NSF Convergence Accelerator: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Award Range
- $750,000 to $5,000,000
- Deadline
- Paused
- Time Remaining
- Applications are paused: NSF archived its last solicitation (NSF 23-590) and has not opened a new one.
- CFDA Number
- 47.084
The NSF Convergence Accelerator 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 once the program reopens.
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 Convergence Accelerator, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal nations. Teams must include multidisciplinary partners from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.
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 once the program reopens; 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 Convergence Accelerator |
| Funding Agency | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| CFDA Number | 47.084 |
| Award Minimum | $750,000 |
| Award Maximum | $5,000,000 |
| Deadline | Paused |
| Category | Research |
| Matching Required | No matching required in Phase 1. Phase 2 requires demonstration of partnerships and co-investment |
| 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.
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 NSF Convergence Accelerator?
Institutions of higher education, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal nations. Teams must include multidisciplinary partners from academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for NSF Convergence Accelerator?
The current deadline is paused: NSF archived its last solicitation (NSF 23-590) and has not opened a new one. 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 Convergence Accelerator require matching funds?
No matching required in Phase 1. Phase 2 requires demonstration of partnerships and co-investment. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.