# EDU Core Research (ECR:Core)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/21-588-edu-core-research-ecr-core/  
Official notice: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362422

> U.S. National Science Foundation offered grants of up to $2.5 million (at least $500,000) to any type of organization. It expected to make $35.0 million in total. Applications closed on October 1, 2026.

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Opportunity number | 21-588 |
| Agency | U.S. National Science Foundation |
| Status | Forecast |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
| Award ceiling | $2.5 million |
| Award floor | $500,000 |
| Expected awards | not stated |
| Total funding | $35.0 million |
| Cost sharing | not required |
| Assistance Listings | 47.076 |

## Who can apply

- Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility"

## What the grant funds

The EDU Core Research (ECR) program offers this ECR:Core solicitation and invites proposals for fundamental research (curiosity-driven basic research and use-inspired basic research) that contributes to the general, explanatory knowledge that underlies STEM education in one or more of the three broadly conceived Research Areas: Research on STEM Learning and Learning Environments, Research on Broadening Participation in STEM fields, and Research on STEM Workforce Development. Within this framework, the ECR program supports a wide range of fundamental STEM education research activities, aimed at learners of all groups and ages in formal and informal settings. Fundamental research generates knowledge and understanding with the potential for broad relevance. The potential implications of ECR fundamental research for improving STEM education practice may be indirect and long-term rather than direct and immediate. Moreover, whether they include basic or use-inspired basic research, all successful ECR:Core proposals focus on the advancement or refinement of foundational knowledge for STEM education. The amount of funding and duration requested in proposals submitted to the ECR:Core solicitation should align with the maturity of the proposed work and the size and scope of the empirical effort. The solicitation has three levels of funding with a range of budget sizes, and proposals may request a duration of 3 to 5 years for any level: (1) Level I proposals may request up to $500,000; (2) Level II proposals may request up to $1,500,000; (3) Level III proposals may request up to $2,500,000. All proposals should justify the level of funding and duration in the project description.

## Questions people ask

### Is NSF 21-588 still open?

No. It closed on October 1, 2026. A newer notice is open: NSF 27-500, closes January 29, 2027 (83 days left).

### Who can apply for EDU Core Research (ECR:Core)?

U.S. National Science Foundation accepted applications from any type of organization.

### What is the deadline for EDU Core Research (ECR:Core)?

Closed October 1, 2026. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.

### How much funding is available?

Awards of up to $2.5 million each. About $35.0 million in total.

### Who has won STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) grants before?

The largest recipients over five fiscal years were The Regents of the University of California, The Leland Stanford Junior University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The program made 7,210 awards worth $6.7 billion in that time.