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National Science Foundation

Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)

Funds research centres at minority-serving institutions, with a preliminary proposal and an NSF invitation required before the full one.

OpenNational Science FoundationUnited States

CREST funds whole research centres at minority-serving institutions, to build research capability rather than to pay for one project. A centre is expected to integrate education and research, raise the research productivity of individual faculty, and bring in students historically underrepresented in science and engineering.

NSF sets a high bar for what a successful centre does: reach national re…

Establishing and running research centres at minority-serving institutions that integrate education and research in an NSF-supported field, build institutional research capability, and broaden participation in science and engineering. Phase I funds five years on a topic; Phase II continues or redirects it.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.4 Dec 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$8M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: 23-595Source: www.grants.gov