Distribution of Additional F&A Funds (2/19/2026)

Dear Colleagues,

Our campus research community has demonstrated remarkable resilience and momentum over the past year. Your work continues to advance discovery, support students and strengthen the University’s role as a leading research institution.

While the federal research environment continues to evolve, most agencies have maintained overall funding levels and released updated priorities that will shape future opportunities. The Division of Research is closely monitoring these developments and working to ensure the University remains well positioned to compete successfully and steward resources responsibly. We continue to provide updated guidance, tools and policy through the Division of Research website.

While recent litigation and legislation have temporarily paused agency-level changes to the F&A rate, revisions could still occur through updates to Uniform Guidance by the Office of Management and Budget, with proposals outlining a potential 15% cap as early as this fall. The FAIR model, proposed by a Joint Associations Group, has also been introduced as an alternative approach. Congress has blocked changes to the indirect rate through September 2026. We will continue to monitor these developments closely and plan proactively to ensure stability and responsible stewardship of our research enterprise.

As part of our commitment to transparency and support, the Division of Research will distribute an additional 7.5% in funding in late February to colleges and centers based on expenditures.  This is in addition to the 10% already released (Aug. 1-Dec. 30, 2025 period). The current distribution policy will remain in place, and we will continue to assess conditions and make adjustments as needed to best support our research community. We recognize changes in available F&A have been hard for departments and principal investigators (PIs). For PIs with urgent funding needs, please elevate the issue to your college leadership. 

We will share additional updates with Faculty Council, Academic Affairs Council and the University Research Council in March and April, and we will host three open Zoom sessions for anyone who would like to attend. Please sign up here.  

Thank you for your perseverance; your research and scholarship are more critical than ever, making far-reaching impacts.

Sincerely,

John Daniels
VC for Research

Deb Thomas
AVC for Research