Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCU) Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Research and Development Infrastructure Grants Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education. This discretionary grant program is designed to strengthen the research capacity of eligible institutions by supporting large-scale, transformative investments in research infrastructure. The program reflects a federal commitment to expanding research activity and institutional competitiveness at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), particularly in alignment with national workforce and innovation priorities. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance research productivity, faculty expertise, graduate education, and institutional infrastructure. For HBCUs, the initiative is specifically intended to help institutions advance along the Carnegie Classification system, such as moving from Research Colleges and Universities to R2 status or from R2 to R1 status. For TCCUs, the focus is on expanding research activities, strengthening faculty development, and increasing student engagement in research. Across both institution types, the program emphasizes investments that will lead to increased external research funding and long-term institutional growth. Funding may be used across a wide range of allowable activities that directly support research infrastructure. These include constructing or improving research facilities, hiring and retaining faculty and research staff, supporting student internships and fellowships, developing academic programs, establishing research centers, and building data and collaboration systems. Funds may also support professional development, institutional capacity building, and the acquisition of research equipment. However, recipients must comply with federal sourcing requirements under the Build America Buy America Act, ensuring that materials used in infrastructure projects are produced in the United States unless a waiver is granted. A key requirement of this program is a mandatory cost-sharing component. Grantees must provide a one-to-one match of federal funds, which may include in-kind contributions. Indirect costs are capped at 8 percent of a modified total direct cost base. While there is no specific administrative cost cap, all expenses must be reasonable, necessary, and compliant with federal cost principles. The program prohibits subgrants for carrying out core project activities, ensuring that the primary applicant institution retains responsibility for implementation. Eligible applicants are limited to HBCUs and TCCUs as defined under federal law, including consortia led by an eligible institution. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and require prior registration with both SAM.gov and Grants.gov systems. The application package includes standard federal forms, a project narrative, budget narrative, abstract, and supporting documentation such as priority narratives and assurances. The review process involves peer evaluation based on criteria including project significance, design quality, resource adequacy, management plan, and evaluation strategy, with a total possible score of 100 points. The application window for this funding opportunity opened on May 21, 2026, and closes on June 23, 2026. The project period for awarded grants is 48 months. Approximately $15 million in total funding is available, with individual awards ranging from $2 million to $5 million. The program is expected to fund approximately five awards. Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with national priorities such as workforce development, artificial intelligence, energy innovation, and advanced manufacturing, and to demonstrate how their projects will contribute to sustainable institutional advancement and measurable research outcomes.

Align proposal with workforce and national innovation priorities; demonstrate measurable outcomes and strong evaluation design; clearly address absolute priority requirements; ensure budget justification aligns with project goals