Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program
🏛 Office of Postsecondary Education
Can you apply?
This grant is for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) seeking to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure.
Eligible institutions must be accredited HBCUs or TCCUs. Institutions may apply for funds to invest in research infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, equipment, and technology systems.
Projects may include developing graduate programs, expanding faculty research capacity, and establishing partnerships to support sustained external funding. Applicants should consult the Notice Inviting Applications for detailed eligibility requirements and institutional documentation needed.
This grant is for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) seeking to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure.
Eligible institutions must be accredited HBCUs or TCCUs. Institutions may apply for funds to invest in research infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, equipment, and technology systems.
Projects may include developing graduate programs, expanding faculty research capacity, and establishing partnerships to support sustained external funding. Applicants should consult the Notice Inviting Applications for detailed eligibility requirements and institutional documentation needed.
Program description
The RDI grant program is designed to provide HBCUs and TCCUs with funds to implement transformational investments in research infrastructure, including research productivity, faculty expertise, graduate programs, physical infrastructure, human capital development, and partnerships leading to increases in external and sustained funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) seeking to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure.
Eligible institutions must be accredited HBCUs or TCCUs. Institutions may apply for funds to invest in research infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, equipment, and technology systems.
Projects may include developing graduate programs, expanding faculty research capacity, and establishing partnerships to support sustained external funding. Applicants should consult the Notice Inviting Applications for detailed eligibility requirements and institutional documentation needed.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Education Assistance)
- Project narrative describing infrastructure strategy and research goals
- Institutional commitment letters
- Budget narrative and detailed budget
- Evidence of accreditation
- Letters of support from research partners or collaborating institutions
Program contact
- 👤 Office of Postsecondary Education
- 📧 shakir.davy@ed.gov
- 📞 202-693-2606
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.116 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$50,000,000
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,000,000
-
$7,972,036
-
$7,959,963
-
$7,844,905
-
$7,800,000
-
$7,578,694
-
$7,319,134
-
$7,299,868
Top States by Funding
- AL 4 awards $70.7M
- CA 12 awards $48.1M
- TX 10 awards $43.1M
- NY 7 awards $30.1M
- GA 6 awards $26.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
HBCUs and TCCUs that are accredited institutions. See the ANI for specific institutional eligibility requirements.
What types of projects are funded?
Research infrastructure investments including facilities, equipment, faculty development, graduate programs, and partnerships to increase external funding.
What is the funding range?
Awards range from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000. No cost-sharing match is required.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is June 23, 2026. Check the official announcement for any updates.
Can institutions apply for infrastructure equipment purchases?
Yes. Equipment and physical infrastructure are core allowable categories in this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Demonstrate institutional commitment through letters of support from leadership and partners who will sustain investments beyond the grant period.
- Develop a clear research infrastructure strategic plan aligned with your institution's research priorities and capacity-building goals.
- Show how investments will increase external research funding and create sustainable revenue streams for the institution.
- Include realistic timelines and measurable outcomes for infrastructure deployment and researcher workforce development.
- Highlight partnerships with other institutions, industry, or national labs that will leverage grant investments.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack credible evidence that infrastructure investments will be sustained beyond grant funding. Proposals fail to identify specific external funding targets or realistic pathways to research revenue growth. Plans miss institutional buy-in or omit commitments to maintain and staff new research facilities.
Similar grants
- OPEN 27-0343-10 FFY27 Local Agency General Non-Enforcement — Illinois Department of Transportation
- CLOSED Virginia’s Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) Grant – FY26 — Virginia The Virginia Department of Historic Resources
- OPEN FWP Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program Grant Cycle 2026 — Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
- CLOSED 2023 AGR Potato Research and Market Development Program — Montana Department of Agriculture
- CLOSED 2022 AGR Potato Research and Market Development Program — Montana Department of Agriculture