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Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)

U.S. National Science Foundation

Open
OpenLast verified: 2026-10-13

About This Grant

CAREER: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from early-career faculty at all CAREER-eligible organizations. PECASE: Each year NSF selects nominees for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from among the most meritorious recent CAREER awardees. Selection for this award is based on two important criteria: The criteria are 1) performance of innovative research at the frontiers of science, engineering, and technology that is relevant to the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency; and 2) community service demonstrated through scientific leadership, education or community outreach. These awards foster innovative developments in science and technology, increase awareness of careers in science and engineering, give recognition to the scientific missions of the participating agencies, enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals, and highlight the importance of science and technology for the Nation s future. Individuals cannot apply for PECASE. These awards are initiated by the participating federal agencies. At NSF, up to twenty-six nominees for this award are selected each year from among the PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees most likely to become the leaders of academic research and education in the twenty-first century. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy makes the final selection and announcement of the awardees.

Grant Summary

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is a U.S. National Science Foundation grant providing at least $400K for university, community college, nonprofit. Applications are due 2027-07-28 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.

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Focus Areas

sciencetechnology

Eligibility

universitycommunity collegenonprofit

How to Apply

Funding Range

From $400K

Deadline

2027-07-28

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) from U.S. National Science Foundation, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
  2. 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
  3. 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
  4. 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to U.S. National Science Foundation before the deadline.
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Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER): Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)?

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) is offered by U.S. National Science Foundation. The listing names these applicant types: university, community college, nonprofit. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. The funder's eligibility section is the authority, so confirm your organization type, location, and the population or project served against it before applying.

How much funding does the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) provide?

Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) provides at least $400K per award from U.S. National Science Foundation; no maximum is published. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs.

When is the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) deadline?

Applications for Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) are due 2027-07-28 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, U.S. National Science Foundation, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.

How do you apply for the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER)?

To apply for Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER), confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from U.S. National Science Foundation.

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