plans for the remaining HEERF institutional awards through June 30, 2024, and an additional six months for the HEERF student awards through December 31, 2023. The Department may consider additional extensions as necessary. The authorized institutional representative identified on the most recent Grant Award Notification (GAN) must complete the NCE request form and email it to the assigned program specialist identified in Box 3 of the HEERF GAN on or before June 20, 2023. Please contact your assigned program specialist if you have questions.
- March 2023: The 2023 HEERF Updates PowerPoint presentation is now available.
- February 1, 2023: The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) 2021 Annual Performance Reports are now available.
- April 4, 2022: Notice of Automatic Extension of Performance Period for All Open Grants Issued Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
- February 15, 2022: The U.S. Treasury issued new FAQs clarifying that unpaid debts discharged using HEERF funds are nontaxable. The News Release can be found on irs.gov.
- February 3, 2022: Reopening: Notices Inviting Applications Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)--Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF); Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) That Meet the Criteria as a Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP); Institutions of Higher Education That Meet the Criteria for the Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Program; Proprietary Institution Grant Funds for Students Program.
- February 3, 2022: On January 31, 2022, the Department announced $198 million in new awards under the Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP). The Notice Inviting Applications, published in the Federal Register, is now available. The SSARP Program assists public and private nonprofit institutions that have the greatest unmet need related to the coronavirus pandemic, as determined by the Secretary after allocating available funds under HEERF III, including institutions with large populations of graduate students who otherwise did not receive a HEERF allocation under the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021. The Department urges institutions applying for the SSARP program to continue to use the funds to support campuses and students as they deal with the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic.
- January 20, 2022: The Department released new guidance on how colleges can use existing HEERF funds to support students' basic needs, such as childcare, housing, and food insecurity.
- August 17, 2021: Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for the Proprietary Institution Grant Funds for Students Program Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (ALN 84.425Q)
- July 29, 2021: All successful applicants awarded the IREPO Grant visible in the allocation table.
- May 14, 2021: Final Regulations: Eligibility to Receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Program.
- May 11, 2021: Today the Department is making available $36 billion in emergency aid to public and private non-profit institutions are $396 million to proprietary colleges to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programs under HEERF I
| Program | ALN | CARES Act Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Portion | 84.425E | 18004(a)(1) | All Title IV participating schools | 9/30/2020 | ED-GRANTS-041020-003 |
| Institutional Portion | 84.425F | 18004(a)(1) | All Title IV participating schools | 9/30/2020 | ED-GRANTS-042120-004 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-001 |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs) | 84.425K | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-002 |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-003 |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) | 84.425M | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-004 |
| Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant | 84.425N | 18004(a)(3) | Public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education that are eligible under Part B of Title VII of the HEA and received less than $500,000 total from HEERF (a)(1) and (a)(2) programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-005 |
| Institutional resilience and Expanded Postsecondary Opportunity (IREPO) - FIPSE Competitive Grant | 84.425P | 18004(a)(3) | This is a competitive grant program. Please see the Notice Inviting Applications for information regarding eligibility and selection criteria. Successful Applicants: Allocation Table | Notice of Intent to Apply: 9/10/2020 Application: 10/20/2020 | ED-GRANTS-082120-00 |
Webinars
Disclaimer: The guidance provided in these webinars is related to Section 18004 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020). Any guidance in these webinars and related materials as to allowable and unallowable users are applicable for HEERF costs incurred before the effective date of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), Pub. L. 116-260, which is December 27, 2020.
Please check the HEERF II tab above for guidance as to unspent (as of December 27, 2020) CARES Act HEERF funds and CRRSAA HEERF funds.
October 14, 2020: Reporting Requirements and Lost Revenue Webinar
Principal Deputy Under Secretary Diane Jones and Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Bob King hosted a webinar on reporting requirements for HEERF and other topics on October 14, 2020. Please find the following materials from the webinar:
- Webinar PowerPoint Slides (PDF, 1.58 MB)
- Post-Webinar email to grantees (October 20, 2020)
June 23, 2020: HEERF Technical Assistance Webinar
- Webinar PowerPoint Slides (PDF, 1.23 MB)
Detailed Program Information
HEERF - Student Portion
The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-IHE/Student Portion provides funding to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet. Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- Letter from Secretary DeVos to College Presidents on CARES Act Funding (138K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (828K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(1) of CARES Act (1.28M)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (138K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Financial Aid to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act (189K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students (106K)
HEERF - Institutional Portion
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (156K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (891K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(1) of CARES Act (2.01M)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (138K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Institutional Portion of the HEERF under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act (202K)
HEERF - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Minority Serving Institutions
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Strengthening Institutions Program
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - FIPSE
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (192K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(3) of CARES Act (106K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (114K)
- Budget and Expenditure Reporting under Section 18004(a)(3) of the CARES Act (204K)
Programs under HEERF II
| Program | ALN | CRRSAA Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Certification and Agreement | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Aid Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425E | Section 314(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | Certification and Agreement (Gold) | April 15, 2021 for new awards Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion. | ED-GRANTS-041020-003 |
| Institutional Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425F | Section 314(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | Certification and Agreement (Blue) | April 15, 2021 for new awards Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion. | ED-GRANTS-042120-004 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | Certification and Agreement (Purple) | None Note: Institutions do not need to apply | ED-GRANTS-043020-001 |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) | 84.425K | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | Certification and Agreement (Purple) | None Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-043020-002 |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | Certification and Agreements: | Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF a2 Minority Serving Institutions Program. If the institution is listed on the allocation table and did not receive an award under CARES a2 MSI, the Notice Inviting Applications can be in the Federal Register Notice | ED-GRANTS-041321-004 |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIPs) | 84.425M | 314(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | Certification and Agreements: | Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF a2 Strengthening Institutions Program. If the institution is listed on the allocation table and did not receive an award under CARES a2 SIP, the Notice Inviting Applications can be in the Federal Register Notice. | ED-GRANTS-041321-003 |
| Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students | 84.425Q | 314(a)(4) | Title IV participating proprietary institutions | Certification and Agreement (Red) | April 15, 2021 for new awards | ED-GRANTS-011521-005 |
| Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education Program (SAIHE) | 84.425S | Section 314(a)(3) | Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education, see Federal Register Notice for specific Absolute Priority Eligibility. Successful Applicants: Allocation Table | Certification and Agreement | April 28, 2021 | ED-GRANTS-032921-001 |
Detailed Program Information
HEERF II - Student Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion award.
