In 2025, many minority-serving higher education institutions (MSIs) found themselves navigating canceled federal grants and making rapid, consequential decisions—sometimes within weeks—about whether to scale back, pause, redesign, or absorb activities originally planned as grant-funded. Looking across these experiences, several operational lessons stand out.

Across many of the grant evaluations we’ve conducted, which span capacity-building, workforce initiatives, and K-12 education projects, we've observed some common practices associated with successful projects. How many of these practices do you use with your grant? Use this quick quiz to find out.

Securing federal grants in 2025 requires educational administrators in K-12 and higher education to be strategic, precise, and highly adaptive. With shifting federal priorities, stricter oversight, and an increasingly competitive funding environment, understanding the nuances of federal grantmaking is essential for success. This post presents five essential tips to effectively navigate this evolving landscape.