Science and Technology Grants

The Early Investigator Research Award supports NF-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of a Designated Mentor. This opportunity allows for early-stage investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in NF research, and further their intellectual development as an NF researcher of the future. The postdoctoral investigator is considered the Principal Investigator (PI) of the application and must exhibit strong potential for, and commitment to, pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of NF research; however, the PI is not required to have previous NF research experience. Applications must include at least one mentor, appropriate to the proposed research project, who has experience in NF research and mentoring as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The Designated Mentor can be a junior faculty member, in which case the PI is encouraged to include a co-mentor with a more robust track record in NF research and mentorship. The selected mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as an NF researcher.

The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's "Access for All Fund" is dedicated to supporting charitable organizations that primarily benefit San Luis Obispo County residents, aligning directly with the foundation's overarching mission. This grant program specifically targets the disability community within the county, aiming to advance access and promote inclusion across several critical areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and accessible community for individuals with disabilities, with the Access for All Fund serving as a key mechanism to achieve this. The program's focus areas include advancing access to Health & Wellness, expanding capacity for Housing & Home Access, creating and supporting Community Participation/Inclusion, and promoting Accessible Workspaces and growing Employment Opportunities. For Health & Wellness, the goal is to improve access to healthcare services, equipment, and activities promoting physical and mental health. In terms of Housing & Home Access, the program seeks to increase options for accessible and affordable housing, along with modifications and equipment for independent living. Community Participation/Inclusion aims to ensure accessible events, physical and virtual spaces, inclusive programming, and accessible transportation. Finally, Accessible Workspaces and Employment Opportunities look to foster inclusive work environments through educational outreach, needs assessments, employee training, and improved access to services. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Access for All Fund are directly tied to these focus areas. For example, increased access to health services and wellness activities, a greater number of accessible and affordable housing options, enhanced community participation through accessible events and spaces, and improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The foundation prioritizes one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a specific amount of $5,000 available to award during the 2024 grant-making cycle. This funding approach is designed to support impactful, focused projects that can demonstrate tangible progress within a year. The Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County's theory of change through the Access for All Fund is that by investing in organizations that address the specific needs of the disability community, they can significantly improve the quality of life, independence, and overall inclusion of these residents. By supporting programs that advance access in health, housing, community participation, and employment, the foundation believes it can create a more equitable and supportive environment, leading to long-term positive societal impacts within San Luis Obispo County. Eligibility criteria mandate tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or a fiscal sponsorship, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate charitable endeavors.

The NFRP Synergistic Idea Award supports new ideas that represent synergistic approaches to NF research involving two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). These investigators should utilize their complementary and synergistic perspectives to address a central problem or question in NF research. This award is designed to support both new and pre-existing partnerships and encourages participation of PIs from other research fields. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

The NFRP Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in NF research. Studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design. The presentation of preliminary and/or published data is not required.