- Instructions for Application
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (February 25, 2021)
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E) (Gold C&A)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Institutional Portion
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion award
- Instructions for Application
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F) (Blue C&A)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Calculation of the Endowment Factor (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J)
- Note: This final rule is to determine final allocations to HBCUs awarded under section 314 (a)(2) of CRSSAA. Regulations are effective April 22, 2021.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
Note: New Applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Minority Serving Institutions
Minority Serving Institutions include institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Guide for how to apply for funding in Grants.gov
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L) (New)
- Note: This is for institutions that did not previously receive HEERF MSI funding and that are included in the CRRSAA Section 314(a)(2). This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Minority Serving Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(2) Supplemental Assistance for Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Strengthening Institutions Program
Strengthening Institutions include institutions that are not participating in the other MSI programs but have at least 50 percent of their degree students receiving need-based assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or have a substantial number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants and have low educational and general expenditures.
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Guide for how to apply for funding in Grants.gov
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M) (New)
- Note: This is for institutions that did not previously receive HEERF SIP funding and that are included in the CRRSAA Section 314(a)(2). This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(2) Supplemental Assistance for Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (a)(4)
Note: Application is required for all Proprietary Institutions, regardless of whether an institution received CARES Act HEERF awards
- Instructions for Application
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grants Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q) (Red)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(4) of CRRSAA
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(4) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE)
- Instructions for Application
- Supplemental Assistance for Institutions of Higher Education Program (SAIHE) Allocation Table
- Note: Contains all successful applicants awarded the SAIHE grant
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN 84.425S)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN (84.425S)
- Program Profile: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN 84.425S)
Programs under HEERF III
| Program | ALN | ARP Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Certification & Agreement | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Aid Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425E | Section 2003(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | March 7, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-001 | |
| Institutional Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425F | Section 2003(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | March 7, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-002 | |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | Supplemental | Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-xxxxxx-xxx |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) | 84.425K | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | Supplemental | Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-xxxxxx-xxx |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-080221-001 | |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIPs) | 84.425M | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-080221-002 | |
| Supplemental Support under American Rescue Plan (SSARP) | 84.425T | Section 2003(a)(3) | Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education, see Federal Register Notice for specific Absolute Priority Eligibility. No Allocation Table. | New C & A | April 08, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-020322-002 |
| Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students | 84.425Q | Section 2003(a)(4) | Title IV participating proprietary institutions | Required Proprietary Institution Certification Note: To receive funding under the ARP (a)(4) program, all proprietary institutions must complete and submit this form to assist with management and oversight. | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-003 |
Detailed Program Information
HEERF III - Student Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a HEERF Student Aid Portion award
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(1) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocation
HEERF III - Institutional Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF Institutional funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(1) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocation
HEERF III - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Eligible Institutions of Higher Education may utilize HEERF (a)(2) grant funds for Construction, Renovation, and Real Property Projects. Below are the FAQs, form, and instructions for this purpose:
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF HBCU funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(2) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
HEERF III - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will eb automatically awarded.
- Eligible Institutions of Higher Education may utilize HEERF (a)(2) grant funds for Construction, Renovation, and Real Property Projects. Below are the FAQs, form, and instructions for this purpose:
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425K)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF TCCU funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(2) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
HEERF III - Minority Serving Institutions
See detailed program information under HEERF II.
HEERF III - Strengthening Institutions Programs
See detailed program information under HEERF II.
HEERF III - Supplemental Support under American Rescue Plan (SSARP)
- Instructions for Application
- Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP) Allocation Table (ALN 84.425T)
- Note: All successful applicants awarded the SSARP grant.
- Fact Sheet: Department of Education Announces State by State American Rescue Plan Funding
- Extension of the Application Deadline Date: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Certifications & Agreement: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Program Profile: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Notice of Proposed Eligibility: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- SSARP Technical Assistance PowerPoint Presentation (March 8, 2022)
HEERF III - Proprietary Institutions
Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received HEERF funding but must complete and submit the Required Proprietary Institution Certification Form.
