NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERC): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Award Range
- Not published by the agency
- Deadline
- Paused
- Time Remaining
- Applications are paused: NSF archived solicitation NSF 24-576 and has not released the next one.
- CFDA Number
- 47.041
The NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program 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 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the last solicitation (NSF 24-576, archived; a new one is anticipated): Only U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, that grant engineering degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral engineering level may submit proposals as the lead university. Support is provided to core partner universities and any affiliated faculty from other partner institutions through subawards. The Lead PI must be a faculty member at the Lead university. If an institution has two active ERC awards, it does not qualify to submit an ERC preliminary proposal as a lead institution. Full Proposals may be submitted only by invitation.
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 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) |
| Funding Agency | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| CFDA Number | 47.041 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | Not published |
| Deadline | Paused |
| Category | Research |
| Matching Required | Industry and partner participation is expected; see the next solicitation for cost-sharing rules |
| 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 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) program?
Details from the last solicitation (NSF 24-576, archived; a new one is anticipated): Only U.S. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, that grant engineering degrees at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral engineering level may submit proposals as the lead university. Support is provided to core partner universities and any affiliated faculty from other partner institutions through subawards. The Lead PI must be a faculty member at the Lead university. If an institution has two active ERC awards, it does not qualify to submit an ERC preliminary proposal as a lead institution. Full Proposals may be submitted only by invitation. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for NSF Engineering Research Centers (ERC)?
The current deadline is paused: NSF archived solicitation NSF 24-576 and has not released the next 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 Engineering Research Centers (ERC) require matching funds?
Industry and partner participation is expected; see the next solicitation for cost-sharing rules. Matching requirements can vary by fiscal year and applicant type, so confirm with the funding agency before committing resources.