EPA funds extramural research grants through several different programs, described below. These research programs help to engage top research scientists, non-profit organizations, students, and small businesses that results in a strong scientific foundation to support the Agency's mission of protecting human health and the environment. 

STAR Grants

EPA's Science to Achieve Results, or STAR program is our primary competitive, peer-reviewed extramural grant program that has awarded over 4,100 grants nationwide since 1995. STAR leverages the scientific and engineering expertise of academic and non-profit institutions to conduct high priority environmental and public health research. The program funds research on environmental and public health effects of air pollution, water quality and quantity, hazardous waste, toxic substances, pesticides, cumulative impacts, and more. 

Eligible applicants under the STAR program include academic institutions, hospitals, state/local governments, Tribes, and other non-profit research institutions. 

See open grant opportunities under the STAR program.

P3: Student Design Program

EPA's P3 - People, Prosperity and the Planet - Program is a unique competition that is open to teams of college/university students working to design innovative solutions for a sustainable future. 

P3 is a competitive grants program that provides teams of undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to receive a two-year award of up to $75,000 to gain invaluable experience through classroom learning, laboratory and field work to address environmental issues. 

SBIR

EPA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is an opportunity to help advance and commercialize your innovation. EPA issues an annual solicitation for proposals from U.S. small businesses to develop and commercialize innovative technologies that address the Agency's mission of protecting the environment and human health. 

Eligible applicants include entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses with solutions to help solve EPA's priority topic areas including clean and safe water, air quality and climate, sustainable materials, safer chemicals, and more. *Note: EPA's SBIR Program funds projects through contracts, not grants. 

Helpful Links

Research Grants Listserv - Subscribe to emails to get the latest news on upcoming funding opportunities.

EPA Grants - more resources and information on other EPA grant programs.