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF student funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF student funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Required Proprietary Institution Certification
- Note: To receive funding under the ARP (a)(4) program, all proprietary institutions must complete and submit this form to assist with management and oversight.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(4) of ARP
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
Reporting and Data Collection
- HEERF 2021 Annual Performance Report
- HEERF 2021 State By State
- Community Colleges By the Numbers
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities By the Numbers
- Minority Serving Institutions By the Numbers
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities By the Numbers
HEERF Quarterly Reporting Webinar Information
- Updated HEERF Quarterly Reporting Webinar (June 23, 2022)
- Quarterly Technical Assistance Webinar Notes (June 23, 2022)
- HEERF Quarterly Reporting Changes (June 17, 2022)
- Quarterly Reporting PowerPoint Presentation (November 16, 2021)
- Quarterly Reporting Tips (November 16, 2021)
Public Quarterly Reporting Requirements
- Quarterly Public Reporting Form for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) Institutional and Student Portion
- HEERF Quarterly Reporting Form (PDF) (177 KB) (July 7, 2022)
Additional Considerations and Requirements
- Reports for the 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, and 3rd quarter should be conspicuously posted on the institution’s website by October 10, 2021 (1st quarter: January-March; 2nd quarter: April-June; 3rd quarter: July-September).
- Reports for the 4th quarter, October-December, should be posted on the institution's website by January 10, 2022.
- The Student Aid reports should include detailed responses to the seven elements as described in the HEERF Student Aid Portion Public Reporting Requirement
- Quarterly reports should appear on separate documents by quarter and should not be cumulative.
- Institutions that expended HEERF grant funds during the calendar quarter from January 1 – March 30, 2021 are required to post the quarterly report that involved the expenditure of HEERF I CARES Act funds and HEERF II CRRSAA. The Department did not previously affirm this reporting requirement for HEERF II CRRSAA funds. As such, institutions may have until the end of the second calendar quarter, June 30, 2021, to post these retroactive reports if they have not already done so.
- Institutions are encouraged to submit Institutional and Student Aid quarterly reports to the Department of Education by emailing them as PDF attachments to HEERFreporting@ed.gov
Annual Performance Reporting Requirements
Reporting Period: All institutions of higher education that received HEERF grant awards are required to submit a HEERF Annual Report. The next reporting cycle is the Year 3 report covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. The HEERF Annual Report portal will open on March 6, 2023, and will close on March 24, 2023. As applicable, please ensure your institution submit the Year 3 report within this timeframe, March 6-24, 2023. Once the portal closes, revisions and submissions will not be accepted.
Briefings
Briefings on HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan in May and June of 2021. Please find the following materials from those briefings:
- Overview of HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan for Public and Private Institutions (PDF, 356K)
- Overview of HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan for Proprietary Institutions (PDF< 344K)
HEERF I Resources
- COVID-19 FAQ for Non-CARES Act Grantees
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)
- CARES Act HEERF Rollup FAQs (Roll-up of all five previously released HEERF FAQ documents in one document) (Issued October 14, 2020 and revised November 20, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Round 3 FAQs (Issued October 14, 2020 and revised November 20, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Supplemental FAQs (Issued June 30, 2020 and revised September 8, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Student FAQs (Issued May 15, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) FAQs (Issued April 9, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) FAQs (Issued April 9, 2020)
- Internal Revenue Service FAQs regarding CARES Act Grants (External Site)
- Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID are not taxable (External Site)
COVID-19 Flexibility FAQs
- COVID-19 CARES Act Flexibilities Letter to Student Services Grantees (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 Program Match Flexibility Letter to GEAR UP Grantees (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 Institutional Service Letter (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 FAQs for Title III, IV, V, and VII Grantees (June 16, 2020)
HEERF II Resources
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- HEERF Notice of Interpretation for Period of Allowable HEERF Expenses (March 22, 2021)
- HEERF Lost Revenue FAQs (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Period of Allowable Expenses Grant Records Notice (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions (January 14, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(3) Frequently Asked Questions (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- HEERF I and HEERF II Comparison Fact Sheet (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- Required Notification of Endowment Excise Tax Paid Form (January 14, 2021)
HEERF III Resources
- HEERF III Frequently Asked Questions
- HEERF Mental Health FAQs (May 19, 2022)
- ARP HEERF Voluntary Decline Form (April 19, 2022)
- Second Year HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 23, 2022)
- IRS Fact Sheet and FAQs for HEERF (February 15, 2022)
- State and Congressional District Allocation Totals for ARP (October 31, 2021)
- HEERF Notice of Interpretation for Period of Allowable HEERF Expenses (March 22, 2021)
- HEERF Lost Revenue FAQs (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Period of Allowable Expenses Grant Records Notice (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)
In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, emergency grants for postsecondary education were made available under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). This fund was authorized and renewed under three separate legislation packages: CARES Act (HEERF I); CRRSAA (HEERF II); and ARP (HEERF III).
