UTC RAVE Alert

External Funding

ORSP recommends the following resources to find external funding opportunities that meet your specific research/project areas.

ORSP also works with individual PIs to develop Research Strategic Plans. This is especially encouraged for early career faculty looking to plan out funding opportunities over the next 3-5 years. Visit our Bookings page to schedule your initial consultation or reach out to one of our Pre-Award staff directly.

 

Federal Grants
  • Grants.gov - A comprehensive site for federal programs
  • Federal Register - Grant and contract notices, rules and proposed rules from federal agencies
Other Resources
  • Pivot – Database for a broad range of funding opportunities, sponsored by the UTC Library through September 30, 2026.
  • Proposal Central – Database for scientific research funding opportunities
  • Philanthropy News Digest - Daily news bulletin for new, predominantly foundation-sponsored funding opportunities.

Early CAREER Programs

National Science Foundation

Engineering Research Initiation (ERI)
This program targets early career faculty at non-R1 institutions whose research aligns with ENG directorate funding interests. Eligibility is limited to PIs who have not received federal funding as PI or Co-PI. Proposals are due to NSF each September. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Computer and Information Science and Engineering Research Initiation Initiative (CRII)
This program targets early career faculty at non-R1 institutions whose research aligns with CISE directorate funding interests. Eligibility is limited to PIs who have not received federal funding as PI or Co-PI. Proposals are due to NSF each September. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Launching Early Career Academic Pathways in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (LEAPS-MPS)
This program targets early career faculty at non-R1 institutions whose research aligns with MPS directorate funding interests. Eligibility is limited to PIs who have not received prior NSF funding as PI or Co-PI. Applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals are due to NSF each January. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

EDU Core Research: Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (ECR: BCSER)
The goal of the program is to help PIs build capacity to conduct STEM education research. The Investigators New to STEM Education Research track specifically targets faculty with no prior STEM Education research experience, but it is not exclusive to early career faculty. Applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals are due to NSF each February. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Building Research Capacity of New Faculty in Biology (BRC-BIO)
This program targets early career faculty within the first 3 years of their appointment at non-R1 institutions whose research aligns with BIO directorate funding interests. Eligibility limitations apply. Applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals are due to NSF each July. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)
CAREER is a prestigious NSF-wide program that provides 5 years of support for early-career faculty to build a strong foundation as researchers and educators in their discipline. PI eligibility restrictions apply. Proposals are due to NSF each July. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here. Templates are available for CAREER proposal materials here.

US Department of Defense

Young Investigator Program
This program targets early career faculty whose research aligns with DOD funding interests. Eligibility restrictions and deadlines vary by Office. Learn more about the program by visiting the links for each Office below:

US Department of Energy

Early Career Research Program
This program targets early career faculty whose research aligns with DOE Office of Science funding interests. Eligibility is limited to untenured, tenure-track assistant or associate professors. Pre-applications are due to DOE each January. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Recurring Funding Opportunities by Sponsor:

National Endowment for the Humanities

Humanities Initiatives at Colleges and Universities
This program funds the development of new or enhancement of existing humanities programs, resources, or courses at institutions of higher education. Projects of all sizes and scopes are accepted; however, they must be organized around a core topic or set of humanities-focused themes. Proposals are due to NEH in May, annually. Learn more about the program here.

Humanities Connections
This program funds the development and implementation of new majors, minors, or other curricular approaches that integrate the humanities with traditionally non-humanities related disciplines (e.g., social sciences, natural sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, law, computer science, etc.). Experiential learning opportunities must be embedded in the proposed curriculum. Project teams must consist of faculty from two or more departments/ disciplines. Proposals are due to NEH in September, annually. Learn more about the program here.

Summer Stipends*
*This is a limited submission opportunity. See ORSP’s webpage for more information about eligibility and the internal competition process. This program supports individuals for two consecutive full-time months as they conduct humanities-based research and/or write and edit manuscripts. Grants are awarded directly to individuals. Funds may be used for summer salary, travel, and other costs related to the proposed scholarly research. Proposals are due to NEH in September, annually. Learn more about the program here.

Fellowships
Individuals may apply to NEH for fellowships lasting 6 months to 1 year to research, write, or edit humanities-related books, monographs, articles, e-books, digital materials, translations, or editions. Projects may be at any stage of development. Independent scholars and junior scholars are especially encouraged to apply. Proposals are due to NEH in April, annually. Learn more about the program here.

