Grants for Individuals - Science and Technology

The Berkeley FILM Foundation (BFF) has launched its inaugural short fiction film grant program, designed to support narrative short film projects through pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution stages. This initiative aligns directly with BFF's mission to foster creative, thoughtful, and innovative storytelling, particularly films with strong themes of social or environmental justice. The foundation aims to empower filmmakers who can use the medium to address critical societal issues, thereby contributing to a more just and aware community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are individual filmmakers—specifically directors, co-directors, producers, or co-producers—who are at least 18 years of age and reside or work in specific Bay Area cities: Berkeley, Emeryville, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, Oakland, or Alameda. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The impact goals are to support the creation of high-quality short fiction films that embody the organization's commitment to social justice and inspire other funding bodies to support creative projects. The program prioritizes short, fiction films (40 minutes or less) that demonstrate originality, imagination, and technical skill. A significant focus is placed on narratives that explore social or environmental justice themes, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to leverage film as a tool for advocacy and community engagement. The grants are divided into two tiers: General Grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and the prestigious Saul Zaentz Awards, offering two separate $25,000 grants for films that most powerfully embody the foundation's mission. Expected outcomes include the successful completion and distribution of impactful narrative short films that raise awareness and stimulate dialogue around social and environmental issues. Measurable results will be determined by the number of films funded, their artistic merit, their alignment with social justice themes, and their potential to inspire further funding and public engagement. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in filmmakers who produce compelling, socially conscious narratives, they can contribute to cultural enrichment and foster positive societal change.

This funding opportunity supports alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Saudi Arabia to develop innovative projects that promote cultural exchange, educational advancement, and bilateral cooperation, while celebrating the United States' 250th anniversary.

This grant provides funding for U.S. students pursuing combined clinical and research doctoral degrees, enabling them to conduct their Ph.D. dissertation research within the NIH's Intramural Research Program while receiving mentorship and professional development.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that strengthen the U.S.-Poland relationship by engaging Polish youth and professionals in areas like security, entrepreneurship, science, and culture, celebrating 250 years of American independence.

This funding opportunity supports conservation and research projects focused on key species that significantly impact ecosystems, culture, or economy in the U.S., particularly those led by local communities and incorporating Indigenous knowledge.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research projects that integrate genetics, engineering, and data science to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working to strengthen global efforts against sanctions evasion by China and Russia, focusing on enhancing compliance systems and technical training for public and private sectors.

This grant encourages the development of innovative remote-operated technologies and autonomous vehicles to improve wildfire response on military lands, offering monetary prizes to participants from various sectors, including industry and academia.

The Pulitzer Center is offering the Truth Decay Grant Initiative for journalists and newsrooms interested in addressing science misinformation, science denial, and the spread of pseudoscience. The initiative aims to expose those responsible for spreading misinformation and support journalists in developing innovative responses to combat mistruths. They are particularly interested in proposals that explore the reasons behind the spread of scientific misinformation, the challenges of reporting on science in today's media landscape, the creators and beneficiaries of misinformation, and unique perspectives on pseudoscience and misinformation in society. The initiative is open to U.S. residents and journalists worldwide, and they encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. The grants do not cover expenses such as books, feature-length films, staff salaries, equipment purchases, general expenses, start-up funding, routine breaking news coverage, advocacy/marketing campaigns, or data projects solely for academic research. For more information, visit the Pulitzer Center website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research projects that address key challenges in the U.S. aquaculture industry, focusing on improving profitability, sustainability, and production capacity through applied science.

This grant provides $10,000 in reagent credits to researchers working on innovative stem cell and organoid projects at eligible institutions, helping to advance scientific breakthroughs in these fields.

The U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to facilitate the launch of the Marine and Blue Economy Hackathon. Please follow all instructions in the "Marine and Blue Economy Hackathon NOFO Full Instructions" document under the Related Documents tab. Priority Region: Lagos, Nigeria Overview and Purpose Inadequate technological solutions and lack of coordination across Nigerias marine and blue economy-related sectors have led to untapped economic opportunities, unsustainable fishing practices, plastic pollution, and environmental damage. To implement the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation Plan of Action and to bolster U.S.-Nigeria relations, a selected implementing partner, in consultation with the U.S. Mission Nigeria, will launch the Marine and Blue Economy Hackathon. This two- to three-day event will bring together approximately 60 working-level government officials, private sector experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and students to crowdsource innovative technical solutions to marine and blue economy-related problems. Defining Problem Statements, Crowdsourcing Solutions, and Measuring Results The selected implementing partner, in consultation with the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, will define three marine and blue economy-focused problem statements. Problem statements should reflect local needs and the priorities established by the Partnership for Atlantic Cooperation member countries including sustainable fisheries management, plastic pollution prevention, coastal community resilience, marine conservation, sustainable aquaculture management, ghost gear solutions, aquatic food technology advancement, ocean data and information gathering and analysis, and marine spatial planning implementation. During the hackathon, participants will: (a) translate multifaceted problems into succinct technical specifications and statements recognizable to software and technology designers; and (b) form teams to generate actionable and innovative technical solutions to the shared problem statement(s). At the end of the hackathon, a winner will be selected by a board of American and Nigerian judges for the most innovative and impactful solution developed, and a prize will be offered. After the hackathon, participants will then deploy the solutions they collaboratively design, leverage partnerships established with their counterparts across the sector, and closely coordinate with one another to ensure the solutions address the identified problems. Hackathon results can be measured by number and quality of targeted small-group sessions, the introduction of new tools and technologies, and creation of prototypes that address the problems hackathon participants tackle. In order to be considered, implementing partner applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusive participation. The selected implementing partner must reach out to potential participants from marginalized populations and communities, ensure balance among hackathon participants, and provide accessibility accommodations as needed. Participants and Audiences This two- to three-day event will bring together approximately 60 working-level government officials, private sector experts, academics, entrepreneurs, and students to crowdsource innovative technical solutions to marine and blue economy-related problems.

This funding opportunity supports collaborative research and extension projects aimed at improving the productivity and sustainability of the U.S. specialty crop industry, including fruits, vegetables, and horticultural crops.

This grant provides funding to small businesses and startups that have previously received NSF Phase I awards, helping them advance their innovative research into market-ready products and services.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based organizations in creating engaging science communication initiatives that make NASA's scientific discoveries accessible to diverse audiences, particularly underrepresented groups.

This initiative provides funding to early-career researchers and community organizations to develop innovative health solutions that address critical health challenges in local communities.

Feet First Philly's Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant, ranging from $500 to $2000, supports projects that enhance walkability and safety in public spaces across Philadelphia, with applications open to organizations, businesses, and individuals, provided the enhancements are not used for financial gain.

The Neal Peirce Foundation is offering up to seven travel grants of up to $1,500 each in 2024 to journalists, particularly those early in their careers or from underrepresented backgrounds, to support the coverage of underreported stories about urban solutions that improve cities and regions for all people, with the expectation that travel and story submission will occur within three months of receiving the award.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that create collaborative testing facilities to improve the interoperability and reliability of electric vehicle charging equipment and technologies.

This grant provides financial support to arts and cultural organizations, individual artists, and local schools in Rowan County to enhance access to arts and cultural opportunities.