FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program
🏛 Office of Science
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and institutions advancing scientific research supported by the Office of Science. Eligible applicants include universities, national laboratories, nonprofit research organizations, and some for-profit entities. All applicants must have institutional infrastructure and qualified personnel to conduct federally-funded research. This is a competitive program with strict compliance and reporting requirements.
This grant is for researchers and institutions advancing scientific research supported by the Office of Science. Eligible applicants include universities, national laboratories, nonprofit research organizations, and some for-profit entities. All applicants must have institutional infrastructure and qualified personnel to conduct federally-funded research. This is a competitive program with strict compliance and reporting requirements.
Program description
The Office of Science (SC) of the Department of Energy (DOE) hereby announces its continuing interest in receiving applications for support of work in the following program areas: Advanced Scientific Computing Research, Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, Fusion Energy Sciences, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Isotope R&D and Production. On September 3, 1992, DOE published in the Federal Register the Office of Energy Research Financial Assistance Program (now called the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program), 10 CFR 605, as a Final Rule, which contained a solicitation for this program. Information about submission of applications, eligibility, limitations, evaluation and selection processes and other policies and procedures are specified in 10 CFR 605.
This NOFO is our annual open solicitation that covers all research areas in SC and is open throughout the Fiscal Year. Any research within SC’s Congressionally authorized mission may be proposed under this NOFO.
This NOFO will remain open until September 30, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time, or until it is succeeded by another issuance, whichever occurs first. This NOFO succeeds DE-FOA-0003432, which was published September 30, 2024.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for researchers and institutions advancing scientific research supported by the Office of Science. Eligible applicants include universities, national laboratories, nonprofit research organizations, and some for-profit entities. All applicants must have institutional infrastructure and qualified personnel to conduct federally-funded research. This is a competitive program with strict compliance and reporting requirements.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 Federal Application for Grants and Cooperative Agreements
- Project Narrative or Research Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches of Key Personnel
- Institutional Certification and Assurance Forms
- Letters of Institutional Support or Commitment
- Prior Award Report (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Michael S Zarkin Grants Management Specialist
- 📧 sc.opencall@science.doe.gov
- 📞 301-903-4946
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 81.049 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,196,474,884
-
$836,082,435
-
$396,718,000
-
$241,000,000
-
$237,065,653
-
$197,476,477
-
$126,425,786
-
$120,067,617
-
$78,303,346
-
$76,691,103
Top States by Funding
- CA 19 awards $1,758.0M
- MI 6 awards $1,410.1M
- MA 12 awards $366.3M
- WI 5 awards $341.9M
- IL 4 awards $271.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this Office of Science grant?
Universities, national labs, nonprofits, and qualifying for-profit research organizations can apply. Your institution must have the capacity to administer federal funds and comply with reporting requirements.
What is the deadline?
The application opens September 30, 2025, and closes September 30, 2026. This is a full-year window for submissions.
What types of research does this support?
Office of Science grants fund basic and applied research across physics, biology, chemistry, materials science, and related fields. Specific programs vary by year and funding priority.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Applicants are evaluated on scientific merit, feasibility, and institutional capacity. Strong track records and preliminary data improve chances significantly.
How much funding is available?
Award amounts vary widely by research area and project scope. Typical awards range from six figures to several million dollars for multi-year projects.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build your budget on actual project costs and staff time, not estimated percentages or round numbers.
- Include letters of support from collaborators and institutional officials showing genuine commitment and resources.
- Address all selection criteria explicitly in your narrative; reviewers score based on merit review panels' feedback.
- Provide preliminary data or published work demonstrating feasibility of your proposed approach.
- Clearly describe how your research advances one or more Office of Science scientific mission areas.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the complexity of federal compliance and reporting requirements. Failing to demonstrate clear scientific merit or sufficient preliminary evidence of feasibility. Submitting vague budgets without detailed justification for personnel, equipment, and travel costs.
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