Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE): Future Computing Research
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research and education projects in computing, communications, and information science. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education (both two- and four-year colleges accredited in the US), non-profit non-academic organizations directly supporting educational or research activities, and federally recognized tribal nations. Projects must propose research within one of 11 specialized programs (AF, CIF, CSR, CER, CPS, FET, HCC, III, NeTS, RI, or SHF). Typical budgets are $150,000–$250,000 per year, up to 4 years, with a $1,000,000 maximum total.
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Program description
The NSF CISE Directorate supports research and education projects that develop new knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and engineering through the following Future Computing Research (Future CoRe) programs:
- Algorithmic Foundations (AF) program;
- Communications and Information Foundations (CIF) program;
- Computer Systems Research (CSR) program;
- Computing Education Research (CER) program;
- Cyber-Physical System Foundations and Connected Communities (CPS) program;
- Foundations of Emerging Technologies (FET) program;
- Human-Centered Computing (HCC) program;
- Information Integration and Informatics (III) program;
- Networking Technology and Systems (NeTS) program;
- Robust Intelligence (RI) program;and
- Software and Hardware Foundations (SHF) program;
The CISE Future Computing Research program anticipates a portfolio of awards with a range of budgets and durations, including projects of smaller scope. Project durations and budgets must be commensurate with the scope of the proposed work up to the maximum limit of $1,000,000 with a duration up to 4 years. Typical projects are approximately $150,000 to $250,000 per year and are 3 to 4 years in duration. Projects are discouraged from exceeding $300,000 in any single year. Estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative (research proposal)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Current and Pending Support disclosure
- Facility and Equipment descriptions
- Letters of Commitment (if applicable)
- Institutional endorsement/compliance certification
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.070 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$975,888,088
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$376,000,000
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$146,395,788
-
$84,249,997
-
$78,999,134
-
$38,082,925
-
$37,758,328
-
$37,023,406
-
$36,793,220
-
$31,497,099
Top States by Funding
- CO 6 awards $1,049.0M
- TX 9 awards $651.6M
- IL 10 awards $304.8M
- CA 17 awards $237.2M
- IN 3 awards $93.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.070). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $965,230,000 | |
| 2025 | $916,340,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $331,630,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, colleges, tribal nations, and non-profit research organizations directly supporting education or research in the US can apply. International branch campuses of US universities must justify their participation.
What types of projects are funded?
Research and education projects in computing, communications, and information science across 11 specialized research areas. Typical duration is 3–4 years.
What are the budget limits?
Awards typically range from $150,000–$250,000 per year. Total project budgets must not exceed $1,000,000, and annual budgets should stay under $300,000 per year.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost-sharing is not required for this grant.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 10, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus your proposal on one of the 11 Future CoRe program areas (AF, CIF, CSR, CER, CPS, FET, HCC, III, NeTS, RI, or SHF). Clearly identify which program best matches your research.
- Budget proposals proportionally to scope. NSF expects roughly $150,000–$250,000 per year for typical 3–4 year projects. Avoid exceeding $300,000 annually.
- If your institution has an international branch campus involvement, provide clear justification for why that location is essential and why the work cannot be done at the US campus.
- Allow time for internal university approvals. Federal grant applications require compliance reviews and administrative sign-offs before submission.
- Include clear objectives, methodologies, and evaluation plans. NSF values projects that articulate intellectual merit and broader impacts of the research.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when proposers don't clearly align their work with one of the 11 specific Future CoRe program areas. Budgets exceeding $300,000 per year or $1,000,000 total are often rejected or require resubmission. Vague project scopes and insufficient justification for multi-year timelines reduce competitiveness.
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