General summaries and news related to the three separate legislation packages are included below. To learn about the programs managed under HEERF and their relevant updates, visit the tabs above.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was passed by Congress on March 27, 2020. This bill allotted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of that money, approximately $14 billion was allotted to the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, or HEERF.
News Related to HEERF I
- January 28, 2021: The Department is committed to supporting grantees in meeting HEERF reporting requirements. To provide institutions more flexibility, we are extending the reporting deadline until February 8, 2021 for reporting HEERF data. A letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary can be accessed here (PDF, 138K).
- January 14, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today an additional $21.2 billion is now available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CRRSAA as HEERF II.
January 5, 2021: As announced in today's Federal Register, the newly enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 supersedes the U.S. Department of Education's December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice that reopened the HEERF grant program application period for certain limited applicants. The 2021 Appropriations Act prevents the Department from accepting or processing any applications for new awards under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act (i.e., the "Student Aid Portion" program (ALN 84.425E) and the "Institutional Portion" program (ALN 84.425F)).
While the Department cannot accept or process any applications for CARES Act section 18004(a)(1) program funds, we are still able to accept applications for section 18004(a)(2) and (a)(3) HEERF programs (ALNs 84.425J, 84.425K, 84.425L, 84.425M, 84.425N) from applicants that meet one of the five conditions described in the Reopening Notice and that we verified previously have attempted to apply through grants.gov for one of these HEERF grant opportunities. Applicants for those funds must submit their revised or corrected applications no later than January 11, 2021.
- January 5, 2021: The reporting period for the first HEERF annual report begins today and ends on February 1, 2021. The grantee reporting portal can be accessed here. A user guide, webinar, and other resources can be accessed here. All HEERF grantees are required to submit an annual report during this reporting period.
- December 11, 2020: All institutions are required to submit HEERF annual performance reports via the Annual Report Data Collection System. As part of this, every institution is required to submit to heerfannual@ed.gov the names and email addresses of those individuals who will be authorized to edit and submit your institution's HEERF annual performance report. The submitter is the one grant official who will have the authority to submit the report on behalf of the grantee. Editors are users who will be able to complete, but not submit, the data collection form. The submitter will have the editor privileges and may also answer questions in the data collection form. The reporting period for the first HEERF annual report will be January 5 to February 1, 2021. These reports may be found in the HEERF I Programs tab above.
- September 8, 2020: CARES Act Update for Institutions in Massachusetts. IHEs in the State of Massachusetts: The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts has preliminarily enjoined the the Department from enforcing the IFR as to any institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and as to any student attending a school that is located within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts v. DeVos, No. 1:20-cv-11600-LTS, ECF No. 3.
- June 17, 2020: On June 17, 2020, the Department published its Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding Eligibility of Students at Institutions of Higher Education for Funds Under the CARES Act here. The IFR constitutes the Department's binding final rule regarding student eligibility for HEERF assistance, and carries the force of law, except as enjoined with respect to the following entities:
- IHEs in the State of Washington: The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington has enjoined the Department from restricting which students will receive HEERF emergency financial aid grants to only those students who are eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV. However, the court has affirmed that the restrictions of U.S.C § 1611 still apply to emergency financial aid grants to students made by any IHE in the State of Washington. Washington v. DeVos, No. 2:20-cv-00182-TOR, ECF No. 31, 63.
- California Community Colleges: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has preliminarily enjoined the Department from enforcing any eligibility requirements for students to receive HEERF emergency financial aid grants, including Title IV's eligibility criteria and applicable restrictions under 8 U.S.C. § 1611(a) "with respect to any community college in California." Oakley v. DeVos, No. 4:20-cv-03215-YGR, ECF No. 44.
May 21, 2020: The Department has stated that "guidance documents lack the force and effect of the law." On February 26, 2020, the Department published a Federal Register notice stating this principle along with an announcement of the existence and location of its guidance portal. The statement applies to all of the Department's guidance except as authorized by law or as incorporated into a contract.
This includes, for example, the statements in response to question 5 of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Institutional Frequently Asked Question document and question 9 of the HEERF Student FAQ document explaining that only students who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, may receive emergency financial aid grants. The Department will not initiate any enforcement action based solely on these statements because they lack the force and effect of the law. In contrast, the underlying statutory terms in the CARES Act are legally binding, as are any other applicable statutory terms, such as the restriction in 8 U.S.C. § 1611 on eligibility for Federal public benefits including such grants.
In addition, the Department reiterates its guidance that emergency financial aid grants under Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act may only be given to those who are or could be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), but emphasizes that that guidance is specific to the distribution of emergency financial aid grants and does not apply to the use of HEERF institutional allocations to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. The Department continues to consider the issue of eligibility for HEERF emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act and intends to take further action shortly.
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260, signed into law on December 27, 2020. In total, the CRRSAA authorizes $81.88 billion in support for education, in addition to the $30.75 billion expeditiously provided last spring through the CARES Act, Public Law 116-136.
News Related to HEERF II
- March 19, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today new assistance to institutions regarding use of COVID-19 relief funds through the duration of the pandemic. Additionally, we provided guidance and examples to help institutions identify both sources of lost revenue and how to measure and document lost revenue: HEERF Guidance on expenses through the pandemic and calculating lost revenue
- February 25, 2021: Notice of Proposed Institutional Eligibility Criteria for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Supplemental Aid to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE) Program
- January 14, 2021: The U.S. Department of Education announced today an additional $21.2 billion is now available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues for students during the COVID-19 pandemic under the CRRSAA as HEERF II.
