NSF SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund): eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Award Range
- up to $1,250,000
- Deadline
- 2026-11-04
- Time Remaining
- Closes November 4, 2026. Submit through grants.gov before the cutoff.
- CFDA Number
- 47.084
The NSF SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund) 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 2026-11-04 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 SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: Proposals to any of the NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities may only be submitted by firms qualifying as a small business concern. Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project. For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business.
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 2026-11-04 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 SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund) |
| Funding Agency | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| CFDA Number | 47.084 |
| Award Minimum | Not published |
| Award Maximum | $1,250,000 |
| Deadline | 2026-11-04 |
| 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.
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 SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund)?
Details from the notice: Proposals to any of the NSF SBIR/STTR funding opportunities may only be submitted by firms qualifying as a small business concern. Please note that the size limit of 500 employees includes affiliates. For STTR proposals, the proposing small business concern must also include a partner research institution in the project. For Phase I: Proposers must obtain an official invitation to submit a proposal. The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) must be with the small business at the time of award and for the duration of the award, unless a new PI is named. Primary employment is defined as at least 51 percent employed by the small business. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official program page before applying.
What is the deadline for NSF SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund)?
The current deadline is 2026-11-04. 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 SEED Fund (America's Seed Fund) 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.