Barrier Removal Growing Institutional Capacity

The Barrier Removal - Growing Institutional Capacity grant program is administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Office of Higher Education under the Sixty by 30 initiative. The funding aims to help higher education institutions strengthen institutional systems, policies, and practices that remove poverty-related and life barriers for students struggling to meet basic needs, including access to food, housing, transportation, childcare, and other essential supports, in order to support college completion and advance Michigan's goal of 60% postsecondary credential attainment by 2030.

Eligible applicants include Michigan community colleges, Tribal colleges, public colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations partnering with a college or university. Proposals are evaluated on the presence of sound design principles and a clear plan for building institutional capacity grounded in evidence and data, a demonstrated commitment to and plan for strengthening community partnerships as part of a support system, a plan for cross-silo collaboration to ensure anyone interacting with students can connect them to resources, and a plan for sustaining and deepening capacity beyond the grant period. Across Sixty by 30 grants, applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to centering learner interests and experiences, examining institutional policies, approaching students from an asset-based perspective, and rigorously evaluating impact.

Project eligibility focuses on developing systemic, sustainable institutional capacity to remove life and basic needs barriers rather than solely offering short-term direct financial aid. Projects should establish collaborative community partnerships, cross-departmental coordination, and evidence-based supportive structures that assist students in accessing basic necessities. Funded projects range from 1 to 3 years with award amounts between $100,000 and $400,000.

Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Michigan's EGrAMS Portal. Applicants are instructed to submit their applications through the portal two weeks before the deadline. Paper application forms are provided for planning purposes only and are not accepted. The grant cycle featured a pre-review deadline of May 16 prior to the final application deadline of June 20.