American Rescue Plan (ARP), 2021
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVD-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by CRRSAA (Public Law 116-260) and the CARES Act (Public Law 116-136). Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
News Related to HEERF III
- May 2023: The No Cost Extension (NCE) request form for Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grant(s) awarded to your institution of higher education is now available. Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.308(e)(2) and 34 C.F.R. § 75.261(a), and as stated in the Department’s HEERF ARP FAQs, grantees have the option to receive a No-Cost Extension (NCE) as applicable HEERF grant recipients can request an additional twelve (12) months to finalize plans for the remaining HEERF institutional awards through June 30, 2024, and an additional six months for the HEERF student awards through December 31, 2023. The Department may consider additional extensions as necessary. The authorized institutional representative identified on the most recent Grant Award Notification (GAN) must complete the NCE request form and email it to the assigned program specialist identified in Box 3 of the HEERF GAN on or before June 20, 2023. Please contact your assigned program specialist if you have questions.
- March 2023: The 2023 HEERF Updates PowerPoint presentation is now available.
- February 1, 2023: The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) 2021 Annual Performance Reports are now available.
- April 4, 2022: Notice of Automatic Extension of Performance Period for All Open Grants Issued Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)
- February 15, 2022: The U.S. Treasury issued new FAQs clarifying that unpaid debts discharged using HEERF funds are nontaxable. The News Release can be found on irs.gov.
- February 3, 2022: Reopening: Notices Inviting Applications Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)--Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF); Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) That Meet the Criteria as a Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP); Institutions of Higher Education That Meet the Criteria for the Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) Program; Proprietary Institution Grant Funds for Students Program.
- February 3, 2022: On January 31, 2022, the Department announced $198 million in new awards under the Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP). The Notice Inviting Applications, published in the Federal Register, is now available. The SSARP Program assists public and private nonprofit institutions that have the greatest unmet need related to the coronavirus pandemic, as determined by the Secretary after allocating available funds under HEERF III, including institutions with large populations of graduate students who otherwise did not receive a HEERF allocation under the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021. The Department urges institutions applying for the SSARP program to continue to use the funds to support campuses and students as they deal with the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic.
- January 20, 2022: The Department released new guidance on how colleges can use existing HEERF funds to support students' basic needs, such as childcare, housing, and food insecurity.
- August 17, 2021: Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for the Proprietary Institution Grant Funds for Students Program Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (ALN 84.425Q)
- July 29, 2021: All successful applicants awarded the IREPO Grant visible in the allocation table.
- May 14, 2021: Final Regulations: Eligibility to Receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Program.
- May 11, 2021: Today the Department is making available $36 billion in emergency aid to public and private non-profit institutions are $396 million to proprietary colleges to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Programs under HEERF I
| Program | ALN | CARES Act Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Portion | 84.425E | 18004(a)(1) | All Title IV participating schools | 9/30/2020 | ED-GRANTS-041020-003 |
| Institutional Portion | 84.425F | 18004(a)(1) | All Title IV participating schools | 9/30/2020 | ED-GRANTS-042120-004 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-001 |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs) | 84.425K | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-002 |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-003 |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) | 84.425M | 18004(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-004 |
| Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) Formula Grant | 84.425N | 18004(a)(3) | Public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education that are eligible under Part B of Title VII of the HEA and received less than $500,000 total from HEERF (a)(1) and (a)(2) programs | 9/30/2020; 1/11/2021, only for applicants eligible for the limited reopening announced in the Department’s December 23, 2020 Federal Register notice | ED-GRANTS-043020-005 |
| Institutional resilience and Expanded Postsecondary Opportunity (IREPO) - FIPSE Competitive Grant | 84.425P | 18004(a)(3) | This is a competitive grant program. Please see the Notice Inviting Applications for information regarding eligibility and selection criteria. Successful Applicants: Allocation Table | Notice of Intent to Apply: 9/10/2020 Application: 10/20/2020 | ED-GRANTS-082120-00 |
Webinars
Disclaimer: The guidance provided in these webinars is related to Section 18004 of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act), Pub. L. No. 116-136 (March 27, 2020). Any guidance in these webinars and related materials as to allowable and unallowable users are applicable for HEERF costs incurred before the effective date of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA), Pub. L. 116-260, which is December 27, 2020.
Please check the HEERF II tab above for guidance as to unspent (as of December 27, 2020) CARES Act HEERF funds and CRRSAA HEERF funds.
