DOE FY 2026 Office of Science (SC) Financial Assistance Program

Program Overview

The DOE Office of Science (SC) FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation is an annual open Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supporting fundamental research across all Office of Science program areas. The solicitation remains open throughout the fiscal year, and applicants may submit at any time until the NOFO closes or a successor opportunity is issued.

This broad, flexible NOFO allows submissions in any research area aligned with the Office of Science’s Congressionally authorized mission, making it one of DOE’s most accessible funding mechanisms.

Research Areas Supported

The DOE Office of Science is accepting applications in the following research programs:

• Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR)
• Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
• Biological and Environmental Research (BER)
• Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
• High Energy Physics (HEP)
• Nuclear Physics (NP)
• Isotope R&D and Production

Cost Sharing Requirements

For fundamental research financial assistance awards, cost sharing is not required. For Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs), non-Federal participants are generally expected to provide at least 50% cost share.

Eligible Applicants

All applicant types are eligible to apply, except nonprofit organizations.

Funding Details

• Estimated Funding Availability: Approximately $500,000,000
• Historical Award Range: $5,000 to $5,000,000
• Application Deadline: Continuous submissions accepted through September 30, 2026

For full eligibility rules, application instructions, and official updates, see the DOE Office of Science announcement:

FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program (DE-FOA-0003600)
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How LEC Partners Supports DOE Office of Science Applicants

LEC Partners, based in Cambridge, MA, helps research teams, technology developers, and industry partners prepare competitive DOE Office of Science applications. Our experts assist with technical scoping, program alignment, feasibility assessments, and narrative development.

• Evaluate alignment with the Office of Science program priorities
• Funding application packaging assistance
• Strengthen technical narratives and research plans
• Review experimental design, modeling, and feasibility
• Support milestones, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies
• Assist with budgets and cost-share rationale (when applicable)

Our multidisciplinary team brings decades of hands-on experience across DOE-supported scientific research areas, helping applicants build credible, compelling proposals.