Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 506
The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity titled "Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships" (ExpandAI), Funding Opportunity Number 23-506, is a discretionary grant program focused on strengthening and diversifying the United States artificial intelligence research and innovation community. At its core, the program is designed to expand who gets to participate in AI by building research, education, and workforce development capacity at a wider range of institutions and by connecting those institutions to the broader National AI Research Institutes ecosystem. The opportunity emphasizes NSF-wide values, with a particularly strong focus on inclusion, collaboration, and interdisciplinary work that helps AI-driven innovation grow beyond the usual set of well-resourced organizations.
ExpandAI is structured around the idea that advancing AI is not only about producing new algorithms or systems, but also about building the people, partnerships, and institutional foundations needed to sustain AI research and training at scale. The program supports efforts that broaden participation in AI across disciplines and communities, and it encourages projects that create durable pathways for students, educators, and researchers to enter and thrive in AI-related fields. In practical terms, this means funding can support capacity development projects that help institutions establish or significantly strengthen AI research and education programs, as well as partnership-based projects that link emerging or under-resourced AI programs with established NSF National AI Research Institutes or related networks.
The opportunity is administered by NSF, uses the grant instrument type, and falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development funding activity category. It is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (10.310, 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.075, 47.076, 47.084, 97.108), reflecting the cross-cutting nature of AI and its relevance across many NSF directorates and federal priorities. Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which signals that the full solicitation language governs who can apply and that eligibility may be broader or more specific than standard categories depending on institution type, partnership structure, or other requirements described in the official notice.
In terms of scale, the award ceiling is listed at $28,000,000, and NSF anticipated making around 25 awards under this opportunity. The solicitation was created on October 14, 2022, with an original closing date of March 13, 2023. Overall, the ExpandAI program is best understood as an effort to widen the national pipeline and infrastructure for AI research and AI-enabled innovation by investing in institutional capacity and by fostering meaningful partnerships that connect more communities and organizations to the national AI research ecosystem.Apply for 23 506
- The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.310, 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.075, 47.076, 47.084, 97.108.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 14, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 13, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $28,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 25 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF ExpandAI (Funding Opportunity Number 23-506)
1) What is the NSF ExpandAI program?
ExpandAI is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant program titled "Expanding AI Innovation through Capacity Building and Partnerships." It focuses on strengthening and diversifying the U.S. artificial intelligence research and innovation community by building institutional capacity and creating partnerships that expand participation in AI.
2) What is the official funding opportunity number for this solicitation?
The funding opportunity number is 23-506.
3) What is the main goal of ExpandAI?
The core goal is to broaden who gets to participate in AI research, education, and workforce development. The program aims to grow AI capacity at a wider range of institutions and connect them to the broader National AI Research Institutes ecosystem.
4) What kinds of activities does ExpandAI support?
Based on the description provided, ExpandAI supports two main types of efforts: (1) capacity development projects that help institutions establish or significantly strengthen AI research and education programs, and (2) partnership-based projects that link emerging or under-resourced AI programs with established NSF National AI Research Institutes or related networks.
5) Is ExpandAI only about creating new AI algorithms or technical breakthroughs?
No. ExpandAI emphasizes that advancing AI is not only about new algorithms or systems. It also prioritizes building the people, partnerships, and institutional foundations needed to sustain AI research and training at scale.
6) What values or themes does ExpandAI emphasize?
The opportunity highlights NSF-wide values, with a particularly strong focus on inclusion, collaboration, and interdisciplinary work. The overall intent is to help AI-driven innovation grow beyond the usual set of well-resourced organizations.
7) How does ExpandAI relate to the NSF National AI Research Institutes?
ExpandAI is designed to connect more institutions and communities to the National AI Research Institutes ecosystem. It encourages partnerships that link emerging or under-resourced programs with established institutes or related networks.
8) Who is the funding agency for ExpandAI?
The funding agency is the National Science Foundation (NSF).
9) What type of funding instrument does NSF use for ExpandAI?
The instrument type listed is a grant.
10) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under the "Science and Technology and other Research and Development" category.
11) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for ExpandAI?
The award ceiling is listed at $28,000,000.
12) How many awards did NSF anticipate making under ExpandAI?
NSF anticipated making around 25 awards under this opportunity.
13) When was the ExpandAI solicitation created?
The solicitation was created on October 14, 2022.
14) What was the original closing date for the solicitation?
The original closing date was March 13, 2023.
15) Is eligibility clearly defined as a standard category (like universities only) in the summary?
No. Eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)." This indicates that the official solicitation language governs eligibility and that eligibility may be broader or more specific depending on requirements described in the notice.
