NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Award Range
- $400,000 or more
- Deadline
- 2027-07-28
- Time Remaining
- Closes July 28, 2027. Submit through grants.gov before the cutoff.
- CFDA Number
- 47.041
The NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award is a federal funding opportunity administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application before the 2027-07-28 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 NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: CAREER Program Proposers must meet all of the following eligibility requirements as of the annual deadline: Hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF; Be engaged in research in an area of science, engineering, or education supported by NSF; Hold at least a 50% tenure-track (or tenure-track-equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent title); Be untenured; and Have not previously received a CAREER award. Proposals may only be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (two- and four-year IHEs, including community colleges, accredited in, and having a campus located in the US) and by non-profit, non-academic organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official program page 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 program page. 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 the system the NOFO names. Some agencies use Grants.gov and others use their own portal. Submit before the 2027-07-28 deadline; late applications are usually 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 | NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award |
| Funding Agency | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| CFDA Number | 47.041 |
| Award Minimum | $400,000 |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | 2027-07-28 |
| Category | Research |
| Matching Required | No matching funds required |
| Application Link | Official program page |
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.
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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 NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award?
Details from the notice: CAREER Program Proposers must meet all of the following eligibility requirements as of the annual deadline: Hold a doctoral degree in a field supported by NSF; Be engaged in research in an area of science, engineering, or education supported by NSF; Hold at least a 50% tenure-track (or tenure-track-equivalent) position as an assistant professor (or equivalent title); Be untenured; and Have not previously received a CAREER award. Proposals may only be submitted by Institutions of Higher Education (two- and four-year IHEs, including community colleges, accredited in, and having a campus located in the US) and by non-profit, non-academic organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award?
The current deadline is 2027-07-28. Many federal grants operate on annual or rolling cycles. If this deadline has passed, check the program page for the next funding opportunity.
Does NSF Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award require matching funds?
No matching funds required. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.