Science and Technology Grants

The 2024 Texas Rural Woman Grant, offered by Texas Woman's University, aims to foster economic development in rural Texas by empowering woman-owned small businesses to undertake innovative projects. This grant aligns with the university's mission to support women entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth in underserved areas of the state. The program seeks to address the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, contributing to the overall economic well-being of Texas communities. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are existing rural, woman-owned small businesses in Texas. These businesses must be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizen women who also reside in Texas. The grant focuses on for-profit corporations, partnerships, LLPs, LLCs, or sole proprietorships located and operated within eligible rural Texas counties. The impact goal is to encourage and enable these businesses to undertake new and innovative projects, thereby creating greater economic development activity in rural Texas. The grant prioritizes projects that involve the purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology; farm implements or machinery; the addition or acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; the purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue; and marketing or advertising campaigns. Any other business-related activity deemed aligned with the program's purpose by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) is also eligible. This focus ensures that funding directly supports tangible growth and operational enhancements for the recipient businesses. The expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful implementation of new projects by ten woman-owned businesses, each receiving a $5,000 grant. Recipients are required to complete a small business training course, engage in three hours of small business advising/mentoring, and submit an approved business plan with three years of financials. These requirements are designed to not only provide immediate financial support but also equip business owners with the knowledge and resources for sustainable long-term success and growth, leading to increased sales and revenue for their businesses.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is offering the 2024-2025 Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) American Rescue Plan (ARP) Supplemental Funding Grant. This grant aims to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, with a specific focus on increasing access to COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and mobile health units to mitigate the virus's spread and enhance support for domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The program aligns with the mission of supporting community-based projects that effectively aid victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are domestic violence shelters, domestic violence programs, culturally specific organizations, tribes, rural communities, racial and ethnic specific communities, and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals, as well as domestic violence survivors and their dependents. The impact goals are to eliminate barriers to COVID-19 testing and supplies, provide resources for onsite testing, ensure access to rapid testing, maintain and increase testing efforts, expand access to testing for underserved populations, and broaden COVID-19 mitigation activities. The grant prioritizes several key areas, including COVID-19 testing (viral and antibody tests, planning, training, reporting, and supply procurement), COVID-19 mitigation (reducing transmission, case investigation, contact tracing, screening, education, and referrals), and COVID-19 vaccine access (administration, outreach, education, appointment assistance, and transportation). Additionally, the grant supports mobile health units for testing, vaccine administration, and preventative health services, along with workforce expansions, capacity building, and personnel support to ensure the continuity of domestic violence services. Expected outcomes include increased access to COVID-19 testing and vaccines, reduced spread of the virus, and enhanced support systems for domestic violence survivors. Measurable results will likely involve the number of individuals tested, vaccinated, and reached through mobile health units, as well as improvements in survivor services. The ICJI's strategic priority is to give special emphasis to community-based projects carried out by nonprofit private organizations that operate shelters or provide counseling, advocacy, and self-help services to victims of family violence. The theory of change suggests that by providing these supplemental funds, ICJI can strengthen the public health response to COVID-19 while simultaneously supporting and sustaining the advocacy workforce dedicated to preventing and responding to the needs of domestic violence survivors during the ongoing public health emergency.

The kNot Today Child Protection Grant is designed to strategically invest in programs that offer preventive and/or proactive initiatives to end the sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of children. This aligns directly with kNot Today's core mission. The foundation's theory of change is rooted in making measurable differences through specific programs that support children, demonstrating impact, and fostering innovative, collaborative, and creative solutions to meet community needs and protect and empower children. They achieve this by funding projects that address critical areas within child protection, ensuring long-term restorative care and systemic change. The grant targets minor survivors of child sexual abuse or trafficking, their families, and children in need of identification and protection. Impact goals include providing therapeutic services for healing, ensuring access to long-term restorative care and support, developing resources and advocating for protective policies, assisting law enforcement with tools and technology, and promoting access to education for early identification of at-risk children. The program seeks to create a comprehensive support system for child protection and recovery. Key priorities and focus areas for kNot Today include therapeutic services, long-term restorative care, policy advocacy, law enforcement support, and educational initiatives. The organization prioritizes funding for agencies in Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina in this grant cycle. They favor projects that demonstrate financial stability, measurable impact, and innovative approaches to community needs. Faith-based applicants are encouraged to clarify the integration of religious beliefs into their projects. Expected outcomes involve improved healing journeys for survivors, sustained access to supportive care, strengthened protective policies, enhanced law enforcement capabilities, and increased identification of children in need through educational programs. kNot Today emphasizes measurable results, requiring projects to demonstrate their impact, and they examine financial stability to ensure effective use of funds. The foundation's strategic priority is to make significant, demonstrable advancements in ending child sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking through targeted and impactful investments.

