The Department of Defense FY2026 Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) provides funding for U.S. universities to acquire research equipment and instrumentation in areas important to national defense, including AI and machine learning hardware. The program is administered jointly by the Army Research Office (ARO), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), with approximately $34 million available and 95 awards anticipated. DURIP funds the acquisition of specialized computing hardware for AI/ML research (GPU clusters, TPUs, neuromorphic processors), robotics and autonomous systems testbeds, sensor arrays and data collection systems for machine learning training, high-performance computing infrastructure for defense-relevant AI research, and laboratory equipment for human-AI interaction studies. The program specifically supports equipment that enhances research-related education in DoD-priority disciplines. While general-purpose computing is not eligible, computing equipment directly supporting DoD-relevant AI research programs qualifies. No cost sharing is required.

The Department of Defense announced the Fiscal Year 2026 Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI), a major competitive funding program with $170 million total across 22 topic areas. MURI supports basic research in science and engineering at U.S. institutions of higher education with emphasis on multidisciplinary research efforts where more than one traditional discipline interacts to provide rapid advances in scientific areas of interest to the DoD. The program is jointly sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Army Research Office (ARO), and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Topic areas span autonomous systems, AI and machine learning, quantum science, advanced materials, and other frontier research domains relevant to national defense. Individual MURI grants typically provide $1.25 million to $1.5 million per year for three years, with an option for two additional years. The funding opportunity number is W911NF25S0004. Optional white papers were due May 2, 2025, and full proposals are due September 5, 2025. MURI has operated for over 40 years and is one of the DoD's premier mechanisms for university-based fundamental research. The program emphasizes close management by Service Program Officers and requires true multidisciplinary collaboration.

The FY2026 Department of Defense Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI) program supports basic research in science and engineering at U.S. institutions of higher education, with emphasis on multidisciplinary research where more than one traditional discipline interacts. The Army, Navy, and Air Force basic research offices are seeking applications across 22 topic areas including artificial intelligence and autonomy, information sensing and processing, and systems manipulation. MURI grants typically provide $1.25 million to $1.5 million per year for three years with option to extend two additional years. Approximately $170 million in total funding is available annually across all topics. The program is administered through the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Army Research Office (ARO), and Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR).

The ARPA-E Magnetic Acceleration Generating New Innovations and Tactical Outcomes (MAGNITO) program invests $20 million in the discovery of new, more powerful magnets using artificial intelligence and machine learning. The program seeks to advance computational physics and computational materials discovery using high-throughput techniques, AI, and ML to reveal new materials structures not previously examined and at a pace faster than traditional methods. Approximately 6-10 awards of $500,000 to $3,000,000 each are anticipated. Ultra-powerful magnets are critical components for clean energy technologies including wind turbines, electric vehicle motors, and energy-efficient industrial systems. The program aims to discover magnets with either a saturation magnetization or maximum energy product higher than any known material, enabling transformative advances in clean energy and reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

Department of Labor YouthBuild AI Literacy Pre-Apprenticeship Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Funds youth pre-apprenticeship programs with AI literacy requirements as core component. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions developing construction training and Construction Plus pathways with AI skills integration for high-demand workforce development.

YouthBuild 2025 Grant Opportunity is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Funds pre-apprenticeship programs for opportunity youth ages 16-24. While construction is a core requirement, the 'Construction Plus' component allows for vocational training in other high-demand sectors like mechanical repair. Application snapshot: target deadline March 2, 2026; published funding information $1,000,000 - $2,000,000; eligibility guidance Nonprofits, state/local governments, and Tribal entities. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

YouthBuild 2025 Grant is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor. Competitive grants to deliver pre-apprenticeship training, education, construction skills, and job placement for opportunity youth ages 16-24 facing barriers to employment. Application snapshot: target deadline March 2, 2026; published funding information $98,000,000 total (up to 57 awards); eligibility guidance Nonprofits, state/local governments, tribal governments, independent school districts, faith-based organizations Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Commerce - NOAA. Grants addressing environmental justice through projects in built environment, climate and environment, community safety, healthy food access, housing, or transportation. Application snapshot: target deadline March 3, 2026; published funding information Varies; eligibility guidance Nonprofits, Tribes, local governments in eligible geographies Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

OVC FY 2025 Preventing Trafficking of Girls Notice of Funding Opportunity is sponsored by Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Funds programs to replicate and scale up prevention and early intervention for girls and young women at risk of or victims of sex and/or labor trafficking, providing trauma-informed services related to violence against women.