October 14, 2020: Reporting Requirements and Lost Revenue Webinar
Principal Deputy Under Secretary Diane Jones and Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education Bob King hosted a webinar on reporting requirements for HEERF and other topics on October 14, 2020. Please find the following materials from the webinar:
- Webinar PowerPoint Slides (PDF, 1.58 MB)
- Post-Webinar email to grantees (October 20, 2020)
June 23, 2020: HEERF Technical Assistance Webinar
- Webinar PowerPoint Slides (PDF, 1.23 MB)
Detailed Program Information
HEERF - Student Portion
The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-IHE/Student Portion provides funding to institutions to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted, many of whom are facing financial challenges and struggling to make ends meet. Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- Letter from Secretary DeVos to College Presidents on CARES Act Funding (138K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (828K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(1) of CARES Act (1.28M)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (138K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Financial Aid to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act (189K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students (106K)
HEERF - Institutional Portion
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (156K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (891K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(1) of CARES Act (2.01M)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (138K)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Institutional Portion of the HEERF under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act (202K)
HEERF - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Minority Serving Institutions
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - Strengthening Institutions Program
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES Act Grant Funding Cover Letter (147K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (191K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(2) of CARES Act (304K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (167K)
HEERF - FIPSE
- Guide for How to Apply for Funding in Grants.gov
- How to upload a Workspace (101K)
- CARES HEERF Certification and Agreement (192K)
- Allocations for Section 18004(a)(3) of CARES Act (106K)
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations (114K)
- Budget and Expenditure Reporting under Section 18004(a)(3) of the CARES Act (204K)
Programs under HEERF II
| Program | ALN | CRRSAA Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Certification and Agreement | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Aid Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425E | Section 314(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | Certification and Agreement (Gold) | April 15, 2021 for new awards Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion. | ED-GRANTS-041020-003 |
| Institutional Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425F | Section 314(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | Certification and Agreement (Blue) | April 15, 2021 for new awards Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion. | ED-GRANTS-042120-004 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | Certification and Agreement (Purple) | None Note: Institutions do not need to apply | ED-GRANTS-043020-001 |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) | 84.425K | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | Certification and Agreement (Purple) | None Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-043020-002 |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | 314(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | Certification and Agreements: | Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF a2 Minority Serving Institutions Program. If the institution is listed on the allocation table and did not receive an award under CARES a2 MSI, the Notice Inviting Applications can be in the Federal Register Notice | ED-GRANTS-041321-004 |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIPs) | 84.425M | 314(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | Certification and Agreements: | Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received CARES Act HEERF a2 Strengthening Institutions Program. If the institution is listed on the allocation table and did not receive an award under CARES a2 SIP, the Notice Inviting Applications can be in the Federal Register Notice. | ED-GRANTS-041321-003 |
| Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students | 84.425Q | 314(a)(4) | Title IV participating proprietary institutions | Certification and Agreement (Red) | April 15, 2021 for new awards | ED-GRANTS-011521-005 |
| Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education Program (SAIHE) | 84.425S | Section 314(a)(3) | Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education, see Federal Register Notice for specific Absolute Priority Eligibility. Successful Applicants: Allocation Table | Certification and Agreement | April 28, 2021 | ED-GRANTS-032921-001 |
Detailed Program Information
HEERF II - Student Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion award.
- Instructions for Application
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (February 25, 2021)
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E) (Gold C&A)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive CARES Act HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Institutional Portion
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion award
- Instructions for Application
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F) (Blue C&A)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (ALN 84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(1) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Calculation of the Endowment Factor (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J)
- Note: This final rule is to determine final allocations to HBCUs awarded under section 314 (a)(2) of CRSSAA. Regulations are effective April 22, 2021.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
Note: New Applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Minority Serving Institutions
Minority Serving Institutions include institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans.
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Guide for how to apply for funding in Grants.gov
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L) (New)
- Note: This is for institutions that did not previously receive HEERF MSI funding and that are included in the CRRSAA Section 314(a)(2). This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Minority Serving Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(2) Supplemental Assistance for Minority Serving Institutions Program (ALN 84.425L)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Strengthening Institutions Program
Strengthening Institutions include institutions that are not participating in the other MSI programs but have at least 50 percent of their degree students receiving need-based assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act or have a substantial number of enrolled students receiving Pell Grants and have low educational and general expenditures.
