Tribal Colleges and Universities Program

The Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP) is administered by the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote the progress of science and advance national health, prosperity, and welfare through research and education. TCUP is designed specifically to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and research capacity at federally recognized Tribal Colleges and Universities, as well as Alaska Native-serving and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions. The program aligns with NSF’s broader mandate to increase participation of historically underrepresented populations in STEM fields and to build a robust, inclusive national workforce capable of contributing to global scientific advancement. The primary purpose of TCUP is to support transformative institutional capacity-building, community engagement, and research initiatives that improve STEM education quality and expand opportunities for Native students. The program includes multiple funding tracks, such as Instructional Capacity Excellence in TCUP Institutions, Targeted STEM Infusion Projects, TCUP for Secondary and Elementary Teachers in STEM, TCU Enterprise Advancement Centers, Cyberinfrastructure Health, Assistance, and Improvements, Preparing for TCUP Implementation, TCUP Partnerships, and Small Grants for Research. Each track addresses different institutional needs, ranging from infrastructure development and curriculum enhancement to faculty research and community-based STEM initiatives. Funding under TCUP supports a wide range of allowable uses, including curriculum development, acquisition of laboratory and computing equipment, faculty professional development, student research opportunities, community engagement activities, and improvements to institutional cyberinfrastructure. Certain restrictions apply depending on the funding track. For example, construction of facilities is generally not supported, though modest renovations tied to STEM equipment may be allowable. Cost sharing is explicitly prohibited, and applicants must follow NSF budgetary guidelines, including limitations on equipment costs and personnel expenses in specific tracks. Eligibility for TCUP is limited to federally recognized Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions that meet federal enrollment criteria. Collaborative proposals may include non-TCUP institutions, but a TCUP-eligible institution must serve as the lead applicant. Principal investigators are typically senior academic leaders or STEM faculty members, depending on the funding track. Proposals must adhere to NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide and include required components such as a project description, evaluation plan, dissemination strategy, and budget justification. Applications are submitted electronically through Research.gov or Grants.gov. The submission process requires completion of a full proposal package, including detailed narratives, institutional certifications, and compliance with formatting and content guidelines. Evaluation of proposals is conducted through NSF’s merit review process, which assesses both intellectual merit and broader impacts. Reviewers consider the potential of the project to advance knowledge, improve STEM education outcomes, and benefit society, as well as the feasibility and organization of the proposed activities. The program operates on multiple recurring deadlines depending on the funding track. For example, several tracks have annual deadlines such as January 4, April 1, June 1, and September 1. These recurring deadlines indicate that TCUP is an ongoing funding opportunity with predictable annual cycles. Awards are typically announced within approximately six months after submission, and project periods vary by track, ranging from one year to up to five years. General inquiries can be directed to the NSF via email at tcup@nsf.gov or by phone at 703-292-8640.

Align proposal strongly with NSF intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria; demonstrate measurable STEM capacity improvements and sustainability