Research and Evaluation Program (11.312)
Research and Evaluation Program (Assistance Listing 11.312) is run by the Economic Development Administration, part of the Department of Commerce. It awarded $6.4 million in 5 grants from fiscal 2021 to 2025, about $1.3 million per award on average. 1 funding opportunity is open or forecast now.
The typical award was $500,093. Half of the 5 awards fell between $442,231 and $1.3 million, and they ranged from $399,761 to $3.8 million.
- Awarded, FY 2021 to 2025$6.4 million
- Grant awards5
- Typical award$500,093
- Awarded in FY 2025$0
- Size rank1,583 of 1,823
- Type of assistanceProject grants (cooperative agreements)
Key findings
- It is the 1583rd largest of 1,823 federal grant programs by five-year awards.
- Awards went to recipients in 3 states and territories.
What the program funds
Through the R&E program, EDA supports the development of tools, recommendations, and resources that shape Federal economic development policies and inform economic development decision-making. R&E program investments provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country. EDA also regularly evaluates the impacts and outcomes of its various programs as a means of identifying policy and program modifications that will increase the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness.
Open opportunities
Rules from the program listing
Who can apply
Pursuant to PWEDA, eligible applicants for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance under this NOFO include a(n): a. District Organization; b. Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; c. State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; d. Institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; e. Public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State; f. A private individual or g. For-profit organization
What the money can and cannot pay for
Through the R&E program, EDA supports the development of tools, recommendations, and resources that shape Federal economic development policies and inform economic development decision-making. R&E program investments provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country. EDA also regularly evaluates the impacts and outcomes of its various programs as a means of identifying policy and program modifications that will increase the Agency’s efficiency and effectiveness. R&E investments may be awarded to: • Research and evaluate topics or issues to improve the understanding of economic development principles, strategies, and concepts; • Improve understanding of the causes of economic distress and distressed communities and potential remedies thereof; • Evaluate success of economic development programs, policies and strategies for improving economic outcomes; • Develop innovative tools, measures and widely applicable data sets for studying economic development outcomes, principles and policies; or • Perform other activities determined by EDA to be appropriate under the R&E program.
Matching requirements
Statutory Formula: Title 13, Part 306, Subpart A,Public Law 108-373.EDA encourages cost sharing, and applications that include matching funds may be more competitive than those that do not. Generally, the amount of an EDA award may not exceed 60 percent of the total cost of the project. However, for RNTA awards, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development (Assistant Secretary) has the discretion to establish a maximum Investment Rate of up to 100 percent where the project: (i) Merits, and is not otherwise feasible without, an increase to the Investment Rate; and (ii) Will be of no or only incidental benefit to the Eligible Recipient[1]. If an Applicant is requesting an EDA investment rate of greater than 60 percent, the applicant must provide the basis for the request. Applicants must clearly and in detail describe their justification for the request within their Budget Narrative. [1] See 42 U.S.C. § 3144(c)(3); 13 C.F.R. § 301.4(b)(4).All matching shares must be allowable based on cost principles applicable to award.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.
Deadlines
Deadlines do not apply
Award range and average, in the agency's words
In recent years, the average size of R&E and NTA investments has been approximately $350,000, and investments generally range from $200,000 to $500,000. Historically, EDA has funded approximately five R&E projects and three NTA projects per year.
Funding history and past recipients
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Research and Evaluation Program (11.312) awarded $6.4 million across 5 grant awards, an average of $1.3 million per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uchicago Argonne, LLC | Illinois | 1 | $3.8 million |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University | Virginia | 1 | $1.3 million |
| The Urban Institute | District of Columbia | 2 | $841,992 |
| Economic Innovation Group, Inc. | District of Columbia | 1 | $500,093 |
Who usually wins
Colleges and universities received 79% of the money, nonprofits 13%.
| Recipient type | Awards | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and universities | 2 | $5.1 million | 79% |
| Nonprofits | 2 | $835,527 | 13% |
| Other | 1 | $500,093 | 7.8% |
By state
Each state below has its own page for this program, with its recipients and yearly totals.
| State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | $3.8 million |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $1.3 million |
| Virginia | 1 | $1.3 million |