Overview
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is launching the Oregon Unified Grant Application (OUGA) statewide in spring 2027, building on a successful 2026 pilot that included 34 school districts.
The OUGA brings planning and funding decisions across state and federal grants into a more coordinated application process. Through a single, priority-aligned application, districts can plan across multiple funding sources on a coordinated timeline, connect planning to Oregon's priorities for student success, and receive more aligned support from ODE and its Regional Support Teams (RSTs).
Rather than managing hundreds of application questions, dozens of submission methods, and numerous program contacts, districts will use a unified process for participating grants. Information submitted through the OUGA helps articulate district planning while informing ODE's monitoring, support, and technical assistance efforts.
The pilot launched in 2026 with 34 districts and 18 grant programs. ODE plans to expand the OUGA statewide in spring 2027 to include all school districts, charter schools, and 25 grant programs. As implementation continues, ODE will refine and improve the application based on feedback from districts, charter schools, and education partners.
The goal is simple: make it easier for districts and charter schools to focus on improving outcomes for students by creating a more coordinated, efficient, and supportive grant application experience.
Key Dates
OCTOBER 7, 2026
Statewide OUGA LaunchODE will introduce the OUGA statewide, including what districts and charter schools can expect, how they will be supported, and how to begin preparing for the spring 2027 application.OCTOBER 16, 2026
Planning Leads IdentifiedDistricts and charter schools each will identify an OUGA Planning Lead to help coordinate the application process and serve as the primary connection to their RST). OCTOBER–MARCH 2027
Districts Complete Pre-Application ActivitiesPlanning leads begin pre-application activities (e.g., needs assessments and community engagement, tribal and private school consultations, and consortia formation). NOTE: More information will be shared during regional Introduction and Launch Information Sessions. Planning leads and relevant district and charter school staff participate in regional training focused on preparing for the OUGA and completing key pre-application activities.
NOVEMBER 2026–MARCH 2027
Ongoing OUGA Sessions: How to Complete the OUGAODE RSTs provide additional training and support as districts and charters prepare for and complete the application in the OUGA platform during the submission window. Districts will also complete the ESEA title application in the legacy CIP-BN platform in the same spring submission window. MARCH 15, 2027
OUGA and CIP-BN Platforms OpenDistricts and charter schools begin completing and submitting OUGA application components across the custom-built OUGA platform. Districts will also complete the ESEA title requirements in the legacy CIP-BN platform.NOTE: Timelines for some federal grants, including ESEA and Perkins, may shift if preliminary federal allocations are released later than anticipated.
APRIL 30, 2027
OUGA Submission Deadline Across Platforms
Training and District Support
ODE and its RSTs will provide training and ongoing support throughout the OUGA process.
Regional Support Teams
RSTs will serve as the primary points of contact for districts and charter schools for OUGA support. Following the statewide launch, RSTs will reach out directly to districts and charters in their region to introduce themselves and connect with each OUGA Planning Leads.
Districts and charter schools can contact their RST with questions about the OUGA process, requirements, timelines, trainings, or next steps.
Training and Support Schedule
An overview of planned training and support modules is available in the October 7 statewide launch deck.
Module
|
Date |
Topic |
Format |
Audience |
Objectives |
|---|
| 1 | October 7 |
Launching the OUGA
Discuss the goals and timeline | Kickoff Webinar | District Leadership | - Understand the purpose and goals of the OUGA
- Preview the full year: key topics and timeline
- Provide information on identifying a planning lead
- Answer questions
|
| 2 | October – November |
Preparing to Complete the OUGA
Clarify planning activities | RST Introduction and Launch Information Session (Regional)
Individualized Support with RST member | Planning Leads (and relevant district staff) | - Plan for key elements of planning that will inform application completion (e.g. needs assessment and community engagement, IDEA proportionate share, ESEA equitable services tribal consultation, consortia formation, charter school planning agreements).
- Answer questions
|
| 3 | November – March |
Completing the OUGA
Provide module- specific training on questions and response guidance | Sessions focused on application completion
Individualized Support with RST member | ESD Liaisons Planning Leads (and relevant district staff) | - Preview the application structure
- Plan responses to the priority questions based on response guidance
- Plan responses to the compliance questions based on response guidance
- Plan to complete the budget based on format and description standards
- Plan to submit application requirements
- Answer questions and support districts in beginning to plan
|
| 4 | March – Onwards |
Review, Approval, and Amendments
Submission, review, feedback, and updates | Updates & Office Hours
Individualized Support with RST member | Planning Leads (and relevant district staff) | - Understand the review and approval process
- Receive and respond to feedback
- Plan and submit amendments as needed
- Answer questions
|
OUGA Updates and Materials
Check back here for OUGA updates and training materials as districts and charter schools prepare for the spring 2027 application.
Training Materials
- October 7 Statewide Launch
Additional OUGA Resources
Contact Us
Questions or comments? Email ODE.GrantConsolidation@ode.oregon.gov.