The Endowment is allocating up to $500 million for this multi-year initiative. Colleges and universities invited to participate in the initiative may request funding through a two-phase process.
Phase 1 Planning Grants: Eligible Indiana colleges and universities may submit letter proposals requesting planning grants ranging from $125,000 to $300,000 each depending on the student enrollment of the institution. Planning grants may be used to help institutions explore ways in which they might address various challenges and opportunities arising from the rapid advances in AI technologies. Planning grant proposals are due by noon (ET) on December 1, 2025.
Phase 2 Funding Opportunities: Indiana colleges and universities have two opportunities for funding in Phase 2 of the initiative. Each eligible Indiana college or university may, but is not required to, participate in both opportunities.
- Phase 2 Implementation Grants: Institutions may submit proposals for implementation grants ranging from $5 million to $25 million each depending on the student enrollment of the institution. Implementation grant proposals are due by noon (ET) on May 1, 2026.
- Phase 2 Collaboration Grants: The Endowment has allocated up to $200 million for collaboration grants. To be considered for this collaboration grant funding opportunity, each collaborating group of institutions should identify a lead institution to submit a concept paper that describes the group’s ideas to work together on projects that align with the aim of AIHE. Collaboration grant concept papers are due by noon (ET) on May 1, 2026. After reviewing the concept papers, Endowment staff will invite collaborative groups with compelling concepts to submit full proposals for consideration by noon (ET) on September 25, 2026.
Eligibility
To learn about specific eligibility requirements and funding amounts for each phase of the initiative, please read the Request for Proposals. Applicants can access any provided forms necessary for submissions in the Resources block on the upper right side of the page.
Information Sessions
The Endowment will host two virtual information sessions to review details about each phase, timelines and submission guidelines outlined in the Request for Proposals. Each eligible applicant may register for one of the dates listed below.
For questions about this initiative, email AIHE@lei.org.