The FY24 KCRP Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award supports recent doctoral or medical school graduates in pursuit of innovative, high-impact kidney cancer research during their postdoctoral and/or clinical fellowship and allows them to obtain the necessary experience for an independent career as a leader in kidney cancer research. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed research has high potential to lead to, or make, significant advancements in kidney cancer research and/or patient care. Applicants for this award must also exhibit a strong desire to pursue a career in kidney cancer research, with clear evidence for a researcher development plan that will lead to a successful independent career in kidney cancer. The critical components of this award mechanism are: Impact: Research supported by the FY24 KCRP Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award will have the potential for a major impact and accelerate progress toward ending kidney cancer. The impact may be short term or long term, but must move beyond an incremental advance. Applications are expected to identify the kidney cancer patients or at-risk individuals who would ultimately benefit from the proposed research. Research Strategy: The research proposed as part of the Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award must have high potential to lead to or make breakthroughs in kidney cancer. The scope of the research may include innovative, high-risk/high-reward research in the early stages of idea development or research already supported by preliminary data with the potential to make significant advancements toward clinical translation. The research strategy should demonstrate sound rationale, logical reasoning, and, if available, preliminary data. The proposed research should show evidence of rigorous experimental design, sufficient experimental details, appropriate controls, a statistical plan, and consideration of pitfalls and alternatives. Principal Investigator (PI): Under this award mechanism, the postdoctoral or clinical fellow is considered the PI and, as such, is expected to write the project narrative, researcher development plan, and other application components, with appropriate guidance from the mentor. While the PI is not required to have previous experience in kidney cancer research, the proposed project and researcher development plan must focus on kidney cancer. Applications must emphasize the PIs potential for success in becoming an independent kidney cancer researcher based on their qualifications, achievements/honors (including first-author publications and funding), and letters of recommendation. Mentor: The mentor (or co-mentor, if applicable) must possess the appropriate experience in kidney cancer research and/or patient care, to include recent publications and a record of active funding, and clearly demonstrate a commitment to guiding the PIs research and development as a researcher. If the mentor is not an experienced kidney cancer researcher, then formal co mentorship by an established kidney cancer researcher is required. The application must include information about the mentors experience in conducting innovative research and how they intend to support the PIs endeavors in kidney cancer. Mentorship by an investigator without an established record of mentoring pre- and/or postdoctoral trainees may be offset by the overall strength of the researcher development plan. Researcher Development Plan: Applications must provide details on the suitability of the PIs overall researcher development plan for attaining the goals of this award mechanism. Applications must elaborate on the qualities of the research environment in which the candidate will work, provide details on the individualized kidney cancer-focused researcher development plan, and describe how it will facilitate the PIs career development as an independent, innovative kidney cancer researcher. A multidisciplinary research approach to kidney cancer is highly encouraged, but not required; however, if there are multidisciplinary aspects, they should be clearly outlined in the application. Organizational-Level Emphasis: The following areas of emphasis are broadly applicable to many CDMRP programs, not just the KCRP. Investigators are encouraged to consider addressing these areas in their applications if doing so is appropriate for their line of research, addresses the FY24 KCRP strategic priorities and/or focus areas described in Section II.A.1 and Section II.A.2. Nuclear Medicine: Innovative research involving nuclear medicine and related techniques to support early diagnosis, more effective treatment, and improved health outcomes of active-duty Service Members and their Families is encouraged. Such research could improve diagnostic and targeted treatment capabilities through noninvasive techniques and may drive the development of precision imaging and advanced targeted therapies. Womens Health: CDMRP encourages research on health areas and conditions that affect women uniquely, disproportionately, or differently from men, including studies analyzing sex as a biological variable. Such research should relate anticipated project findings to improvements in women's health outcomes and/or advancing knowledge for women's health. Metastatic Cancer Task Force: A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations (https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research) and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY24 KCRP priorities. Rigorous Study Design: All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research. The standards are described in SC Landis et al., 2012, A call for transparent reporting to optimize the predictive value of preclinical research, Nature 490:187-191 (https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v490/n7419/full/nature11556.html). While these standards are written for preclinical studies, the basic principles of randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and data handling derive from well-established best practices in clinical studies. Military Service Involvement: Applications from investigators within the military services and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the military services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, and/or their Families. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Research involving human subjects and human anatomical substances is permitted; however, clinical trials are not allowed under this program announcement. A clinical trial is defined in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 45, Part 46.102 (45 CFR 46.102) as a research study in which one or more human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (which may include a placebo or another control) to evaluate the effects of the interventions on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes. Studies that do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention are not considered clinical trials. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research. Clinical research encompasses research with human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects. Clinical research is observational in nature and includes: (1) Research conducted with human subjects and/or material of human origin such as data, specimens, and cognitive phenomena for which an investigator (or co-investigator) does not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. Research meeting this definition may include but is not limited to: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) diagnostic or detection studies (e.g., biomarker or imaging), (c) health disparity studies, and (d) development of new technologies. (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies that do not seek to assess the safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcomes of an intervention. (3) Outcomes research and health services research that do not fit under the definition of clinical trial. Excluded from the definition of clinical research are in vitro studies that utilize human data or specimens that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule. The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31 USC 6304). The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 KCRP Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award should not exceed $195,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. Awards supported with FY24 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2025. The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $2.18M to fund approximately seven Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellowship Award applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program, the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by peer and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY24 funding opportunity will be funded with FY24 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2030.

