Weekly Funding Digest

OPENING SUMMARY — WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14 – 18, 2026

Quantum Computing:

DOE Quantum Genesis Q Competition (DE-FOA-0003657), $215,000,000 across roughly 10 awards, $250,000–$200,000,000, no cost share. A first-of-its-kind effort to build a fault-tolerant, scientifically relevant quantum computer. Domestic commercial entities only — no universities, no nonprofits as leads.

Due October 19, 2026.

Energy / Rural Cooperatives:

USDA Rural Utilities Service Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, $175,000,000 in IRA budget authority across roughly 20 awards for advanced transmission and nuclear power supply in rural electric systems. Currently a forecast — estimated post date October 19, 2026. Letters of Interest precede applications.

Natural Resources:

FWS Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund — Recovery Land Acquisition (F26AS00030), $14,162,000 across roughly 15 awards. State agencies only; counties, land trusts, and conservation nonprofits participate as subgrantees. Due November 20, 2026.

NOAA Climate Program Office Earth System Science and Services Partnership (NOAA-OAR-CPO-2026-33326), approximately $10,000,000 for a single award. Doctoral-granting institutions and nonprofit research institutions only; multi-institution applications will not be accepted. Due October 26, 2026.

Humanities / Education:

NEH Landmarks of American History and Culture and Summer Institutes (20261209-EDK-EDU), $7,000,000 across roughly 17 awards, up to $460,000 each, no cost share. Professional development for K–12 teachers and higher education faculty. Due December 9, 2026.

California State Opportunities:

Division of Boating and Waterways 2026 Boating Infrastructure Grant — $18,000,000, $300,000–$1,500,000, 25% match, letter of intent required. Due September 29, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. — this is next week.

Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta Conservancy Delta Community, Environment, and Climate Grant Program — $24,752,000 in remaining Proposition 4 funds, $100,000–$2,000,000, no match. Three priorities: Community Enhancement, Nature-Based Solutions, and Ecosystem Restoration. Due October 23, 2026.

EDD Emergency Medical Services Technical Assistance (EMS TA) SFP, PY 26–27 — $1,500,000 WIOA Governor's Discretionary funds for a single statewide TA provider. NOI encouraged by October 2; webinar September 29. Due October 27, 2026.

State Water Resources Control Board 2027 Nonpoint Source Grant Program, Clean Water Act section 319(h) — $3,500,000, $100,000–$1,000,000, 25% match. Consultation with the Regional Water Board NPS Grant Coordinator is a minimum eligibility requirement — start that now. Due December 18, 2026.

CEC GFO-26-302 Food Production Investment Program 2026 — advanced energy and decarbonization technology in food processing facilities. Due December 17, 2026; questions due October 5; pre-application workshop September 28. Submitted through the new ECAMS portal.

Private Foundation:

NFWF 2027 Acres for America — land acquisition and perpetual conservation easements. Awards $250,000–$1,000,000 across roughly 5–10 grants; 1:1 match minimum, but successful projects typically carry 5:1 or greater. Pre-proposals due October 19, 2026; full proposals by invitation December 2.

SBIR Commercialization:

NSF/UCF National Commercialization and Translation Institute (NCTI) — a $20,000,000 two-year national pilot delivering $1,000,000–$3,750,000 milestone-based commercialization awards to 6–8 companies. Eligibility is narrow: active or recent NSF SBIR/STTR Phase II/IIB awardees only.

Applications open October 20, 2026 and close December 15, 2026. Solicitation not yet released.

Watch List / Upcoming:

USDA RUS ARC Energy Program — forecast, estimated post October 19, 2026.

HUD Community Compass TA — forecast, estimated post November 5, 2026, estimated due February 3, 2027.

NCTI solicitation document — not yet published; mailing list registration is the only notification route.