Single Source: Resource Center for the Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) Program
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 28, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for resource-limited institutions that serve regions with limited historical NIH research participation. Eligible institutions build research capacity through supported investigator-initiated research projects. Strong student participation is required in funded research activities.
Only institutions designated as SuRE-eligible may apply. The SuRE Resource Center provides support and guidance to eligible organizations during the application process. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to research excellence and student mentorship.
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Key dates
- May 27, 2026 Applications open
- May 25, 2027 Application deadline in 300 days
- Aug 1, 2028 Award announced
- Aug 1, 2028 Project start
Program description
The Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) program aims to develop and sustain research excellence at resource-limited institutions, many of which disproportionately serve regions of the U.S. that have not historically participated in substantial NIH research, by supporting investigator-initiated research with strong student participation. A SuRE Resource Center has been established to enhance the administrative research infrastructure of SuRE-eligible institutions and to provide services to advise investigators who are interested in applying for a SuRE award. Specifically, the Resource Center: (1) assists institutions with building research capacity, (2) conducts outreach and training to professional staff and faculty at eligible institutions, and (3) collects and reports data relevant to the goals of the program.
This is a Forecast for a Single Source that will invite an application from an eligible organization to apply. Please see Eligibility Section for additional information. In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application will be peer-reviewed, and only a meritorious application will be considered for funding.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (NIH standard format)
- Project narrative/research proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional commitment letter
- Biographical sketches of key personnel
- Letters of support from collaborators
- Documentation of student participation plan
Program contact
- 👤 NIGMS SuRE
- 📧 NIGMSSuRE@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.859 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$59,464,779
-
$57,271,194
-
$56,019,458
-
$54,912,096
-
$54,651,054
-
$53,329,877
-
$52,858,544
-
$52,347,059
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$52,026,661
-
$50,213,436
Top States by Funding
- OK 5 awards $143.9M
- ME 4 awards $143.3M
- MS 4 awards $135.1M
- NY 5 awards $131.6M
- CA 5 awards $129.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.859). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,085,929,426 | |
| 2025 | $3,092,472,727 | |
| 2026 est. | $3,093,422,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for the SuRE program?
Resource-limited institutions serving underrepresented regions with limited prior NIH research participation. Check the SuRE Resource Center to confirm your institution's eligibility.
What type of research does SuRE support?
Investigator-initiated research projects with significant student participation. The program emphasizes capacity building and research excellence at eligible institutions.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 25, 2027. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
What makes a competitive SuRE application?
Strong research plans, clear student involvement, institutional support, and evidence of capacity-building potential. Alignment with the program's goals of developing research excellence matters.
Is there cost-sharing required?
No. Cost sharing is not required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the SuRE Resource Center early. They provide technical assistance and training to help you develop a strong application and understand eligibility requirements.
- Emphasize student participation clearly. Detail how your research will mentor and train students, as this is central to SuRE's mission.
- Show capacity-building impact. Explain how the award will strengthen your institution's research infrastructure and position it for future NIH funding.
- Demonstrate institutional commitment. Include letters of support and evidence that your organization backs the proposed research and student mentorship.
- Use the Resource Center's training resources. Attend their workshops on proposal development and research administration specific to SuRE requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to emphasize student participation and mentorship in the research plan. Weak institutional support or lack of commitment to building research capacity. Applying without confirming your institution's SuRE eligibility status beforehand.
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