Historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs) have long struggled to compete with traditionally White institutions (TWIs) when it comes to breakthrough research. Of the 908 U.S. institutions that received National Science Foundation research funding in fiscal year 2005, only 72 were historically Black, and they took in $294.2 million in research funds. Over the years, there has been little change in the ranks of the HBCU players, federal reports show. Eight of the top 10 grant-receiving HBCUs in 2005 were also among the top 10 in 1996. Historically excluded from the sponsored research money pie, a small but growing number of HBCUs are increasingly seeking to secure funding for research projects and compete with traditionally White institutions as other sources of funding dwindle. Securing government research funding can mean negotiating a complex maze of federal bureaucracy. Many schools recognize the need for dedicated professionals to navigate the process. While many of the nation's more than 100 HBCUs lack the infrastructure to go after that money, efforts to change that, including providing HBCUs with technical assistance on the how's of obtaining funding, are increasing. This article discusses how sponsored research and programs support a competitive future for HBCUs.