[National Endowment for the Arts](https://www.arts.gov)

March 23, 2026: Part 1 (Grants.gov) submission deadline | April 2, 2026: Part 2 (NEA Applicant Portal) submission deadline

$100,000–$300,000 per award; up to 4 awards; project period typically up to 2 years.

Supports transdisciplinary research teams to advance public knowledge about the arts and their impact on individuals, communities, and society.

--- ## Description The NEA Research Labs program funds long-term, transdisciplinary research projects designed to build public knowledge about the arts and their contributions to American life. Each Lab is expected to conduct multiple empirical studies and produce a suite of products or services that disseminate findings to a broad audience. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and aims to generate evidence that informs policy, practice, and public understanding of the arts’ role in society. --- ## Due Dates - March 23, 2026: Part 1 (Grants.gov) submission deadline – Application package due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time - April 2, 2026: Part 2 (NEA Applicant Portal) submission deadline – Grant Application Form due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $100,000–$300,000 per project - Expected number of awards: 4 - Project period: Up to 2 years - No cost-sharing or matching requirement --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - U.S. institutions of higher education (public and private) - Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations - State, county, city, township, or special district governments - Independent school districts - Federally recognized Native American tribal governments Additional requirements: - Applicant organizations must have at least five years of experience commissioning and conducting research in the behavioral or social sciences, and in communicating research findings and policy implications. - Individuals, for-profit entities, State Arts Agencies, and Regional Arts Organizations are not eligible. --- ## Application Process 1. **Registration**: Register your organization with [Login.gov](https://login.gov), [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/content/home), and [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). Registration may take several weeks. 2. **Part 1: Grants.gov Submission**: Complete and submit the Application for Federal Domestic Assistance/Short Organization Form via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361296) by March 23, 2026. 3. **Part 2: NEA Applicant Portal**: Complete and submit the Grant Application Form (GAF) through the [NEA Applicant Portal](https://applicantportal.arts.gov/) by April 2, 2026. 4. **Review**: Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and merit according to the program guidelines. Detailed instructions and required forms are available in the [Research Labs Application Instructions](https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/fy27-labs-application-instructions-final-2.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Program guidelines, FAQs, and resources are available on the [NEA Research Awards page](https://www.arts.gov/grants/research-awards). - Notification of funding decisions is expected in November 2026. - Earliest project start date is January 1, 2027. --- ## External Links - [NEA Research Labs Program Guidelines](https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/fy27-labs-program-guidelines-final.pdf) - [Research Labs Application Instructions](https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/fy27-labs-application-instructions-final-2.pdf) - [Program Overview & Resources](https://www.arts.gov/grants/research-awards) - [Apply via Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361296) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |----------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------| | NEA Research Grants | NEAResearchGrants@arts.gov | 202-682-5400 | For additional staff contacts, see the [NEA Leadership & Staff page](https://www.arts.gov/about/leadership-staff).

NEA Research Labs FY 2027

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