EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- U.S. National Science Foundation
- Award Range
- $37,500,000 in total (per-award amounts not published)
- Deadline
- 2027-07-20
- Time Remaining
- About 290 days remaining as of October 3, 2026.
- CFDA Number
- 47.083
The EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems is a federal funding opportunity administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the 2027-07-20 deadline.
Use our free Grant Finder to discover additional programs you may be eligible for based on your organization type and location.
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: - Institutions of higher education (PhD- and non-PhD-granting) that are accredited and operate a campus within the United States, its territories, or possessions, may submit proposals on behalf of their faculty.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
Not sure your organization qualifies? Run the free Grant Finder check → or compare other Research programs by who can apply.
How to apply: step by step
- Register on SAM.gov. Every federal grant applicant needs an active SAM (System for Award Management) registration. Allow 2-4 weeks for new registrations to process. Existing registrations must be renewed annually.
- Get a UEI number. Your Unique Entity Identifier is assigned through SAM.gov and replaces the old DUNS number. You will need this on every federal application.
- Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Download the full NOFO from the Grants.gov listing. Pay close attention to review criteria, budget limits, and required attachments.
- Prepare your application package. Most federal grants require a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capacity statement, and supporting documents. Follow the page limits and formatting rules exactly.
- Submit through Grants.gov. Create a workspace, upload all required forms and attachments, and submit before the 2027-07-20 deadline. The system timestamps your submission, and late applications are automatically rejected.
- Confirm receipt. Keep the tracking number or confirmation email, and check back in 1-2 business days that your application passed the validation checks.
For detailed guidance on writing a winning narrative, see our grant writing tips article.
Grant details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Grant Name | EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems |
| Funding Agency | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| CFDA Number | 47.083 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | 2027-07-20 |
| Category | Research |
| Matching Required | No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program |
| Application Link | Apply on Grants.gov |
Federal grant budgets and priorities shift each fiscal year. The amounts listed above reflect the most recent funding cycle. For the latest figures, check the official program page.
If you are exploring business financing beyond grants, the team at CeoCult covers loans, lines of credit, and alternative funding for founders.
Check your fit for Research grants like this one before you apply: eligibility, match and registration in one worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems?
Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: - Institutions of higher education (PhD- and non-PhD-granting) that are accredited and operate a campus within the United States, its territories, or possessions, may submit proposals on behalf of their faculty. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
What is the deadline for EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems?
The current deadline is 2027-07-20. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the Grants.gov listing for the next funding opportunity.
Does EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems require matching funds?
No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated for this program. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.