The PMGP was started in 1970 to support research in the field of fundamental measurement or the determination of fundamental constants, enabling the faculties at universities and colleges and laboratory researchers to conduct significant research in this area. By funding the research projects of eligible applicants through this program, NIST supports advances in fundamental measurement, the determination of fundamental constants, and fosters extramural collaboration with NIST scientists.

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville's Compass Society Grant program is designed to fund collaborative, visionary projects that create significant and sustainable impacts across various aspects of the community's quality of life. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission to drive future-focused opportunities, aiming to build a better community for future generations. It emphasizes collective action, requiring organizations to work together to achieve outcomes greater than any single entity could accomplish alone. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and Morgan counties in the Greater Huntsville area. Projects are expected to address multiple focus areas within the Foundation's Quality of Life Framework, which includes Arts & Culture, Basic Needs, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environment, Health & Wellness, Neighborhoods & Communities, and Recreation. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the community by investing in programs that provide essential services, foster growth, and enrich lives holistically. Priority for funding is given to projects that demonstrate visionary, collaborative, and high-impact characteristics. "Visionary" projects create innovative, future-focused programs, while "collaborative" projects involve three or more partners, not necessarily all nonprofits. Projects must also span at least three of the Foundation's Quality of Life focus areas. "High-impact" initiatives are those that can affect a large number of people through scalable, ripple-effect transformations, indicating a strategic focus on widespread and lasting change. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around these priority areas. Projects are anticipated to produce innovative solutions, foster strong community partnerships, and demonstrate a broad reach across multiple quality-of-life indicators. The Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that collaborative, innovative, and impactful initiatives, guided by a future-focused vision, are essential for sustainable community development. By funding projects that meet these criteria, the Community Foundation aims to empower organizations to drive meaningful transformation and enhance the overall well-being of the Greater Huntsville area.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research on applications of isotopic and elemental geochemistry to ecologic as well as surface and groundwater hydrologic problems. Essential components of the funding opportunity are: 1) student, faculty, and laboratory support for application, refinement, and development of geochemical methods, that 2) address solute and water sources and transport pathways, through 3) application of a wide range of stable and radioisotopic systems (ranging from hydrogen, helium, and lithium through uranium and lead), by 4) analysis of the isotopic and elemental composition of diverse sample media (including plant and animal tissue, sediment, rock, and aqueous phases, especially high salinity brine).

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to support a study of grassland bird communities under a changing climate. Over the last half-century, populations of grassland birds declined by more than any other bird group in North America. This is because native grasslands have largely been converted to agricultural row crops, and the remaining prairies have become degraded through altered fire regimes, woody encroachment, the spread of invasive plants, and human development. Land managers and conservation organizations are racing to preserve and restore these ecosystems to stem further loss of grassland birds. Given limited resources, bird habitat models are needed to help managers prioritize where conservation efforts will be most effective. In addition to habitat loss and degradation of native grasslands, increasing greenhouse gas emissions will likely change temperatures and rainfall patterns across the Great Plains. This changing climate is expected to alter vegetation communities and the bird species that depend on them. To date, predictions of bird response to a changing climate have focused on changes in temperature and precipitation, but vegetation productivity also depends on factors such as vegetation type and soils. By studying how vegetation influences grassland birds across the western Great Plains, are creating maps of projected bird distribution, given vegetation and land-use change under multiple future climate scenarios. Predictive bird distribution maps will help land managers and other decision-makers understand how the site-level projects fit within regional and climatic contexts. A web-based application and raining modules accompanying these maps will increase capacity among Federal, State, Tribal, and private partners in their conservation planning under a changing climate.