The Richard A. Shaw Fund, administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, aims to support nonprofit organizations through grants. While the overarching mission alignment with the Omaha Community Foundation's broader goals isn't explicitly detailed, the fund's specific focus on history, natural sciences, outdoor education, and animal welfare suggests a commitment to enriching community life and supporting vulnerable populations. This aligns with a general philanthropic mission of fostering education and protecting animal well-being within the designated service area. The grant program targets two primary beneficiary groups: public school programs serving students aged 5-18, and nonprofit organizations benefiting animals. For public schools, the focus is on programs emphasizing history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting nonprofits, there is a strong preference for those involved in equine therapy. Organizations must be located in the Omaha metropolitan area, including Douglas, Sarpy, and Pottawattamie Counties. The priorities and focuses of the Richard A. Shaw Fund are clear: enhancing educational opportunities in specific subjects for public school students and supporting animal welfare, particularly through equine therapy. The program's design suggests an emphasis on direct service and community impact within these two distinct areas. While not explicitly stated as "strategic priorities," these focus areas demonstrate the fund's intent to channel resources toward specific, impactful initiatives. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not detailed with specific metrics, can be inferred. For public school programs, the desired outcome is an enhancement of education in history, natural sciences, and outdoor education. For animal-benefiting organizations, the goal is to improve animal welfare, with a specific interest in the therapeutic benefits of equine programs. The grant size, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, and the total awarded amount of $3,500 across a maximum of two grants, indicates a focus on smaller-scale projects or programs that can demonstrate tangible benefits within their respective fields. The foundation's underlying theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in public school education and animal welfare programs, particularly those with a therapeutic component, they can contribute to a more educated populace and a healthier, more compassionate community. The limited number and size of grants suggest a targeted approach, aiming for significant impact within specific, well-defined areas rather than a broad, diffuse reach. The preference for equine therapy further underscores a belief in its unique benefits for both animals and, indirectly, human well-being.

The Operations and Program Grant program by the Quad Cities Community Foundation aims to provide essential general operating or program support to successful ongoing efforts. This initiative aligns with the Community Foundation’s strategic commitment to effective grantmaking practices by offering flexible and reliable funding. A key aspect of this alignment is the preference given to general operating support requests, acknowledging their crucial role in the long-term success of nonprofit organizations. The program allows for both one-year and two-year funding requests, enabling organizations to secure stable support for their critical work. The program targets nonprofit organizations located in Scott County, IA, or Rock Island County, IL. Organizations outside these counties but within a 60-mile radius of Rock Island, IL, are eligible for funding from the Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund only. The program's impact goals are broad, covering various fields of interest including Animals & Environment, Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education, Health, and Youth Development. By supporting these diverse areas, the Community Foundation aims to address a wide range of community needs and foster overall well-being in the Quad Cities region. The Operations and Program Grant program prioritizes several key areas. Preference is given to applications seeking general operating support and those supporting existing successful organizations or programs. The program also focuses on organizations and programs that meet an identified community need in at least one of the six fields of interest, demonstrate effectiveness in achieving their goals, and strongly contribute to overall success. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on organizations that advance racial and other forms of equity in the Quad Cities region through their actions and leadership, and those with a track record of success and positive community impact. Expected outcomes include enhanced organizational stability and effectiveness for nonprofits, improved community well-being across various sectors, and the advancement of equity in the Quad Cities region. Measurable results are tied to the effectiveness of programs, the achievement of organizational goals relative to dollars used, and the demonstrated positive community impact. The Community Foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its commitment to flexible and reliable funding, its focus on general operating support, and its emphasis on supporting established, successful initiatives that address identified community needs and promote equity. Each fund within the program maintains its original purposes and donor intent, ensuring that grants are awarded in alignment with specific areas such as risk management, arts and culture, or youth development.