16) What does it mean that eligibility is listed as "Others (see text field...)?"
It means the brief listing is not the full eligibility definition. Applicants generally need to rely on the official solicitation's eligibility section and any additional eligibility information provided in the notice to confirm whether their institution type and proposed partnership structure are allowed.
17) Does ExpandAI support workforce development and education, or only research?
The description explicitly references research, education, and workforce development capacity building. It also emphasizes durable pathways for students, educators, and researchers to enter and thrive in AI-related fields.
18) Is ExpandAI intended to broaden participation in AI across disciplines?
Yes. The opportunity supports efforts that broaden participation in AI across disciplines and communities, and it encourages interdisciplinary work.
19) What is meant by "capacity building" in the context of ExpandAI?
In this context, capacity building refers to developing or significantly strengthening an institution's ability to conduct AI research and offer AI education and training. It also includes building the institutional foundations needed to sustain AI-related programs and pathways over time.
20) What is meant by "partnerships" in the context of ExpandAI?
Partnerships refer to collaborative efforts that connect institutions with emerging or under-resourced AI programs to established NSF National AI Research Institutes or related networks, with the goal of widening access to the national AI research ecosystem.
21) Why does ExpandAI list multiple CFDA numbers?
The presence of multiple CFDA numbers (10.310, 47.041, 47.049, 47.050, 47.070, 47.075, 47.076, 47.084, 97.108) reflects the cross-cutting nature of AI and its relevance across many NSF directorates and federal priorities.
22) What does ExpandAI try to change about the U.S. AI landscape?
ExpandAI is described as an effort to widen the national pipeline and infrastructure for AI research and AI-enabled innovation. It does this by investing in institutional capacity and fostering meaningful partnerships so that more communities and organizations can connect to and benefit from the national AI research ecosystem.
23) Is ExpandAI focused on the United States?
Yes. The program is described as strengthening and diversifying the United States artificial intelligence research and innovation community.
24) What is the overall way to think about ExpandAI if I am deciding whether it fits my organization?
ExpandAI is best understood as a program aimed at expanding participation in AI by funding projects that build long-term AI research, education, and workforce capacity and by supporting partnerships that link more institutions to the NSF National AI Research Institutes ecosystem.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Innovation and Media Fund Activity in Serbia
Previous opportunity: Fiscal Year 2022 National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert AOP Program)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for 23 506
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (23 506) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Research) Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFRE 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Field Initiated Projects Program (Development) Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR IFDV 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I Apply for HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR BISA 0000 Funding Number: HHS 2023 ACL NIDILRR BISA 0000 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies Apply for 23 507 Funding Number: 23 507 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Research Opportunities in High Energy Physics Apply for DE FOA 0002832 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002832 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $20,000,000 |
| FY 2023 Phase II Release 1 Apply for DE FOA 0002859 Funding Number: DE FOA 0002859 Agency: Department of Energy - Office of Science, Office of Science Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,600,000 |
| Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Safety and Security Apply for SFOP0009226 Funding Number: SFOP0009226 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Biology Integration Institutes Apply for 23 511 Funding Number: 23 511 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Using the Rules of Life to Address Societal Challenges Apply for 23 512 Funding Number: 23 512 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| AFPMB DWFP FY 23 Announcement Apply for W911SR 22 S DWFP Funding Number: W911SR 22 S DWFP Agency: Department of Defense, ACC-APG-Detrick Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| Partnerships in Astronomy & Astrophysics Research and Education Apply for 23 513 Funding Number: 23 513 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fellowship for Afghan Chemical and Biological Experts in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009255 Funding Number: SFOP0009255 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Fellowship for Afghan Radiation and Nuclear Technology Experts in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009256 Funding Number: SFOP0009256 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Fellowship for Counter Nuclear Smuggling in Support of U.S. Security and Nonproliferation Projects Apply for SFOP0009254 Funding Number: SFOP0009254 Agency: Department of State, Bureau of International Security-Nonproliferation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Research and Mentoring for Postbaccalaureates in Biological Sciences Apply for 23 514 Funding Number: 23 514 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| D.2 – Transformational Tools and Technologies Project (TTT) Apply for NNH23ZEA001N TTT Funding Number: NNH23ZEA001N TTT Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fort Huachuca Environmental Training Apply for W9124A 23 00001 Funding Number: W9124A 23 00001 Agency: Department of Defense Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $386,000 |
| Cybersecurity Innovation for Cyberinfrastructure Apply for 23 517 Funding Number: 23 517 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase II Apply for 23 516 Funding Number: 23 516 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Small Business Innovation Research/ Small Business Technology Transfer Program Phase I Apply for 23 515 Funding Number: 23 515 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "23 506", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.