Advancing Technology for Learning and Applied Spatial Solutions Grant

The Advancing Technology for Learning and Applied Spatial Solutions grant, administered by the Indiana Office of Technology through the Indiana Geographic Information Office, is a competitive, reimbursement based funding program designed to expand geospatial knowledge and capabilities across the state of Indiana. The program is financed through state appropriated funding and aims to support institutions that contribute to applied spatial research, data accessibility, and best practices in geographic data management. The initiative reflects a broader state effort to improve decision making across sectors such as infrastructure, public health, and emergency response through enhanced use of geospatial information. The primary purpose of the program is to empower educational and nonprofit institutions to develop tools, processes, and educational resources that strengthen geospatial literacy and application. The program emphasizes both educational advancement and technical innovation, with a strong focus on creating scalable and repeatable solutions that integrate with Indiana existing geospatial data infrastructure. The initiative is structured around two tracks: NAVIGATE, which focuses on educational materials and training programs, and MAPS, which emphasizes analytical tools, data accessibility, and storage optimization. Applicants must select one track and align their proposed project accordingly. Funding for the program supports up to one hundred fifty thousand dollars per state fiscal year over two fiscal years, contingent on funding availability. The program targets approximately four awards per fiscal year, though individual award amounts may vary depending on project scope and requested budget. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis and must be used for allowable costs such as personnel salaries, fringe benefits, travel, supplies under a defined threshold, and limited indirect costs capped at ten percent of modified total direct costs. Certain expenses, including capital expenditures, construction, and entertainment, are explicitly prohibited. Eligibility is limited to academic institutions, schools and school districts, and nonprofit organizations located within the United States. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects either utilize Indiana framework geospatial data or integrate relevant national datasets with applicability to Indiana. The program encourages collaboration across sectors and emphasizes projects that produce publicly accessible, non restricted outputs. Applicants may reapply in future cycles if not selected, indicating a recurring funding opportunity designed to build long term capacity. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Euna Grants platform, which serves as the official system for application submission, grant management, reporting, and reimbursement. The application process requires completion of a profile, a detailed application section including a project narrative limited to seven pages, and a comprehensive budget with narrative justification. Supporting documentation may be uploaded separately. The program specifies formatting requirements and file size limitations, ensuring standardization across submissions. Proposals are evaluated based on three primary criteria: strategic vision and reach, project planning and feasibility, and budget justification. The evaluation places the greatest weight on the clarity and impact of the proposed project, including alignment with program goals, innovation, scalability, and dissemination plans. Additional bonus points may be awarded for projects that extend beyond immediate scope or provide openly accessible resources. This structured evaluation framework ensures that funded projects deliver measurable outcomes and long term value. The application timeline operates on an annual cycle, with the fiscal year 2027 application period opening on August 3, 2026 and closing on September 10, 2026. Award notifications are expected shortly after the application period, followed by acceptance deadlines and a defined performance period of one calendar year. Grant recipients are required to submit periodic activity and financial reports through the Euna platform, with reimbursement tied to documented progress. Questions and support are provided through the Indiana Geographic Information Office via a dedicated program email, ensuring applicants have access to guidance throughout the process.

Align project clearly with program goals; emphasize scalability and public accessibility; provide detailed and realistic implementation plan; ensure strong budget justification