Public Scholars
This program funds the creation of humanities-based nonfiction books written for the broad public. While books should be well-researched, they should be written to be approachable for the broadest possible range of readers. Grants are awarded directly to individuals. Eligibility restrictions apply. Funds may be used for summer salary, travel, and other activities leading to publication. Proposals are due to NEH in November/December, annually. Learn more here.

Scholarly Editions and Scholarly Translations
This program funds collaborative teams of two or more scholars as they edit, annotate, and translate foundational humanities texts that are currently inaccessible or limitedly available. Maximum award and period of performance vary by stage of proposal. Funds are awarded to an organization, not individuals. Proposals are due to NEH in November/December, annually. Learn more here.

Archaeological and Ethnographic Field Research
This program funds humanities-focused field research by individual PIs or collaborative teams. Research may employ archaeological or ethnographic methods. Awards are up to $150,000 for up to 3 years. Proposals are due to NEH in September, annually. Learn more here.

Collaborative Research
This program funds humanities-themed research collaborations between two or more scholars from one or more institutions. International collaborations are permitted providing the project director is US based. Projects that incorporate multiple perspectives and explore new lines of inquiry are encouraged. Project deliverables must include a tangible outcome, such as a co-authored book, article series, open-access resources, etc. Proposals are due to NEH in November/December, annually. Learn more here.

Institutes
NEH accepts proposals for Institutes serving either college faculty or K-12 educators over 1-4 weeks. Institutes must focus on humanities themes and serve 25+ participants from across the US. They may be residential, virtual, or a combination of both. Participants should complete the institute with increased capacity for teaching and scholarship. Both types of proposals are due to NEH in February, annually. Learn more about Institutes for Higher Education Faculty here. Learn more about Institutes for K-12 Educators here.

Landmarks of American History and Culture
This program funds in-person or virtual projects that provide an opportunity for K-12 educators to explore humanities topics and themes of historic or cultural significance in a situational context. Projects should consist of two, 1-week sessions serving 36 participants each (72 total). Projects may focus on monuments and memorials, landscapes, digital resources, etc. Proposals are due to NEH in February, annually. Learn more here.

Public Humanities Projects
This program funds public programming that explores humanities themes in existing scholarship. Projects should reach a broad, diverse public audience in a non-classroom setting and utilize unique interpretative formats. The program has two proposal deadlines each year: January and August. Learn more about the program here.

Digital Projects for the Public
This program supports the development and implementation of digital platforms and formats that present humanities content in an interactive, easy to understand way. Projects should have broad appeal to the general public. Proposals are due to NEH in June, annually. Learn more here.

Dialogues on the Experience of War
This program funds humanities-focused discussion series that address the lived experiences of war and military service to help US military veterans and others think more deeply about these issues. Project teams must include humanities scholars and military veterans. Proposals are due to NEH in September, annually. Learn more about the program here.

National Institutes of Health

R15 Research Enhancement Award
UTC is an R15-eligible institution. The R15 supports small-scale research projects in the biomedical sciences. There are two types of proposals: AREA (for undergraduate focused colleges) and REAP (for health professional and graduate schools). To be eligible, the PI must not hold an active NIH research grant. The budget is limited to $300,000 in direct costs over 3 years. Projects should include paid undergraduate student researchers as part of the budget. The standard R15 submission deadlines are February 25, June 25, and October 25, annually. Learn more here.

National Science Foundation

Facilitating Research at Primarily Undergraduate Institutions (RUI)
UTC is an RUI-eligible institution. The RUI program supports individual or collaborative research projects involving PUI faculty and students. Faculty interested in submitting an RUI proposal must first identify an existing NSF program to attach the RUI designation to. Supplements to existing NSF awards (ROAs) may be possible through this program with PO approval. Learn more about the program here.

Mid-Career Advancement (MCA)
MCA provides researchers at the Associate Professor rank with protected time and resources to substantively enhance and advance. Proposals should include partnerships with other institutions and aim to either investigate existing problems from a new perspective or identify new problems using new methodology or expertise. Cross- and inter-disciplinary projects are encouraged. Proposals are due to NSF each February. Only some directorates participate in this program. Learn more here.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites
REU Sites provide summer or calendar year research experiences for undergraduates. Because the majority of participants must come from other institutions, this is an excellent graduate school recruitment tool! Budget restrictions apply. Proposals are due to NSF each August. REU supplements are also available for some active NSF projects with PO approval. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here.

Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) Sites
RET Sites provide summer research experiences for K-14 educators. Currently only the Directorates for Engineering (ENG) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) participate in this program. Budget restrictions apply. Proposals are due to NSF each October. Learn more about the program and register for upcoming webinars here. RET supplements to proposals and active NSF awards in GEO and BIO are also allowable with PO approval.

International Research Experiences for Students (IRES)
IRES Sites supports international research opportunities for US undergraduate and graduate students. The program is similar to REUs but held at an international site with mentorship from researchers a host lab. PIs may alternatively propose an Advanced Studies Institute, which provides a 10- to 20-day course for graduate students hosted by an international collaborator. Both types of proposals are due in September annually. Learn more about the program here.

Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM)*
*This is a limited submission opportunity. See ORSP’s webpage for more information about eligibility and the internal competition process. S-STEM awards provide scholarships and support services to undergraduate students majoring in NSF-eligible disciplines. UTC is eligible for Track 2 (single institution), Track 3 (inter-institutional consortia), and Collaborative Planning proposals. Learn more about the program here.

Major Research Instrumentation (MRI)*
*This is a limited submission opportunity. See ORSP’s webpage for more information about eligibility and the internal competition process. MRI provides support to acquire critical research instrumentation to advance fundamental science and engineering research. UTC can submit three applications to this program each year: 2 proposals to acquire instrumentation costing between $100,000 - $1 million, and 1 proposal to acquire instrumentation costing more than $1 million. Learn more about the program here.

Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education (IUSE: EDU)
IUSE: EDU funds projects that research the integration of STEM learning tools and techniques into undergraduate education. Proposals may design new tools/methods or adapt and implement existing evidence-based practices into STEM teaching and learning. Projects should have strong broader impacts for student diversity/achievement, professional development, institutional partnerships, etc. Proposal deadlines vary by track and level. Learn more here.

Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
ITEST funds projects that research the inclusive integration of technology in K-12 STEM learning. Projects may be at the theoretical design/exploration stage, the development and implementation stage, or the scaling and expansion stage. Conferences and workshop proposals are also accepted. All proposals must include partnerships for career and workforce preparation and address equity in STEM. Proposals are due to NSF each August. Learn more about the program here.

NSF Broadening Participation in Engineering (BPE)
This program funds humanities-themed research collaborations between two or more scholars from one or more institutions. International collaborations are permitted providing the project director is US based. Projects that incorporate multiple perspectives and explore new lines of inquiry are encouraged. Project deliverables must include a tangible outcome, such as a co-authored book, article series, open-access resources, etc. Proposals are due to NSF in December, annually. Learn more here.

NSF Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Sciences (INCLUDES)*
*This is a limited submission opportunity. UTC is limited to one Alliance proposal as lead institution per cycle. If you are interested in applying to this program, contact [email protected] immediately. See ORSP’s webpage for more information about the internal competition process. This program funds alliances of two or more institutions to develop and implement strategies to broaden participation in STEM. Alliances must have their own vision and goals but also work with other organizations in the NSF INCLUDES National Network. Learn more about the program here. Proposals are due to NSF in October, annually.

Discipline-Specific Programs
Each NSF Directorate maintains a list of open funding opportunities, some of which have no deadline or have multiple deadlines per year. See the links below for more details.

US Department of Agriculture

The Offices of the US Department of Agriculture issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by USDA Office below:

US Department of Defense

The Offices of the US Department of Defense issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by DOD Office below:

Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP)
DURIP funds the acquisition of research instrumentation to build institutional capacity to conduct research in areas of interest to DOD. The solicitation is revised and re-released annually, so the deadline varies from year to year. Learn more about the program by reviewing the prior year’s FOA here.

Multidisciplinary University Research Initiatives (MURI) Program
MURI funds interdisciplinary research projects focused on high priority topics. Priority topics are updated each year and are specific to each DOD office. The deadline varies by participating Office. Learn more about the program by reviewing the program pages below:

US Department of Education

The Offices of the US Department of Education issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by US ED Office below:

Department of Energy

The Offices of the Department of Energy issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by DOE Office below:

US Department of Justice

The Offices of the Department of Justice issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by DOJ Office below:

US Department of Transportation

The Offices of the Department of Transportation issue Funding Opportunity Announcements that align with their funding priorities.

Explore open funding opportunities by DOT Office below:

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