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties is soliciting applications from nonprofit partners for programs or projects with clear, measurable outcomes. These initiatives must focus on Education, Health, and/or Sciences and serve residents of any age within Herkimer and/or Oneida counties in New York. The Foundation's mission is to strengthen communities through strategic grantmaking that addresses critical needs and fosters positive change, aligning with the core focus areas of this grant. The grant targets a broad range of beneficiaries across all age groups in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Impact goals are centered on transmitting knowledge and strengthening skills through educational projects, nurturing and improving physical, mental, and social well-being through health initiatives, and enhancing scientific understanding and objectives through science-focused programs. The Foundation prioritizes outcomes-driven programs that demonstrate a clear path to achieving these positive changes within the communities it serves. Specific focus areas are defined as: Education, encompassing projects that teach knowledge, strengthen skills, or impart trades; Health, covering initiatives that nurture and improve physical, mental, and/or social well-being; and Sciences, including projects that study or enhance scientific objectives such as physical, life, or social sciences. Expected outcomes for all funded programs should be identifiable and measurable, with a definitive timeline for completion or achievement. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, organizations with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, governmental institutions, educational institutions, or faith-based organizations addressing non-religious needs. Projects must begin no earlier than July 2024, and only one submission per organization is considered per funding round. Ineligible activities include those relating to animals and/or the arts, financial assistance to individuals, religious-specific programming, organizational payroll/operational needs, and already incurred expenses. These guidelines reflect the Foundation's strategic commitment to investing in programs that drive tangible, community-wide benefits.

This grant invites organizations and companies to collaborate on innovative health solutions aimed at reducing disease and mortality rates in low-and-middle-income countries.

The government seeks research and technical support for watershed management modeling and analyses for water quantity and quality, impacts to aquatic species, and effects of extreme rainfall events to take place at the Fort Leonard Wood, MO area. Details of primary tasks are as follows: Task 1: Watershed modeling SWAT+ modeling will be completed for the Big Piney River (a HUC 12 watershed) and Roubidoux Creek (part of the Upper Gasconade HUC 12 watershed). The area around FLW is a karst landscape. Models will be calibrated using USGS stream gages and TSS sampling data supplied by FLW and ERDC-CERL. Task 1 consists of 2 (two) subtasks. a) Model(s) will incorporate existing climate and watershed/management conditions, b) model(s) will incorporate the recommended areal coverage of BMP types and management practices into the SWAT+ models to estimate change to water quality and discharge under existing climate conditions, Note: ERDC-CERL will assist with creating recommended BMPs and management practices. Task 2: Assess model output and determine management prioritization Interpretation and evaluation of model results to prioritize watersheds to target with proposed BMPs and management. Analyses will include statistical methods to justify periodization. The cost of BMP implementation and ongoing operations and management cost and the potential water quality and quantity impacts will also be included. Standard maintenance plans for all recommended BMPs will be required. Task 3: Develop a Watershed Management Plan Develop a Watershed Management Plan with recommended preliminary designs and locations for future development of LID features and BMPs to protect imperiled aquatic species, reduce infrastructure maintenance costs, and support current and future land usages. The final Watershed Management Plan will be included in the FLW Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP) and used by land management groups on FLW including the Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Training, Mobilization Security (DPTMS), and Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) as well as the adjacent Mark Twain State Forest.

This funding opportunity supports early-career researchers transitioning from postdoctoral training to independent research positions focused on Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.

