EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. PhD- and non-PhD-granting accredited universities operating in the U.S., territories, or possessions may submit proposals on behalf of faculty.
Eligible nonprofit organizations include independent museums, science centers, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies with 501(c)(3) status. Organizations must have an independent office of sponsored research located in the United States.
Projects must address research ecosystem development across areas like research administration, facilities, STEM education, workforce development, or technology transfer. All projects must demonstrate plans for sustainability beyond the award period.
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. PhD- and non-PhD-granting accredited universities operating in the U.S., territories, or possessions may submit proposals on behalf of faculty.
Eligible nonprofit organizations include independent museums, science centers, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies with 501(c)(3) status. Organizations must have an independent office of sponsored research located in the United States.
Projects must address research ecosystem development across areas like research administration, facilities, STEM education, workforce development, or technology transfer. All projects must demonstrate plans for sustainability beyond the award period.
Program description
The Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) mission by promoting nationwide scientific progress. Through this program, NSF fosters partnerships among academic institutions, government entities, industry, and non-profits. These collaborations aim to drive long-term improvements in research infrastructure, enhance R&D capacity, and boost the research competitiveness of eligible EPSCoR jurisdictions, including states, territories, and commonwealths.
A jurisdiction’s research ecosystem is the interconnected network of organizations, researchers, trainees, community stakeholders, and resources that contribute to the process of research and innovation that advances fundamental knowledge, generates use-inspired products, and ultimately cultivates beneficial impacts for a jurisdiction. E-CORE supports jurisdictions in building significant and sustainable research capacity and research infrastructure for targeted areas of focus, hereinafter referred to as “cores,” that underlie a jurisdiction’s research ecosystem.
Based on the evidence-based and self-identified needs of a jurisdiction, the types of cores supported by E-CORE may include (but are not limited to) development, enhancement, and/or ensuring the sustainability of: research administration; research facilities and infrastructure (including cyberinfrastructure); STEM education (K-12) pathways; higher education pathways; early career investigator pathways; broadening participation; workforce development; national and global partnerships; community engagement and outreach; technology transfer; economic development; and use-inspired research pathways. E-CORE projects must be designed to support the sustainability of the research infrastructure cores beyond the award period. Projects will also support the development and growth of new jurisdiction-wide connections, and the leveraging of existing jurisdiction-wide connections, to drive substantive and sustainable impacts.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations in EPSCoR-eligible jurisdictions. PhD- and non-PhD-granting accredited universities operating in the U.S., territories, or possessions may submit proposals on behalf of faculty.
Eligible nonprofit organizations include independent museums, science centers, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies with 501(c)(3) status. Organizations must have an independent office of sponsored research located in the United States.
Projects must address research ecosystem development across areas like research administration, facilities, STEM education, workforce development, or technology transfer. All projects must demonstrate plans for sustainability beyond the award period.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NSF PAPPG standard forms (SF-424, Cover Letter, Project Summary)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional biographical sketches for key personnel
- Letters of support from partner organizations
- Sustainability plan documentation
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.083 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$48,079,625
-
$47,887,807
-
$46,238,841
-
$44,434,393
-
$35,687,036
-
$24,737,272
-
$23,999,998
-
$22,294,445
-
$22,222,678
-
$21,793,117
Top States by Funding
- MA 5 awards $138.4M
- NY 3 awards $85.9M
- PA 2 awards $81.9M
- MT 4 awards $64.0M
- GA 4 awards $55.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.083). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $458,210,000 | |
| 2025 | $476,730,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $174,710,000 |
FAQ
What types of organizations can apply?
Accredited higher education institutions and 501(c)(3) nonprofit research organizations like museums and observatories can apply. Your organization must be located in an EPSCoR-eligible jurisdiction.
What can the funding support?
Projects can develop research infrastructure cores such as facilities, STEM pathways, workforce development, broadening participation, or technology transfer. All projects must demonstrate long-term sustainability.
Is there a deadline?
Yes, the deadline is July 21, 2026. Contact NSF EPSCoR at least six weeks before submitting if your institution needs eligibility clarification.
How competitive is this program?
This is a competitive federal NSF grant with significant funding available. Strong applications clearly demonstrate research ecosystem impact and sustainability planning.
Do I need cost sharing?
No cost sharing is required for this program, making it accessible to organizations with limited matching resources.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify your jurisdiction's research gaps and how your cores address them. Use self-identified and evidence-based needs.
- Emphasize sustainability planning beyond the award period. Reviewers want to see lasting impact, not temporary projects.
- Show connections across your research ecosystem. Include partnerships with universities, nonprofits, industry, and government if relevant.
- Focus on one or two core areas rather than trying to address everything. Depth matters more than breadth for competitive scoring.
- Contact NSF EPSCoR early if your institution's eligibility is unclear. Six-week notice is the minimum; earlier is better.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when sustainability plans are vague or missing. Reviewers expect concrete strategies for continuing work after funding ends.
Weak proposals ignore jurisdiction-specific context and treat cores as generic wish lists. Strong applications connect activities to local research ecosystem needs.
Many applicants underestimate the importance of partnerships. Document existing and new connections that strengthen your research capacity and competitiveness.
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