FY26 DEFENSE ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH (DEPSCoR) CAPACITY BUILDING (CB)
Limited submission
The FY26 DEPSCoR Capacity Building grant offers up to $6M to help universities in eligible states strengthen their science and engineering research capabilities relevant to Department of Defense needs.
Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research
Due Dates: April 5, 2027: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: $750,000–$1,500,000 per award over 2 years; up to $6 million total program funding; 1–4 awards expected
Summary: Supports capacity building in basic research at IHEs in DEPSCoR-eligible states/territories to enhance DoD-relevant science and engineering research.
Key Information: Invitation-only full proposals; White Paper required; only one application per institution.
Description
This opportunity, administered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) under the Department of Defense (DoD), funds capacity building in basic research at institutions of higher education (IHEs) located in states and territories eligible under the Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR). The goal is to develop and expand research infrastructure and capabilities in areas of high relevance to the DoD, thus increasing competitiveness in federal research funding and supporting national security priorities. Projects must focus on basic research (not applied research) and are expected to include strategic plans for research capacity growth, regional engagement, and long-term sustainability beyond the award period.