The Joe DeMott Port Allegany Community Development Fund, administered by the McKean County Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications. This grant program aims to support a wide array of projects, aligning with the Foundation's broader mission of fostering community well-being and development. The fund's focus areas, including arts, community development, education, environment, and health and social services, reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs within the Port Allegany School District. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are organizations operating within the Port Allegany School District, specifically 501c3 organizations, schools, municipalities, or religious organizations that serve the public. The impact goal is to enhance the quality of life and promote growth in these key areas. By supporting local initiatives, the fund seeks to empower community groups to implement projects that create positive, tangible changes for residents. The program prioritizes projects that fall under the aforementioned categories: arts, community development, education, environment, or health and social services. This broad scope allows for a variety of innovative and impactful projects to be considered. The strategic priority of the McKean County Community Foundation, as evidenced by this fund, is to invest in local communities to cultivate sustainable development and address critical needs across multiple sectors. While specific expected outcomes and measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the nature of the supported areas implies a desire for improved community infrastructure, enhanced educational opportunities, increased access to arts and cultural experiences, a healthier environment, and more robust social support systems. The theory of change behind this fund is likely that by providing financial resources to local organizations, they can effectively implement projects that lead to a stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient Port Allegany community. The maximum grant amount of $1400 suggests an emphasis on supporting numerous smaller-scale, impactful initiatives.

Amendment 1 (June 25, 2024): The purpose of this Amendment 1 is to: 1) make administrative updates to Section 1.1, 1.2, 2.1.2, 3.1, 3.2 and 5.2.6; 2) replace Section 2.1.1 with new language pertaining to Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Entities. Additionally, Section 4.2, Evaluation Criteria #2 is updated to remove the reference to Government Entities (removal is not highlighted in yellow); 3) change references from Abstract to Solution Summaries (intent behind the document is unchanged); 4) update proposal submission instructions in Section 3.2; and 5) update Section 5.1 to remove the Stage 2 Notification Letter. All changes are highlighted in yellow.Also, please note that the title of this opportunity has bee revised to eliminate confusion. The opportunity should have been titled, "Master Announcement Instruction (MAI)" instead of "ARPA-H BDF Tool Box".The Master Announcement Instructions (MAI) is a new ARPA-H announcement that aims to create standard tiered proposal submission requirements, so the amount of work required to write a proposal is commensurate with the size of the proposed effort. It also aims to reduce the up-front work required to submit cost information to reduce the barrier to entry for non-traditional performers. Module announcements that link to this MAI will provide more specific instructions about how the proposal requirements vary across tiers of effort.All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Governments needs may submit a proposal to a Module Announcement. Specifically, universities, non-profit organizations, small businesses and other than small businesses are eligible and encouraged to propose to Module Announcements.NOTE: Proposals shall NOT be submitted against the MAI. Proposals shall only be submitted against a Module Announcement.

The Women's Philanthropy Society is offering grants to support a legacy of love and an enduring gift for future generations, addressing a broad spectrum of issues that impact community quality of life. For 2024, the Society has chosen Health & Wellness as its focus issue. This grant program aims to strategically address this focus area, align with the Society's philanthropic mission, and contribute to systemic change in the community. The target beneficiaries are organizations described in Code Section 170(c)(2), 501(c)(3), 2055(a)(2) or 2522(a)(2), excluding private foundations. This also includes schools, religious institutions, or government agencies located in the Greater Huntsville area. The grants are intended to create a positive impact on the health and wellness of the community, with a specific focus on the Greater Huntsville, Alabama geographic area, including Jackson, Limestone, Madison, Marshall, and/or Morgan counties. Priority will be given to projects that strategically address the Health & Wellness focus area, involve more than one agency or organization and are collaborative in nature, address a desired systemic change, and provide clear and measurable outcomes. The funding information indicates that up to two high-impact $50,000 grants may be awarded, with the overall grant size ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Expected outcomes include measurable improvements in health and wellness within the Greater Huntsville area, facilitated by collaborative efforts and systemic changes. The Society's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on projects with clear and measurable outcomes and a collaborative approach. The theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding projects that address systemic issues in health and wellness through collaborative efforts, the Women's Philanthropy Society can create a lasting positive impact on the quality of life in the community.

