Sponsored Programs: Grant opportunities

Full information on listed grants can be found here: Grant Opportunities 8.17.15.

STEM

NSF Discovery Research Pre-K–12 (DRK-12)
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: Dec. 7
Purpose: This program seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by pre-K–12 students and teachers, through research and development of innovative resources, models, and tools.

Minority STEM Professionals
Agency: National Science Foundation
Funding: $45.6 million for 38 awards
Deadline: Nov. 20
Purpose: Grantees use these funds to improve the number of minorities graduating with (STEM) degrees.

Early Career Researchers
Agency: Office of Science (Energy Dept.)
Funding: $18 million for 30 awards
Deadline: Nov. 19
Purpose: The program supports research programs led by outstanding scientists early in their careers. Research areas of interest include advanced scientific computing and biological and environmental research.

STEM Learning
Agency: National Science Foundation
Funding: $38 million for 71 awards ranging from $150,000 to $6 million each
Deadline: Nov. 4
Purpose: The program focuses on improving STEM learning in informal environments.

Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: Oct. 8
Award Amount: $25,000–$4 million (depending on project type)
Funding: $64 million for 40–55 awards
Summary: The ATE program focuses on the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy.

Advancing Informal STEM Learning
Agency: National Science Foundation
Deadline: Nov. 4
Award Amount: Varies
Total Program Funding: $28 million–$38 million
Summary: The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program seeks to advance new approaches to and evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning opportunities for the public in informal environments; provide multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences; and advance innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments.

OTHER

Competitions to Strengthen Regional Economies
Agency: Economic Development Administration (Commerce Dept.)
Funding: $10 million for multiple awards up to $500,000 each
Deadline: Oct. 5
Purpose: The program fosters the development of regional centers to improve commercialization and entrepreneurship.

Educating Young Women
Foundation: Lalor Foundation
Funding Focus: Women, health
Funding: Multiple awards up to $50,000 each
Deadline: Nov. 1
Purpose: The foundation educates young women about human reproduction in order to broaden and enhance their options in life.

Footwear Company to Support Outdoor Projects
Opportunity: 2016 KEEN Effect Grant Program
Funding Focus: Environment, community development
Funding: $100,000 for 10 awards of $10,000 each
2016 Nomination Deadlines: March 1 and Aug. 1
Purpose: The program supports organizations inspiring responsible outdoor participation as a way to build strong communities, promote creative and sustainable thinking, and introduce new audiences to the outdoors.

Best Buy Launches National Partnership Competition
Private Funder: Best Buy Foundation
Funding Focus: Education and youth
Funding: Multiple awards, up to $200,000 each
Deadline: Nov. 1
Summary: The Best Buy Foundation offers an array of support. The community grants promote programs that give teenagers access to opportunities through technology to help them excel in school and develop 21st century skills.

NEH, Enduring Questions
Agency: National Endowment for the Humanities
Deadline: Sept. 10
Award Amount: Up to $38,000 for 18–36 months, 21 awards
Summary: The NEH Enduring Questions program supports grant faculty members in the preparation of a new course on a fundamental concern of human life as addressed by the humanities.

Children’s Obesity
Private Funder: Children’s Obesity Fund
Funding Focus: Childhood nutrition
Funding: Varies
Deadline: Rolling
Summary: To win funding, projects must educate parents, teachers, and other caregivers about the rising obesity rates in America.

Promoting Economic Literacy
Agency: Calvin K. Kazanjian Economics Foundation
Deadline: Sept. 15
Summary: As part of the effort to broaden the understanding of modern day economic systems, the Foundation offers grants to help improve financial literacy, especially for disadvantaged children and youth.

Programs for Literacy, Social Services
Foundation: Women Helping Others (WHO) Foundation
Funding Focus: Social services, women and children (education–literacy programs get priority)
Funding: Awards vary
Deadline: Sept. 8
Summary: The foundation supports nonprofits serving the overlooked needs of women and children.

—Submitted by Jayne Smith, director of sponsored programs and grants management