Prevention Direct Services (RFP-2027-DBH-08-PREVE) is sponsored by New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. Focuses on providing industry-standard, structured interactive skill-building and educational programs for behavioral health prevention. Application snapshot: target deadline March 5, 2026; published funding information See official notice; eligibility guidance Qualified organizations with capacity to provide behavioral health prevention and education services in NH. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

ARPA-E SUPERHOT Program (SBIR/STTR Track) is sponsored by Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), Department of Energy. Supercritical Heat-Utility-Generated Reactions Operating at Temperature program supporting novel manufacturing processes. Applicable to high-temperature synthesis of advanced battery materials and cathode active materials. Application snapshot: target deadline March 5, 2026; published funding information SBIR Phase I: up to $200K; Phase II: up to $1.1M; eligibility guidance Small businesses for SBIR track; must meet small business criteria (500 or fewer employees for Stratus Materials at 29 employees). Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Stimulate Utilization of Plentiful Energy in Rocks through High-temperature Original Technologies (SUPERHOT) (DE-FOA-0003556) is sponsored by Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), U.S. Department of Energy. Engineering design for high-temperature geothermal technologies, including well construction and materials design. Application snapshot: target deadline March 5, 2026; published funding information Varies; eligibility guidance U. S. universities. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) is sponsored by Department of Labor / Veterans' Employment and Training Service (DOL/VETS). Employment-focused grants to help Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness achieve full employment potential through case management, job training, and connections to supportive services. Application snapshot: target deadline March 6, 2026; published funding information See official notice; eligibility guidance Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education; state and local workforce boards; public and tribal housing authorities; state, local, and tribal governments Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

AFWERX 26.1 SBIR Phase I Open Topic is sponsored by U.S. Department of the Air Force. A fast-track program for dual-use technologies with military and commercial application, ideal for AI, distributed sensors, and federated learning applications in infrastructure. Application snapshot: target deadline March 6, 2026; published funding information $75,000 - $150,000; eligibility guidance Small businesses seeking to solve Department of the Air Force challenges through commercial innovation. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Equine Therapy Grants (VA-EQUINE-26) is sponsored by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Federal grants specifically for equine therapy programs addressing mental health issues for veterans and armed forces members with disabilities. Provides up to $5,000,000 in total funding. Application snapshot: target deadline March 10, 2026; published funding information Up to $750,000; eligibility guidance Non-federal government entities with significant experience managing large-scale adaptive sports programs for persons with disabilities. Must address mental health through equine therapy. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Lead Hazard Reduction Capacity Building Grant Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 10, 2026; published funding information Not specified in notice; eligibility guidance Organizations eligible for HUD competitive grants nationally; applicants must register via grants. gov and HUD e‑snaps. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

North Carolina Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is sponsored by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 10, 2026; published funding information Up to $200,000; eligibility guidance Nonprofits; commodity associations; state and local government agencies; colleges and universities in North Carolina, excluding projects benefiting a single organization directly. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) - North Carolina is sponsored by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 10, 2026; published funding information $15,000 - $200,000; eligibility guidance Nonprofits, commodity associations, state and local government agencies, and colleges/universities located in North Carolina. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Emergency Rent Relief Program is sponsored by Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Provides financial assistance to qualifying tenants and property owners impacted by emergency financial hardships to cover unpaid rent and mortgage costs. Application snapshot: target deadline March 11, 2026; published funding information Up to $15,000; eligibility guidance Tenants and small landlords in Los Angeles County (excluding LA City) with unpaid rent or mortgage debt due to financial hardship. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Second Chance Act Community-Based Reentry Program is sponsored by Department of Justice (DOJ). Supports nonprofit organizations providing comprehensive reentry services to individuals returning to the community after incarceration to reduce recidivism. Application snapshot: target deadline March 11, 2026; published funding information $500,000 - $750,000; eligibility guidance Nonprofit organizations (including tribal nonprofits) and federally recognized Indian tribes. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

