Core Funding Opportunities
Website section updated on June 16, 2026
The Research Core Facilities Program helps to support the operation and maintenance of many multi-user instruments on campus by promoting and developing best practices for instrument and facility operation and management. Before applying for funding for a new instrument, review the dynamic inventory of shared campus resources in our searchable Research Core Directory.
Funding Programs
The Office of Research supports UC Davis research cores through funding opportunities that help maintain critical services, strengthen shared research infrastructure, and advance research excellence. These programs provide investments in equipment, instrumentation, personnel, and operational needs that enable research cores to serve the campus research community. The Office of Research supported UC Davis research cores through two funding programs: the Research Cores Central Investment (RCCI) Program and the Research Cores Continuity Funding Program.
Research Cores Central Investment (RCCI) Program
[FY2026 & FY2027]
The UC Davis Office of Research is pleased to announce the initial round of recipients of the Research Cores Central Investment (RCCI) Program awards, committing $1.25 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and an additional $1 million in fiscal year 2026-27. This first round provides one-time funding aimed at retaining and enhancing critical capabilities at 20 campus research cores.
The program emerged from a recommendation developed through the Sustaining Teaching and Research Task Force (START), an initiative launched by UC Davis Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan in 2023. START’s focus is to strengthen the university’s education, research and service mission through strategic, actionable initiatives. Applications are now closed and was previously accepted through the InfoReady site.
Submissions were due by April 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST and decisions were announced on June 16, 2026.
Research Cores Continuity Funding
[FY2024 & FY2025]
The Research Cores Continuity funding program’s primary goal is to maintain critical services that cores offer to researchers by supporting the operations and instrumentation in high-performing cores. Eligible units include any organized shared research facility or resource that provides access to technologies, equipment, services, and expert consultation to enable, facilitate, and enhance the research mission of the university.
Applications are now closed and was previously accepted through the InfoReady site. Last submissions were due by September 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM PST and decisions were announced on December 11, 2024.
Research Cores Continuity Awardees (FY2025)
The FY2025 Research Cores Continuity funding program is supported by an investment of $500,000 from the Office of Research. These exceptional research cores demonstrated their commitment in advancing the university’s research mission, and the Office of Research is honored to provide one-time funds to support their operations. The Office of Research appreciates all applicants for their commitment to advancing research at UC Davis. Learn more about the awardees and the FY2025 Research Cores Continuity funding program’s impact–
FY2025 Research Cores Continuity Awardees
Research Cores Continuity Awardees (FY2024)
The FY2024 Research Cores Continuity funding program is supported by an investment of $500,000 from the Office of Research. These exceptional research cores demonstrated their commitment in advancing the university’s research mission, and the Office of Research is honored to provide one-time funds to support their operations. The Office of Research appreciates all applicants for their commitment to advancing research at UC Davis. Learn more about the awardees and the FY2024 Research Cores Continuity funding program’s impact–
FY2024 Research Cores Continuity Awardees
Archive: Funding Opportunities and Calls for Applications
Search a Comprehensive Funding Database (Pivot)
Pivot is the most comprehensive database of funding opportunities available. Create your own saved searches or review one of dozens of subject-specific lists of opportunities hand-picked by Office of Research staff. Access is free and available to everyone with a Kerberos login. Watch a Pivot Video Tutorial from UC Davis Administrators:
Curated Search of Grants in Pivot for Shared Facilities
NOTE: Make sure you are logged in to Pivot before clicking the link to core-curated searches. An alternative is to click on Advanced Search > go to the semantic search section and use the following keywords: core facilities, user facilities, equipment, instruments, shared facilities, instrumentation, and user core.
Core-Related Funding: Equipment, Instrumentation, Training Grants
The Office of Research Proposal Development Services team has developed resources for UC Davis researchers to prepare equipment and instrumentation grants such as those to the NSF Major Research Instrumentation Program, the NIH S10 Instrumentation Grant Programs, and the USDA-NIFA Equipment Grant Program. These resources include proposal checklists and suggested timelines, templates and samples of proposal sections, and information on best practices for developing these proposals. Many federal agencies offer specific funding opportunities to support the acquisition or development of instrumentation or equipment.
To learn more information on key funding opportunities, proposal development strategies, and best practices for equipment instrumentation grants, explore the resources below:
For more information, go to Proposal Development: Resources for Non-Research Grants: Equipment and Instrumentation Grants
View Equipment and Instrumentation Grants
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