Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Economic Development

The Growing Research Access for Nationally Transformative Economic Development (GRANTED) initiative is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency responsible for advancing science and engineering research and education in the United States. NSF plays a central role in maintaining national competitiveness through investments in research infrastructure and workforce development. The GRANTED program reflects NSF’s strategic emphasis on strengthening the underlying administrative and operational systems that support research activities, rather than funding direct scientific research projects. This initiative recognizes that a robust research enterprise depends not only on scientific discovery but also on the institutional capacity to manage, support, and translate research effectively. The primary purpose of the GRANTED program is to enhance the infrastructure of the research enterprise across U.S. organizations. This includes improving administrative systems, workforce training, and institutional processes that enable research development, compliance, analytics, and partnerships. The program seeks to promote scalable and sustainable models that increase research capacity and broaden participation in research activities nationwide. By focusing on systemic improvements, GRANTED aims to empower institutions to better compete for external funding and contribute to economic growth through research innovation and collaboration. Funding under this program is intended to support projects that address one or more of three core themes: improving research enterprise practices and processes, developing and strengthening the human capital involved in research administration, and translating effective practices across diverse organizational contexts. Allowable activities may include development of training programs, enhancement of administrative systems, creation of collaborative partnerships, and implementation of new operational models. The program explicitly excludes discipline-specific STEM research and training projects, emphasizing instead cross-cutting institutional improvements. Budget amounts and project durations are not fixed and must align with the scope of proposed activities, following NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Eligibility for the GRANTED program follows NSF’s general guidelines as outlined in the PAPPG, which typically include a wide range of U.S.-based organizations such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and other entities capable of supporting research infrastructure development. The program encourages inclusive participation and aims to expand the diversity of organizations and leadership involved in federally funded research. Prospective principal investigators are encouraged to engage with NSF program staff prior to submission to clarify alignment and expectations. The application process requires submission of a full proposal through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, in accordance with NSF’s standard proposal preparation guidelines. Applicants must ensure compliance with all requirements specified in the applicable version of the PAPPG at the time of submission. Proposals should clearly articulate the project’s goals, implementation strategies, anticipated outcomes, and potential for scalability and broader impact. Evaluation criteria focus on the potential to improve research capacity, foster collaboration, and address structural challenges within the research enterprise. There are currently no active submission deadlines for this program, as it is awaiting a new publication cycle. Historically, NSF programs may operate on recurring cycles, but specific timelines, including opening and closing dates, have not been announced for the next round. Interested applicants should monitor NSF updates and may participate in informational events such as office hours or webinars when available. Award decisions and project timelines will depend on future program announcements and proposal review processes. For inquiries, applicants may contact the GRANTED program team directly via email at granted@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-4368. NSF also provides additional resources and guidance through its official website, including access to previously funded projects and program updates. Overall, the GRANTED initiative represents a strategic investment in the foundational systems that enable research excellence and economic impact across the United States.