Tribal Colleges and Universities Program
TCUP provides grants to Tribal Colleges, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian institutions for STEM education, research, and outreach, with various tracks for capacity-building, faculty research, and partnerships.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: September 1, 2026 (TSETS) | October 15, 2026 – October 14, 2027 (TCUP Partnerships, CHAI, Pre-TI annual window) | January 4, 2027 (SGR) | January 11, 2027 (SGR, alternate cycle) | April 1, 2027 (TSIP, ICE-TI) | June 1, 2027 (TEA Centers)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,500,000 per award (TEA Centers); typical awards range from $150,000 (Pre-TI) to $2,500,000 (ICE-TI); estimated total program funding $10,799,836.
Summary: Supports capacity-building, research, and STEM education/outreach at Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-serving, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions through multiple funding tracks.
Key Information: Multiple deadlines and strands; eligibility restricted to designated institutions; see program page for strand-specific details.
Description
The U.S. National Science Foundation’s Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) provides funding to federally recognized Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. The program aims to increase the quality and impact of STEM education, research, and outreach within these institutions and their communities. TCUP supports a variety of project types, including comprehensive institutional capacity-building, targeted STEM education improvements, professional development for K–12 teachers, research by STEM faculty, cyberinfrastructure upgrades, and collaborative partnerships. The program is designed to broaden participation in STEM, enhance institutional capabilities, and foster sustainable improvements in STEM programs and research capacity.
