Call for EOIs: Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need Program (US)

Deadline: 07-Jul-2026

The Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) Program provides approximately $70 million in funding to U.S. higher education institutions and eligible consortia to strengthen foreign language education, area studies, international studies, and workforce development in strategically important global regions. Awards range from $1.2 million to $1.4 million for projects lasting up to 48 months, with approximately 50 grants expected.

The program supports teaching, research, training, outreach, and partnerships focused on critical world regions and languages while preparing students for careers in government, education, business, media, international development, and other national priority sectors.

What is the CAANN Program?

The Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) Program is a federal funding initiative designed to strengthen the United States’ capacity in foreign language instruction, international education, and regional expertise.

The program supports institutions of higher education in developing and expanding educational centers focused on strategically important countries and regions around the world. Through teaching, research, outreach, and professional training, funded centers help prepare students and professionals with the language skills and global knowledge needed to address national and international challenges.

Funding Overview

• Program Name: Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) Program
• Total Funding Available: Approximately $70 million
• Expected Number of Awards: Around 50
• Award Amount: Approximately $1.2 million to $1.4 million per project
• Project Duration: Up to 48 months
• Cost-Sharing Requirement: None
• Indirect Cost Rate: Maximum 8% of modified total direct costs
• Eligible Activities: Education, research, training, outreach, and partnerships

Key Focus Areas

The program supports activities related to:

• Foreign language education
• Area studies
• International studies
• Global affairs education
• International research
• Language training
• Regional expertise development
• Workforce preparation
• International partnerships
• Public engagement
• Academic collaboration
• Cultural understanding
• National security workforce development
• Global competitiveness
• Artificial intelligence in education

Target Geographic Regions

Projects may focus on one or more strategically important regions, including:

• Latin America
• Europe
• Eurasia
• Middle East
• Africa
• Asia

Applicants must clearly identify the country, region, or area of focus for their proposed center.

Programme Objectives

The CAANN Program aims to:

• Expand foreign language instruction
• Strengthen international and area studies education
• Develop expertise in strategically important world regions
• Support advanced research and scholarship
• Prepare students for national need occupations
• Foster global awareness and cross-cultural understanding
• Strengthen partnerships across sectors
• Promote informed engagement with international issues
• Enhance U.S. competitiveness in a global environment

Types of Centers Supported

The program supports two categories of centers.

Comprehensive Centers

Comprehensive Centers provide:

• Undergraduate education
• Graduate education
• Professional training
• Advanced research opportunities
• Public outreach activities

These centers offer comprehensive programming across multiple academic levels.

Undergraduate Centers

Undergraduate Centers focus primarily on:

• Undergraduate instruction
• Language education
• Area studies coursework
• Student engagement activities
• Academic enrichment opportunities

These centers are designed specifically to strengthen undergraduate learning experiences.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Accredited U.S. institutions of higher education
• Consortia of institutions of higher education

Applicants must propose a center focused on a specific country, region, or world area aligned with program objectives.

Consortium Eligibility Requirements

Consortia may apply jointly under the program.

When applying as a consortium:

• Formal consortium agreements are required.
• Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined.
• Partner institutions must demonstrate collaborative capacity.
• All required documentation must be included in the application.

Required Program Components

Applications should demonstrate strong plans for:

• Foreign language instruction
• Area studies education
• International studies programming
• Research activities
• Student training
• Outreach initiatives
• Professional development
• Cross-sector collaboration

Projects should also demonstrate how they will contribute to national priorities.

Outreach and Partnership Activities

The program encourages collaboration with:

• Government agencies
• Media organizations
• Businesses
• Professional associations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Research institutions
• Community groups

These partnerships help expand the impact of funded centers beyond campus environments.

National Need Workforce Development

A major goal of the program is preparing individuals for careers in sectors critical to national interests.

Examples include:

• International affairs
• Diplomacy
• National security
• Education
• Journalism
• Global business
• International development
• Public policy
• Research and academia

Applicants should demonstrate how proposed activities support workforce development in these areas.

