Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies: eligibility, deadline, and how to apply (2026)
Key Facts
- Agency
- Administration for Community Living
- Award Range
- $970,000 to $975,000
- Deadline
- Closed 2026-07-16
- Time Remaining
- This cycle closed on 2026-07-16. Check grants.gov for the next cycle.
- CFDA Number
- 93.433
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies is a federal funding opportunity administered by the Administration for Community Living. This guide covers everything you need to know to determine whether you qualify and how to submit a competitive application once the next cycle opens.
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 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Details from the notice: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Private institutions of higher education; Small businesses; other applicants described in the notice; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; State governments.
Eligibility requirements can change between funding cycles. Always verify the current criteria on the official Grants.gov listing before beginning your application.
Businesses can apply. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program; the notice's other requirements still apply. Not sure your business fits? Run the free Grant Finder check →
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 once the next cycle opens. 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 | Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies |
| Funding Agency | Administration for Community Living |
| CFDA Number | 93.433 |
| Award Minimum | $970,000 |
| Award Maximum | $975,000 |
| Deadline | Closed 2026-07-16 |
| 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 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies?
Details from the notice: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; IHEs; and Indian tribes and tribal organizations. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Applicant types on grants.gov (partial list): Private institutions of higher education; Small businesses; other applicants described in the notice; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; State governments. Requirements can change between cycles, so always verify on the official Grants.gov listing before applying.
Can a for-profit business apply for the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies?
Yes. grants.gov lists for-profit or small business applicants for this program. The notice's other eligibility requirements still apply, so confirm them on the official listing.
What is the deadline for Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies?
The current deadline is closed on 2026-07-16; the next cycle has not been posted. 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 Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (RERC) Program: RERC on AI-Driven Assistive and Rehabilitation Technologies 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.