OJJDP FY 2026 National Mentoring Programs is sponsored by U.S. Department of Justice - Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 11, 2026; published funding information $500,000 - $4,000,000; eligibility guidance National or multistate nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) charities, and tribal organizations. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Los Angeles County Emergency Rent Relief Program is sponsored by Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Provides financial assistance to qualifying property owners and tenants impacted by recent emergencies or financial hardships to cover unpaid rent and mortgages. Application snapshot: target deadline March 11, 2026; published funding information Up to $15,000; eligibility guidance Landlords and tenants in Los Angeles County (excluding the City of LA) facing financial hardship. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant is sponsored by Connecticut Department of Agriculture. State-funded program to purchase Connecticut‑Grown farm products for distribution to food‑insecure populations via food pantries, food hubs, nonprofits, etc. Application snapshot: target deadline March 11, 2026; published funding information $100,000–$301,000; eligibility guidance Food pantries, food hubs, nonprofits, municipalities, community health centers, and other entities committed to food access in Connecticut; CT farmers for producer-side participation. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Transportation Alternatives Program is sponsored by New York State Department of Transportation. Funds bike/ped projects, safe routes, trails for active transportation including youth programs. Application snapshot: target deadline March 12, 2026; published funding information Varies; eligibility guidance Nonprofits, local govs in NY Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Youth Inclusion Initiative is sponsored by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. This initiative supports programs that provide New Jersey youth with opportunities for engagement in environmental and conservation activities. Application snapshot: target deadline March 12, 2026; published funding information See official notice; eligibility guidance New Jersey state agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Department of State Technology Gateway Program (TECHGATE) is sponsored by U.S. Department of State. Managed by the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP), this program supports the global deployment of secure, trusted American technology solutions. Application snapshot: target deadline March 13, 2026; published funding information Varies; eligibility guidance Small businesses, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Energy Storage Innovations Prize Round 2 is sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy – Office of Electricity. A prize competition for novel energy storage technologies addressing less conventional use cases (e. g. , remote communities, extreme conditions) across all duration scales. Application snapshot: target deadline March 13, 2026; published funding information $300,000 total prize pool; up to $50,000 for Champions, $10,000 for Finalists; eligibility guidance Individuals, academia, non‑federal government entities, small businesses, start‑ups, entrepreneurs, other U. S. inventors Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

2025–2026 Small Business Advantage Grant Program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 13, 2026; published funding information Up to $12,000 reimbursement (50% of costs or $7,500; 65% or $9,750 for EJ or high‑impact projects); eligibility guidance PA small for‑profit businesses; revenue-based eligibility not specified. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

PFAS Grant Program (Colorado) is sponsored by Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (state-administered, funded by state PFAS Cash Fund). This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes. Application snapshot: target deadline March 13, 2026; published funding information Not specified, categories include infrastructure, sampling, emergency assistance (reimbursement); eligibility guidance Governmental agencies, tribes, public water systems, private nonprofit public water systems, counties or local health departments, NGOs, educational institutions. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.

Fusion Energy Sciences Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning is sponsored by U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Fusion Energy Sciences. Supports AI and machine learning in fusion energy sciences. Limited direct relevance to precision agriculture but may apply to quantum-enhanced computational modeling. Application snapshot: target deadline March 15, 2026; published funding information Up to $1,000,000; eligibility guidance Universities, nonprofits, businesses Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.