Artificial Intelligence Priority

Competitive preference may be awarded to projects that integrate:

• Artificial intelligence tools
• AI-enhanced learning systems
• AI-supported language education
• AI applications in international studies
• Innovative educational technologies

Projects incorporating AI should clearly explain how these technologies improve educational outcomes.

State-Endorsed Project Priority

Additional competitive points may be available for projects that receive official state endorsement and demonstrate alignment with state educational or workforce priorities.

Allowable Use of Funds

Grant funding may support:

• Faculty and staff salaries
• Curriculum development
• Language instruction programs
• Research activities
• Student training
• Public outreach initiatives
• Conferences and workshops
• Educational materials
• Technology and digital learning tools
• Partnership activities
• Subgrants to eligible organizations

All expenditures must align with program objectives and federal requirements.

Subgrant Opportunities

Recipients may provide subgrants to eligible partner organizations when those activities contribute to project goals and comply with federal regulations.

Subgrants can support:

• Collaborative research
• Educational initiatives
• Outreach activities
• Capacity-building efforts

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications undergo peer review by experts in:

• Foreign language education
• Area studies
• International studies
• Higher education
• Research and training programs

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Demonstrated need
• Significance of the proposed project
• Quality of project design
• Institutional resources and capacity
• Management and implementation plans
• Evaluation framework
• Expected outcomes and impact

Strong applications clearly connect activities to measurable results.

Reporting and Compliance Requirements

Funded projects must comply with federal grant management requirements.

Recipients are required to:

• Submit performance reports
• Track project outcomes
• Maintain financial records
• Monitor grant-funded activities
• Participate in program evaluations
• Comply with federal regulations

Open Licensing Requirement

Grant-funded deliverables must generally be made available through open licensing requirements established by the funding agency.

Examples may include:

• Educational resources
• Training materials
• Curriculum products
• Digital learning content

This requirement helps expand public access to federally funded resources.

Why This Program Matters

Foreign language proficiency and regional expertise are increasingly important in diplomacy, national security, international business, education, technology, and global development.

The CAANN Program strengthens the United States’ capacity to address international challenges by investing in language education, area studies scholarship, workforce preparation, and cross-sector collaboration. The program also supports the development of future leaders capable of navigating complex global issues.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Verify that your institution or consortium qualifies as an eligible higher education applicant.

Step 2: Select a Regional Focus

Identify the country, region, or world area that will serve as the center’s focus.

Step 3: Develop the Project Framework

Prepare plans for:

• Language instruction
• Research activities
• Student training
• Outreach programs
• Partnerships
• Evaluation methods

Step 4: Prepare Required Documentation

Include:

• Project narrative
• Budget information
• Consortium agreements (if applicable)
• Institutional approvals
• Supporting materials

Step 5: Submit the Application

Submit the complete proposal according to program guidelines and deadlines.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

• Unclear regional focus
• Weak evaluation plans
• Insufficient language education components
• Limited outreach activities
• Missing consortium documentation
• Poor alignment with national need objectives
• Inadequate partnership strategies
• Failure to demonstrate measurable impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much funding is available under the CAANN Program?

Approximately $70 million is available, with individual awards ranging from $1.2 million to $1.4 million.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. institutions of higher education and eligible consortia.

What regions can projects focus on?

Projects may focus on Latin America, Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, or specific countries within these regions.

Is cost-sharing required?

No. The program does not require matching funds or cost-sharing.

Can consortiums apply?

Yes. Consortia are eligible but must include formal consortium agreements.

How long can projects last?

Projects may receive funding for up to 48 months.

Are AI-focused projects encouraged?

Yes. Competitive priority points may be awarded to projects that effectively integrate artificial intelligence into educational activities.

Conclusion

The Centers Aligned with Areas for National Need (CAANN) Program is a major federal investment in foreign language education, international studies, and regional expertise. With approximately $70 million in funding, the program supports universities and consortia in developing high-quality educational centers that prepare students, researchers, and professionals for careers addressing critical global challenges while strengthening U.S. leadership in international education and workforce development.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.