Well Told Grants

Grants / U.S. National Science Foundation / U.S. National Science Foundation

MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)

Open Closes October 7, 2076 (18239 days left) Opportunity 26-522

U.S. National Science Foundation is offering grants to any type of organization. It expects to make $100 million in total. Applications close on October 7, 2076.

From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed October 7, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.

Key dates

PostedAugust 17, 2026
DeadlineOctober 7, 2076

Add the deadline to your calendar

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to any type of organization.

More grants for nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses, businesses, individuals.

Is this a realistic fit?

What the grant funds

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences (NSF MPS) supports multiple research programs in the astronomical sciences. NSF MPS funds foundational astronomical sciences research and instrumentation focused on exploring space and advancing fundamental understanding of the universe. The programs covered by this funding opportunity are: Astronomical Sciences Core Research Astronomical Sciences Technology & Instrumentation Astronomical Sciences Innovations Research supported by these programs is essential for ongoing discovery in a range of fields. The programs provide a strong scientific foundation for America's capabilities in multiple areas: predicting solar storms, discovering potentially habitable planets in other solar systems, understanding the physical workings of extreme astrophysical objects like black holes, and more. NSF MPS is particularly interested in intellectually ambitious and potentially transformative foundational research. Proposals need not promise a near-term product, deployment, or commercial outcome, nor need they address later-stage development to be competitive.

Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

How to apply

  1. Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
  2. Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
  3. Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.

Questions go to U.S. National Science Foundation, grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov, 703-292-4203.

Open the official notice

Questions people ask

Who can apply for MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)?

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

What is the deadline for MPS Astronomical Sciences Research Programs (MPS Astro)?

Closes October 7, 2076 (18239 days left). Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.

How much funding is available?

About $100 million in total.

Similar open grants