; and (ii) shall increase this portion gradually over the life of the grant until it equals or exceeds 25 percent of the amount of the grant. (e) Financial hardship waiver The Secretary may waive or reduce the matching requirement described in subsection (d) if the eligible entity demonstrates a need due to significant financial hardship. 8012. Eligible entities In this subpart, the term eligible entity means a nonprofit entity acting as the lead applicant for a grant under this subpart in partnership with a local educational agency. Such partnership may also include any of the following entities: (1) An institution of higher education, as defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 ). (2) The office of a chief elected official of a unit of local government. (3) An Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined under section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 8013. Application requirements (a) In general To be eligible to receive a grant under this subpart, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (b) Contents of application At a minimum, an application described in subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) A description of a plan to significantly improve the academic outcomes of children living in an identified neighborhood by providing a pipeline that addresses the neighborhood’s needs, as identified by the needs analysis described in paragraph (4) and supported by evidence-based practices. (2) A description of the neighborhood that the eligible entity will serve. (3) Measurable annual goals for the outcomes of the grant, including— (A) performance goals, in accordance with the metrics described in section 8016(a), for each year of the grant