§ Federal grant opportunity · 23-598
Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research
U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting applications for Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research. The deadline is October 20, 2026 and the published award range is Award amount not published.
Key facts
- Funder
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Application deadline
- October 20, 2026
- Award range
- Award amount not published
- Eligibility
- *Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: - Proposals may only be submitted by accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that have faculty members who conduct research in science and/or engineering and/or STEM education. *Who May Serve as PI: The Principal Investigator for an Excellence in Research Project must be a full-time faculty member or researcherat the HBCU from which the proposal is submitted. <div> <div> <div id="_com_1"> </div> </div> </div>
- Geography
- United States
- Focus areas
- Research
- Opportunity number
- 23-598
Program overview
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Excellence in Research (HBCU-EiR) program was established in response to direction provided in the Senate Commerce and Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Report (Senate Report 115-139), and is built on prior and continuing efforts by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to strengthen research capacity at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This report provided guidance to NSF to establish the HBCU Excellence in Research program "to provide opportunities for both public and private HBCUs, particularly for those who have not been successful in larger NSF Research & Related Activities competitions, in order to stimulate sustainable improvement in their research and development capacity" ( https://congress.gov/congressional-report/115th-congress/senate-report/139/1 ). EiR supports such capacity building by funding research projects aligned with NSF's research programs. The program aims to establish stronger connections between researchers at HBCUs and NSF's research programs.
How to apply
- Confirm your organization meets the eligibility criteria above.
- Read the full funding opportunity announcement from U.S. National Science Foundation.
- Draft your narrative against the funder's stated priorities and review criteria.
- Submit before October 20, 2026, allowing time for registration and validation.
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