The Level Up LB: Extreme Small Business Makeover and Grant Program is an initiative designed to propel small businesses towards both success and long-term sustainability. The core of the program is a structured, 12-week series of comprehensive workshops that guide participating entrepreneurs through the essential process of crafting new business and marketing plans. Upon the successful completion of this training component, businesses become eligible to apply for substantial $10,000 grants. This integrated approach of education and capital infusion aims to empower participants to expand their operational capacity and enhance overall business resilience. This program targets small businesses, aiming for significant positive impact within the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. The initiative is structured to fully support 25 businesses, who will participate in the workshops and automatically receive grant awards upon completion. An additional 10 businesses will be selected to participate in the workshop series only, with a potential for grant awards should extra funding become available. The primary impact goals, as stated by the program, are to provide access to essential support resources and ultimately drive the expansion of business capacity and the enhancement of resilience among the selected enterprises. Program selection and the distribution of grant awards are determined by a selection committee based on specific criteria that reflect the program’s community-focused priorities. The initiative places a strong focus on ensuring representation of businesses across all parts of the city, with specific priority given to enterprises located in low-to-moderate income areas. Furthermore, the selection process is designed to ensure a balanced representation of businesses across multiple economic sectors. Finally, key focuses include assessing the business's current readiness level and the potential positive impact that participation in the program is expected to generate. The program's implied theory of change is that by connecting small businesses with essential support resources and mandatory, comprehensive training, they will be positioned for accelerated growth. The expected outcomes are measurable: all participants will complete new, detailed business and marketing plans as a result of the 12-week workshops. For the grant recipients, the direct measurable result is the successful application of the $10,000 capital, which is intended to facilitate the expansion of business capacity and increase long-term operational resilience, ultimately leading to more successful and sustainable enterprises across the city.

This program provides funding to two-year colleges and their partners to improve technician education in critical technology fields, focusing on workforce development and broadening participation in STEM for underserved communities.

The Onion Foundation aims to connect Maine residents with arts experiences, both as audience members and creators, fostering opportunities for expression, learning, and inspiration. This aligns directly with the foundation's mission, which recognizes the arts' crucial role in creativity, cultural exchange, intellectual development, joy, compassion, and human connection. The foundation seeks to support a vibrant arts sector in Maine, ensuring that the arts are accessible and beneficial to the state's population. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Maine residents, with a focus on increasing access to arts education, supporting public engagement in arts programs, and building the capacity of Maine's arts sector. The impact goals are to enhance intellectual development, foster joy and compassion, and strengthen feelings of connection among individuals through artistic engagement. The foundation prioritizes organizations that are 501(c)3 public charities, fiscally sponsored projects, public education institutions, or Maine governmental units, with work based in Maine and benefiting its people. The program offers two types of grants: general operating and project support. General operating grants provide unrestricted funds for organizations whose activities align with the foundation's strategies, offering multi-year support of up to $20,000 per year for organizations with annual budgets over $50,000, and up to $7,500 per year for those under $50,000. Project support grants fund specific activities or programs, also with multi-year options and similar funding tiers based on project budgets. The expected outcomes include a more engaged public in Maine arts, a stronger arts education infrastructure, and a more robust overall arts sector in the state. The Onion Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly outlined in its three guiding strategies for the arts program: Strategy I: Increase Access to Arts Education in Maine, Strategy II: Support Public Engagement in Maine Arts Programs, and Strategy III: Build The Capacity of Maine’s Arts Sector. The theory of change implicitly suggests that by funding these areas, the foundation will achieve its broader mission of connecting Maine residents to arts experiences, leading to expression, learning, and inspiration, and ultimately fostering a more creative, compassionate, and connected society. Measurable results would likely include increased participation rates in arts programs, growth in arts education initiatives, and the sustained health and development of arts organizations in Maine.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to facilitate development of the OpenET software system and evapotranspiration (ET) data production, data assessments, and data quality, thereby advancing OpenET capabilities to operational viability. Fulfillment of these duties will require OpenET software system architecture expertise; development expertise for multi-sensor data fusion frameworks; and coordination and management of the OpenET science team among related OpenET consortium activities. Research objectives will support water mission planning and external OpenET partners and data user communities through deliverables that refine remote sensing ET estimates used for water management decisions for human and natural use.