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Guide for how to apply for funding in Grants.gov
- Endowment Excise Tax Form for Submission
- Note: Only institutions subject to the tax described are required to complete and submit this form once.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M) (New)
- Note: This is for institutions that did not previously receive HEERF SIP funding and that are included in the CRRSAA Section 314(a)(2). This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M) (Purple)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF Strengthening Institutions Program funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(2) Supplemental Assistance for Strengthening Institutions Program (ALN 84.425M)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(2) of CRRSAA Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- (a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions
HEERF II - Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (a)(4)
Note: Application is required for all Proprietary Institutions, regardless of whether an institution received CARES Act HEERF awards
- Instructions for Application
- Letter from the Acting Assistant Secretary (January 14, 2021)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grants Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q) (Red)
- Allocations for Section 314(a)(4) of CRRSAA
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
- (a)(4) Frequently Asked Questions (Issued January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
HEERF II - Supplemental Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education (SAIHE)
- Instructions for Application
- Supplemental Assistance for Institutions of Higher Education Program (SAIHE) Allocation Table
- Note: Contains all successful applicants awarded the SAIHE grant
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN 84.425S)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN (84.425S)
- Program Profile: (a)(3) SAIHE (ALN 84.425S)
Programs under HEERF III
| Program | ALN | ARP Section | Eligibility (with link to allocation table) | Certification & Agreement | Deadline | Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number |
| Student Aid Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425E | Section 2003(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | March 7, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-001 | |
| Institutional Portion for Public and Nonprofit Institutions | 84.425F | Section 2003(a)(1) | Public and Nonprofit Title IV participating institutions | March 7, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-002 | |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) | 84.425J | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the following programs: Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Part B institutions as described in section 322(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA)), Strengthening Historically Black Graduate Institutions (institutions named in section 326(e)(1) of the HEA), and Master’s Degree Programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (institutions named in section 723(b)(1) of the HEA) | Supplemental | Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-xxxxxx-xxx |
| Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) | 84.425K | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that qualify for funding under the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance Act of 1978 or the Navajo Community College Assistance Act of 1978; are cited in section 532 of the Equity in Educational Land Grant Status Act of 1994; or are designated as eligible for funding by the Bureau of Indian Education | Supplemental | Note: Institutions do not need to apply. | ED-GRANTS-xxxxxx-xxx |
| Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) | 84.425L | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions that would be eligible to participate in the following programs: Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNH), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions (NASNTI), Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI), and Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) programs | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-080221-001 | |
| Strengthening Institutions Program (SIPs) | 84.425M | Section 2003(a)(2) | Institutions designated as eligible in FY 2020 for grant programs in Titles III and V of the HEA that did not receive 18004(a)(2) grant awards as a result of not meeting the requirements for the Strengthening HBCUs, HBGIs, HBCU Master’s, TCCUs, PBIs, ANNH, AANAPISI, NASNTI, DHSI, and/or PPOHA programs | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-080221-002 | |
| Supplemental Support under American Rescue Plan (SSARP) | 84.425T | Section 2003(a)(3) | Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education, see Federal Register Notice for specific Absolute Priority Eligibility. No Allocation Table. | New C & A | April 08, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-020322-002 |
| Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students | 84.425Q | Section 2003(a)(4) | Title IV participating proprietary institutions | Required Proprietary Institution Certification Note: To receive funding under the ARP (a)(4) program, all proprietary institutions must complete and submit this form to assist with management and oversight. | March 07, 2022 | ED-GRANTS-051321-003 |
Detailed Program Information
HEERF III - Student Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
Note: Application is only required if institution did not receive a HEERF Student Aid Portion award
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Student Aid Portion (ALN 84.425E)
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(1) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocation
HEERF III - Institutional Portion
Note: Students cannot apply for assistance directly from the U.S. Department of Education but should contact their institutions for further information and guidance. Institutions have the responsibility of determining how grants will be distributed to students, how the amount of each student grant is calculated, and the development of any instructions or directions that are provided to students about the grant.
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF Student Aid Portion funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF Institutional funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(1) Institutional Portion (84.425F)
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(1) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocation
HEERF III - Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will be automatically awarded.
- Eligible Institutions of Higher Education may utilize HEERF (a)(2) grant funds for Construction, Renovation, and Real Property Projects. Below are the FAQs, form, and instructions for this purpose:
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425J)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF HBCU funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(2) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
HEERF III - Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities
Note: New applications are not required. Supplements will eb automatically awarded.
- Eligible Institutions of Higher Education may utilize HEERF (a)(2) grant funds for Construction, Renovation, and Real Property Projects. Below are the FAQs, form, and instructions for this purpose:
- Supplemental Agreement: (a)(2) Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (ALN 84.425K)
- Note: This is for institutions that received CARES Act HEERF TCCU funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(2) of ARP Act
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
HEERF III - Minority Serving Institutions
See detailed program information under HEERF II.
HEERF III - Strengthening Institutions Programs
See detailed program information under HEERF II.
HEERF III - Supplemental Support under American Rescue Plan (SSARP)
- Instructions for Application
- Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (SSARP) Allocation Table (ALN 84.425T)
- Note: All successful applicants awarded the SSARP grant.
- Fact Sheet: Department of Education Announces State by State American Rescue Plan Funding
- Extension of the Application Deadline Date: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Notice Inviting Applications: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Certifications & Agreement: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Program Profile: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- Notice of Proposed Eligibility: (a)(3) Supplemental Support under the American Rescue Plan (ALN 84.425T)
- SSARP Technical Assistance PowerPoint Presentation (March 8, 2022)
HEERF III - Proprietary Institutions
Note: Institutions do not need to apply if previously received HEERF funding but must complete and submit the Required Proprietary Institution Certification Form.
- Instructions for Application
- Guide for Applying for Funding in Grants.gov
- Reopening: Notice Inviting Applications for Public and Private Nonprofit Institutions of Higher Education Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), Section 2003 of the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARP)
- Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Note: This is for institutions that did NOT receive HEERF student funding. This completed form must be submitted on Grants.gov as part of the application process.
- Supplemental Certification & Agreement: (a)(4) Proprietary Institutions Grant Funds for Students (ALN 84.425Q)
- Note: This is for institutions that did receive HEERF student funding. This document is provided for reference as an example of the agreement that will be attached to your institution’s supplemental Grant Award Notification (GAN) when the supplement is automatically made.
- Required Proprietary Institution Certification
- Note: To receive funding under the ARP (a)(4) program, all proprietary institutions must complete and submit this form to assist with management and oversight.
