FY26 DEFENSE ESTABLISHED PROGRAM TO STIMULATE COMPETITIVE RESEARCH (DEPSCoR) CAPACITY BUILDING (CB)
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
Funding Amounts: $750,000–$1,500,000 per award (up to 2 years); ~$6,000,000 total program funding; 1–4 awards expected
Summary: Supports capacity building for basic research excellence in science and engineering at eligible institutions in DEPSCoR states/territories, aligned with Department of Defense priorities.
Description
This funding opportunity, administered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), aims to strengthen the research capabilities of institutions of higher education (IHEs) in eligible DEPSCoR states and territories. The program seeks to increase the number of university researchers capable of conducting science and engineering research relevant to the Department of Defense (DoD), enhance institutional capacity to compete for federal research funding, and foster long-term growth in competitively awarded DoD research support. Awards will support strategic initiatives that develop, plan, and execute basic research aligned with DoD missions.
