CLOSED CFDA 81.089 ↗ Competitive Grant Moderate ~50h typical effort

Annual Recurring University Training and Research

🏛 National Energy Technology Laboratory

✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 16, 2026

⏰ Deadline
Oct 16, 2026 ⚠ passed
💰 Award amount
$1 – $750K
📊 Total program funding
$10.75M
🎯 Expected awards
15 recipients
📍 Scope
National
📨 Letter of Intent
Yesrequired first

Can you apply?

This grant is for U.S. colleges and universities supporting research and development. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions seeking to fund novel, early-stage research projects. Grants support educating and training the next generation of engineers and scientists. Priority is given to projects serving underrepresented and structurally marginalized communities. Projects should equip students with cutting-edge skills for the U.S. workforce.

Eligible applicants
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Program description

Annual Recurring University Training and ResearchThe purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit and award research and development grants to educate and train the next generation of engineers and scientists; to support novel, early-stage research at U.S. colleges and universities; to increase research and development opportunities for underrepresented and structurally marginalized communities; and to ensure that students are equipped with cutting-edge, translatable skillsets that allow them to contribute to the U.S. workforce and greater economy over the course of a longstanding and enduring career.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants

Demographic focus

How to apply

Application links

Key dates & requirements

  • ⏳ Project period: 36 months
  • 📨 Letter of Intent due: Oct 1, 2026

Required documents

  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • Project Narrative/Description
  • Budget and Budget Justification
  • Curriculum Vitae of Principal Investigator
  • Letters of Institutional Support
  • Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel

Program contact

Funding track record

Recent awards under CFDA 81.089 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.

111
awards (3 yrs)
$3.2B
total funded
61
unique recipients
$29.1M
average award

Top 10 Largest Recent Awards

  1. $299,999,930
  2. $251,005,250
  3. $209,999,996
  4. $138,084,542
  5. $134,151,343
  6. $75,109,803
  7. $64,327,580
  8. $62,077,501
  9. $57,762,896
  10. $55,835,381

Top States by Funding

  • IL 18 awards $631.3M
  • CO 9 awards $479.8M
  • TX 12 awards $400.6M
  • AL 3 awards $309.3M
  • ND 12 awards $266.7M

Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.

Funding history

Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 81.089). How funding has trended year over year.

2024 $1,100,000,000
2025 $966,340,000
2026 est. $496,500,000

FAQ

Who is eligible to apply?

U.S. colleges and universities can apply. Community colleges and historically underrepresented institutions are encouraged to submit proposals.

What types of projects are funded?

Novel, early-stage research and development in engineering and science. Student training and workforce development projects are prioritized.

Is there a deadline?

Yes, the fixed deadline is October 16, 2026. Applications must be submitted before the close of business on that date.

What is the funding range?

Awards range from $1 to $750,000. Actual funding depends on project scope and competition.

Is cost-sharing required?

No. Cost-sharing is not a requirement for this grant opportunity.

💡 Tips for applicants

  • Focus on early-stage, novel research with clear workforce development outcomes. Describe how students gain translatable skills.
  • Emphasize how your project serves underrepresented or structurally marginalized communities. Specific demographics and outreach strategies strengthen proposals.
  • Clearly connect research to energy technology or related fields relevant to NETL's mission. Show real-world applicability.
  • Include a strong budget that justifies costs. Even small projects need clear cost allocation and personnel justification.
  • Demonstrate institutional commitment to undergraduate and graduate training. Letters of support from departmental leadership help.

⚠️ Common mistakes

Proposing incremental rather than novel research lacking clear innovation. Failing to emphasize student training, mentorship, and workforce development outcomes. Not addressing how the project serves underrepresented communities or lacks specific demographic engagement strategies.

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