2026 Flood the Hill Grant Application

OVERVIEW

COABE is committed to ensuring that adult education advocates from across the country have the opportunity to participate in Flood the Hill 2026. To help make attendance possible, COABE will award a limited number of travel grants of up to $500 to offset lodging and travel expenses associated with attending the event.

Flood the Hill brings adult education advocates together in Washington, DC, to learn about current policy issues, meet with Congressional offices, and elevate the voices of adult learners and educators nationwide. We encourage individuals who are passionate about advancing adult education and who need financial assistance to attend to apply.

Please review the Eligibility & Selection Considerations below before completing your application.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS

Flood the Hill Travel Grants are intended for individuals who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial barriers. Applicants should demonstrate a clear need for funding and explain why grant support is essential to their participation.

Awards are limited and will be made through a competitive review process. In addition to financial need, COABE may consider factors such as geographic representation, participation from underrepresented states, the strategic importance of a state's Congressional delegation, travel complexity, and the applicant's potential to contribute to adult education advocacy.

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Grant awards are subject to available funding and the review committee's evaluation of all applications received.

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026

Notification of Award Decisions: by July 18, 2026

Grant Amount: Up to $500 per recipient to help offset eligible travel and lodging expenses associated with Flood the Hill 2026.

MEMBERSHIP

Please indicate your COABE membership number

If you don't know your membership number, put unknown.

PARTICIPATION & ADVOCACY

Why do you want to participate in Flood the Hill 2026?

How will attending Flood the Hill 2026 help you advocate for adult education in your state, program, or community?

Have you previously participated in advocacy activities related to adult education?

YesNo

Please briefly describe your experience

FINANCIAL NEED

Please explain your financial need for this grant. Why would attending Flood the Hill 2026 be difficult or impossible without this funding?

Are there any travel circumstances that make attending Flood the Hill especially challenging or costly for you? Examples may include distance, limited flight options, rural location, accessibility needs, or other factors.

Will your employer, state association, program, or another organization provide any financial support for your participation?

YesNoUnsure

Please describe the support you expect to receive

GRANT RECIPIENT AGREEMENT

By accepting a Flood the Hill Travel Grant, I understand and agree that:

The grant is intended solely to support my attendance at Flood the Hill 2026.
I am expected to attend all required Flood the Hill activities, including:

Wednesday Training Session
Thursday Breakfast
Thursday Congressional Briefing
All assigned Congressional meetings on Thursday
Thursday Debrief Dinner

If I receive grant funding and do not attend Flood the Hill 2026, I will reimburse COABE for the full grant amount ($500), unless otherwise approved by COABE due to extraordinary circumstances.
I understand that failure to fulfill the participation requirements may affect my eligibility for future COABE-funded opportunities.

I have read and agree to the Grant Recipient Agreement above.

I agree