Empowering Research Excellence

Unlocking Opportunities for EPSCoR Jurisdictions

Discover how EPSCoR co-funding accelerates research and innovation by supporting meritorious proposals across diverse scientific domains.

Photo of Dr. Deb Jaisi and two students in the lab

Apply for the EPSCoR Core Fee Waiver – Seed Funding Today!

Unlock funding support for your research with the EPSCoR Core Fee Waiver.

Apply now to receive seed funding that helps cover core facility fees and advance your project.

Don’t miss this opportunity—submit your request today!

About NSF EPSCoR Co-Funding

NSF EPSCoR co-funding is designed to enhance the competitiveness of researchers and institutions within EPSCoR jurisdictions by providing joint support for high-quality proposals. The program aims to increase participation in NSF’s research and education initiatives, foster regional and national collaborations, and broaden the inclusion of underrepresented groups in science and engineering fields. By co-funding proposals that might otherwise go unfunded, EPSCoR ensures that promising research projects receive the necessary resources to thrive.

EPSCoR CoFunding

Key Characteristics for Co-Funding Success

New Investigator Support

Priority is given to proposals from researchers who have not recently received NSF awards, encouraging fresh perspectives and innovation.

Collaborative Efforts

Proposals demonstrating collaboration within and across jurisdictions, and at various levels, are highly favored for co-funding.

Cross-Disciplinary Projects

Projects that span multiple disciplines or directorates are more likely to receive co-funding, promoting interdisciplinary research.

Upcoming Federal Grant Opportunities

EPSCoR also works to keep Delaware researchers informed of federal grant and fellowship opportunities that are relevant to our mission. Here are some upcoming opportunities of interest: Federal programs that sponsor environmental research:

U.S. Department of Energy

Participate in the DOE’s broad annual solicitation for environmental research funding.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stay updated with EPA’s Requests for Applications (RFAs) for environmental research grants. Sign up here to be notified when EPA RFAs are published.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events

Access grants aimed at improving infrastructure resilience to extreme environmental events.

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

Participate in initiatives that advance materials research with environmental applications.

EPSCoR Co-Funding FAQs

Find answers to common questions about EPSCoR co-funding and grant opportunities.

What is EPSCoR co-funding?

EPSCoR co-funding is a mechanism to support meritorious proposals that might not receive funding due to budget constraints.

How can I apply for EPSCoR co-funding?

Proposals are not directly submitted to EPSCoR. Instead, they are considered for co-funding after NSF’s merit review process.

Who is eligible for EPSCoR co-funding?

Researchers from EPSCoR jurisdictions who submit proposals to NSF programs are eligible for co-funding consideration.

What types of projects are prioritized for co-funding?

Projects that enhance collaboration, involve underrepresented groups, or align with NSF priorities are prioritized.

Can EPSCoR funds be transferred if a PI moves institutions?

No, EPSCoR funds must remain within EPSCoR institutions and cannot be transferred to non-EPSCoR institutions.

How does EPSCoR co-funding benefit researchers?

It increases funding opportunities for projects that might otherwise be unfunded, enhancing research capabilities.

What is the role of the managing program officer in co-funding?

The officer decides on award recommendations and can request EPSCoR co-funding for eligible proposals.

How does EPSCoR support regional and national collaborations?

EPSCoR encourages partnerships across jurisdictions, fostering broader participation in NSF programs.

What are the benefits of participating in EPSCoR programs?

Participants gain access to additional funding, networking opportunities, and enhanced research visibility.

Unlock Your Research Potential

Join Delaware EPSCoR in advancing your research by applying for our funding programs or signing up for timely updates on new grant opportunities. Empower your projects with the resources you need to succeed.