Centers of Excellence (COE)
Forecast
Health Resources and Services Administration plans to offer grants of up to $686,000 (at least $1) to colleges and universities. It expects to make about 22 awards worth $12.1 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around December 2, 2026, with applications due around February 2, 2027.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed July 22, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$686,000
- Award floor$1
- Expected awards22
- Total funding$12.1 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Forecast posted | July 22, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | December 2, 2026 |
| Expected deadline | February 2, 2027 |
| Expected award date | June 1, 2027 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to colleges and universities.
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
Eligible entities are accredited allopathic schools of medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and graduate programs in behavioral or mental health.
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The Centers of Excellence Program provides grants to health professions schools and other public and nonprofit health or educational entities to assist schools in supporting programs of excellence in health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. By statute, the Centers of Excellence Program awards funding to organizations to operate programs that establish, strengthen, and expand activities to enhance the academic performance of underrepresented minority students and improve information resources, clinical education, curricula related to minority health issues. Through strategic partnerships, grant recipients develop a large competitive applicant pool, establish a pipeline for health professions careers, enhance academic performance, expand the capacity of schools to recruit faculty, and provide training to students at community-based health facilities. Additionally, the Centers of Excellence Program supports faculty and student research on health issues particularly affecting underrepresented minority groups.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- 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 CDR Lorener Brayboy, lbrayboy@hrsa.gov, 301-287-0036.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for Centers of Excellence (COE)?
Health Resources and Services Administration accepts applications from colleges and universities. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Centers of Excellence (COE)?
Expected deadline February 2, 2027. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $686,000 each. About $12.1 million in total across about 22 awards.
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