Aviation Research Grants Program
🏛 DOT - FAA Aviation Research Grants
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for colleges, universities, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institutions to conduct aviation research. Eligible organizations must be engaged in research that supports civil aviation's long-term growth and technical advancement. Research topics include air traffic control technology, communications, navigation, weather systems, airports, aircraft safety, human factors, and operations research. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to conduct scientific or engineering research with potential to benefit the aviation industry.
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Program description
The FAA hereby announces its continuing interest in receiving applications for aviation research grants and cooperative agreements to pursue the long-term growth and short-term technical needs of civil aviation, under this funding opportunity. Eligibility of applicants for the award of an aviation research grant varies depending on the nature of the proposer’s organization, as well as the character of the research being proposed. In general, colleges, universities, and other non- profit research institutions under Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of United States Code, are eligible to apply for an aviation research grant.
The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program encourages and supports innovative, advanced research of potential benefit to the long-term growth of civil aviation and commercial space transportation. The pursuit of basic and applied research in scientific and engineering disciplines that have the potential to further knowledge and understanding on a broad front of emerging technologies is crucial to the realization of this goal. The intent is to encourage applied
research and development to enhance technology assimilation, transfer, and development in the FAA. The FAA Aviation Research Grants Program does not require the immediate application to Research and Development (R&D) programs, although this may occur in some cases. The FAA encourages the
submission of proposals that embrace the entire spectrum of physical, chemical, biological, medical, psychological, mathematical, and engineering sciences.
The following list illustrates topics of interest to those who may consider applying for a grant under this funding opportunity:
1. Capacity and Air Traffic Control Technology
2. Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance
3. Aviation Weather
4. Airports
5. Aircraft Safety Technology
6. Human Factors and Aviation Medicine
7. Systems Science/Operations Research
For more information, please carefully review FAA Notice of Funding Opportunity 20-01, and any supporting attachments.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capability Statement
- CV of Principal Investigator and key personnel
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Trina M Bellamy Grants Contracting Officer
- 📧 monica.y.butler@faa.gov
- 📞 609-485-7483
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 20.108 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$275,000
Top States by Funding
- VA 1 awards $0.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 20.108). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $5,400,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $5,499,998 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Colleges, universities, and nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institutions are eligible. Private companies and for-profit entities are generally not eligible under this program.
What types of research are supported?
The program supports basic and applied research in aviation-related topics. Priority areas include air traffic control, communications, navigation, surveillance, weather, airports, aircraft safety, human factors, and operations research.
Is cost-sharing required?
No, cost-sharing is not required for this grant. However, matching funds may strengthen a competitive application.
What is the typical award size?
Awards can reach up to $6 million, but actual funding depends on proposal quality and available program budget. Check the specific NOFO for funding range details.
What are the application deadlines?
The deadline is September 7, 2027. Applications must be submitted by the posted deadline. Check the FAA website for rolling deadlines or multiple submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research directly with one of the seven listed priority topics. Vague proposals that don't map to FAA interests will be less competitive.
- Emphasize how your research benefits civil aviation long-term, not just immediate commercial applications. The FAA values foundational knowledge.
- Include a clear research timeline, methodology, and measurable outcomes. Reviewers want evidence you can execute the proposed work.
- Connect your team's expertise to the research questions. Highlight relevant prior publications and project experience in aviation or related fields.
- Submit well before the deadline and request internal review from experienced colleagues. Federal research proposals are competitive and require careful editing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that focus on short-term commercial gain instead of long-term aviation advancement often fail. Applications lacking clear connection to FAA research priorities or missing technical depth are rejected. Incomplete budgets, vague methodologies, or unrealistic timelines are common reasons for unfavorable reviews.
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