- Allocations for Section 2003(a)(4) of ARP
- Methodology for Calculating Allocations
Reporting and Data Collection
- HEERF 2021 Annual Performance Report
- HEERF 2021 State By State
- Community Colleges By the Numbers
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities By the Numbers
- Minority Serving Institutions By the Numbers
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities By the Numbers
HEERF Quarterly Reporting Webinar Information
- Updated HEERF Quarterly Reporting Webinar (June 23, 2022)
- Quarterly Technical Assistance Webinar Notes (June 23, 2022)
- HEERF Quarterly Reporting Changes (June 17, 2022)
- Quarterly Reporting PowerPoint Presentation (November 16, 2021)
- Quarterly Reporting Tips (November 16, 2021)
Public Quarterly Reporting Requirements
- Quarterly Public Reporting Form for (HEERF I, II, III) (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) Institutional and Student Portion
- HEERF Quarterly Reporting Form (PDF) (177 KB) (July 7, 2022)
Additional Considerations and Requirements
- Reports for the 1st quarter, 2nd quarter, and 3rd quarter should be conspicuously posted on the institution’s website by October 10, 2021 (1st quarter: January-March; 2nd quarter: April-June; 3rd quarter: July-September).
- Reports for the 4th quarter, October-December, should be posted on the institution's website by January 10, 2022.
- The Student Aid reports should include detailed responses to the seven elements as described in the HEERF Student Aid Portion Public Reporting Requirement
- Quarterly reports should appear on separate documents by quarter and should not be cumulative.
- Institutions that expended HEERF grant funds during the calendar quarter from January 1 – March 30, 2021 are required to post the quarterly report that involved the expenditure of HEERF I CARES Act funds and HEERF II CRRSAA. The Department did not previously affirm this reporting requirement for HEERF II CRRSAA funds. As such, institutions may have until the end of the second calendar quarter, June 30, 2021, to post these retroactive reports if they have not already done so.
- Institutions are encouraged to submit Institutional and Student Aid quarterly reports to the Department of Education by emailing them as PDF attachments to HEERFreporting@ed.gov
Annual Performance Reporting Requirements
Reporting Period: All institutions of higher education that received HEERF grant awards are required to submit a HEERF Annual Report. The next reporting cycle is the Year 3 report covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. The HEERF Annual Report portal will open on March 6, 2023, and will close on March 24, 2023. As applicable, please ensure your institution submit the Year 3 report within this timeframe, March 6-24, 2023. Once the portal closes, revisions and submissions will not be accepted.
Briefings
Briefings on HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan in May and June of 2021. Please find the following materials from those briefings:
- Overview of HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan for Public and Private Institutions (PDF, 356K)
- Overview of HEERF funds in the American Rescue Plan for Proprietary Institutions (PDF< 344K)
HEERF I Resources
- COVID-19 FAQ for Non-CARES Act Grantees
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)
- CARES Act HEERF Rollup FAQs (Roll-up of all five previously released HEERF FAQ documents in one document) (Issued October 14, 2020 and revised November 20, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Round 3 FAQs (Issued October 14, 2020 and revised November 20, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Supplemental FAQs (Issued June 30, 2020 and revised September 8, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Student FAQs (Issued May 15, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) FAQs (Issued April 9, 2020)
- CARES Act HEERF Institutional Portion under Section 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) FAQs (Issued April 9, 2020)
- Internal Revenue Service FAQs regarding CARES Act Grants (External Site)
- Emergency aid granted to students due to COVID are not taxable (External Site)
COVID-19 Flexibility FAQs
- COVID-19 CARES Act Flexibilities Letter to Student Services Grantees (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 Program Match Flexibility Letter to GEAR UP Grantees (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 Institutional Service Letter (December 3, 2020)
- COVID-19 FAQs for Title III, IV, V, and VII Grantees (June 16, 2020)
HEERF II Resources
- Construction Reporting Letter FAQ (April 19, 2024)
- HEERF Notice of Interpretation for Period of Allowable HEERF Expenses (March 22, 2021)
- HEERF Lost Revenue FAQs (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Period of Allowable Expenses Grant Records Notice (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(1) Frequently Asked Questions (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(2) Frequently Asked Questions (January 14, 2021)
- CRRSAA HEERF II Section 314(a)(3) Frequently Asked Questions (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- HEERF I and HEERF II Comparison Fact Sheet (Published January 14, 2021 and Updated March 19, 2021)
- Required Notification of Endowment Excise Tax Paid Form (January 14, 2021)
HEERF III Resources
- HEERF III Frequently Asked Questions
- HEERF Mental Health FAQs (May 19, 2022)
- ARP HEERF Voluntary Decline Form (April 19, 2022)
- Second Year HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 23, 2022)
- IRS Fact Sheet and FAQs for HEERF (February 15, 2022)
- State and Congressional District Allocation Totals for ARP (October 31, 2021)
- HEERF Notice of Interpretation for Period of Allowable HEERF Expenses (March 22, 2021)
- HEERF Lost Revenue FAQs (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Period of Allowable Expenses Grant Records Notice (March 19, 2021)
- HEERF Grant Program Auditing Requirements (March 8, 2021)