Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities
About
The Department of State’s Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ACN/NDF invites domestic non-profit/non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations to submit proposals for projects that will advance the mission of NDF’s efforts to identify, evaluate, and develop safeguards to counter the misuse risks enabled by the proliferation of chemical and biological Artificial Intelligence (AI) models (CBAIMs). Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. ACN/NDF welcomes proposals that fully address all or a clearly articulated, targeted subset of the key objectives of this NDF line of effort (Section II). Please indicate whether the proposal involves collaboration with a partner organization that is separately responding to this solicitation.
The Department of State's Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF) is offering a significant funding opportunity for organizations committed to addressing critical national security challenges posed by artificial intelligence. This grant program specifically targets the misuse risks associated with chemical and biological AI-enabled molecular models (CBAIMs). Eligible applicants include domestic non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations based in the United States. The program invites proposals that advance nonproliferation objectives by identifying, evaluating, and developing safeguards to counter emerging threats from AI proliferation in sensitive scientific domains. Organizations can propose projects addressing all key objectives or a clearly articulated, targeted subset of the NDF's line of effort. This is an exceptional opportunity for institutions with expertise in AI security, nonproliferation policy, molecular science, or related fields to contribute to preventing dangerous dual-use applications while leveraging positive nonproliferation opportunities. Collaborative proposals are welcome, though applicants must clarify if their partner organization is separately responding to this solicitation. With total funding availability of up to $4,000,000, this represents a substantial investment in addressing one of the most pressing intersections of technology and national security.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 21, 2026
Award Amount
Up to $4M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
Up to $4M
Deadline
2026-07-21
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Non-profit organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, and for-profit companies focused on nonproliferation, AI security, and safeguards against dual-use molecular science applications
Eligibility
U.S. Federal Government Entities. Lead applicant organizations must be based in the U.S. to be eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based domestic non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and for-profit organizations. The lead applicant organization must be based in the United States. Federal government entities are also eligible. For complete eligibility requirements and any additional restrictions, consult the official Notice of Funding Opportunity on the Department of State website.
How much funding does Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities provide?
This grant program has total funding availability of up to $4,000,000. Individual award amounts are not specified in the available information. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO. Contact the Department of State's Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund directly or review the official NOFO for details on anticipated award sizes.
How do I apply for Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities?
Applications are submitted through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process administered by the Department of State's Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund. Interested organizations should visit the official State Department grants website and search for this specific funding opportunity. The deadline for applications is July 21, 2026. Detailed submission instructions, required forms, and technical requirements are available on the official NOFO announcement.
What can Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities funding be used for?
Funding supports projects that advance the mission of identifying, evaluating, and developing safeguards to counter misuse risks from chemical and biological AI-enabled molecular models (CBAIMs). Proposals should address the key objectives of the NDF's line of effort in nonproliferation and disarmament. Projects may focus on all stated objectives or a clearly articulated, targeted subset. For specific allowable uses and restrictions, review the detailed objectives outlined in the official NOFO.
Last updated: July 5, 2026