The objective of this program is to develop replicable, customizable processes, along with methods and tools to measure resilience and conduct resilience assessments across communities in a watershed scalable to the application across the Nation. Reconciling community needs and methodological gaps should result in methodological advancement. An understanding of the interdependencies of individual projects to achieve critical functions in support of watershed objectives is of paramount importance. This work will address specific threat scenarios acting on individual vulnerabilities of specific communities and multiple compounding threats acting at watershed-wide scale. This work will interface with and possibly be combined with efforts being developed by ERDC as a part of technology transfer to others to customize and use. This project will include the delivery of products in a form that may be included in a playbook for watershed jurisdictions to customize and replicate. Objective 1: Develop methodological toolbox for resilience quantification and decision support for watershed-level mitigation efforts. For this objective, ERDC will conduct field-campaigns to collect data on critical functions that are applicable to watershed-level mitigation efforts. The recipient/awardee will use the supplied data in analyses to identify interdependencies and vulnerabilities for development of a methodological toolbox for resilience quantification and decision support for water-shed level mitigation efforts. For consistency, the assessment should coincide with existing ERDC published work in resilience and, as such, should focus on the Resilience Matrix, an organizing framework on three phases of resilience (absorb, recover, adapt) against three domains of resilience (physical, information, social). Activities associated with Objective 1 will include the following: (i) process to identify and prioritize the critical infrastructure in local community and watershed levels; (ii) an analysis of the most vulnerable critical infrastructure to all forms of threats (primary focus in the Savannah River Basin); (iii) an assessment of the supply and demand of critical functions supported by the highest priority infrastructure in the watershed; (iv) replicable process to conduct an analysis of interdependencies across primary functions and infrastructure in the basin; (v) methods and tools to conduct a consequence assessment of critical functions at the local and watershed level; (vi) a screening tool to visualize vulnerabilities on potential failures of critical infrastructure; (vii) process to apply screening tool applications in a collaborative setting between public and private stakeholders. Objective 2: Support the development of collaborative approaches to build a shared vision of resilience, scalable to all levels of a watershed. This objective will advance research activities focused on the development of decision support tools to connect local priorities with challenges across the watershed for scalable watershed resilience. Similar to Objective 1, ERDC will collect data and provide the data to the recipient/awardee use in complex analyses. The analyses will result in a deliverable that describes the methods and tools needed to prioritize decisions in the watershed in a way that will enhance resilience. Activities associated with Objective 2 will include the following: (i) methods for identification of objectives and priorities in the watershed; (ii) assessment of priorities across the watershed to identify potential areas of conflict and synergy in the basin; (iii) methods to help communities identify and leverage government resources; (iv) process to generate and articulate scenarios for collaborative decision-making decision support tools; (v) development of serious gaming sim city like applications to run scenarios against potential resilience strategy alternatives. .

The National Nuclear Forensics Expertise Development Program (NNFEDP) works to build a nuclear forensics workforce of recognized technical experts and leaders through fostering scholastic and research collaboration between and among academia, the national and defense laboratories, and the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) Interagency, as required by law. The implementation of the NNFEDP fulfills the requirements outlined in Homeland Security Act of 2002, as amended. This program also aligns with Goal 1 of the DHS Strategic Plan fiscal years 2020-2024 [Department of Homeland Security's Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2020-2024 Homeland Security (dhs.gov)]: Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats and Objectives 1.2: Detect and Disrupt Threats, and 1.4: Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction and Emerging Threats. To accomplish this mandate, the following initiative has been implemented: The Nuclear Forensics Research Award (NFRA) supports the establishment of a team of faculty, students, and technical staff at the national or defense laboratories to conduct research in the field of nuclear forensics.

The Austin Community Foundation is offering grants through its Women's Fund to advance the economic mobility of women and children in the Central Texas region, encompassing Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Burnet, and Caldwell Counties. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to address systemic barriers and provide direct services to improve the lives of these vulnerable populations. The grant program seeks to support organizations that are committed to creating lasting, positive change for women and children facing economic hardship. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are women and children with low incomes in the six-county Central Texas area. The program's impact goals are centered on increasing access to essential resources and opportunities that promote economic stability and long-term well-being. This includes fostering affordable housing solutions, expanding access to quality childcare, supporting women's educational pursuits, providing resources for unintended pregnancy prevention, and reducing health disparities, particularly for women of color. The Women's Fund has identified several key strategic areas for funding: Housing, Child Care, Education, Unintended Pregnancy Prevention, and Women's Health. Within these priorities, the foundation seeks proposals that offer both direct services and systems-level changes. This indicates a focus on both immediate relief and broader, more sustainable solutions that address the root causes of economic instability. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by investing in these critical areas, they can create an ecosystem of support that empowers women and children to overcome economic challenges and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Expected outcomes include increased access to affordable housing with support networks, expanded availability of safe and affordable childcare, improved educational attainment for women, enhanced access to unbiased pregnancy prevention resources, and a reduction in health disparities among women of color. The grant sizes range from $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration of two years, suggesting a commitment to substantial and sustained impact. Specifically, a total of $500,000 in unrestricted, general operating support will be awarded to 15 different nonprofit organizations, with individual awards for winning finalist ($55,000 total over two years), runner-up finalist ($30,000 in 2024), and semifinalist ($15,000 in 2024).

The City of Savannah's 2025 Community Partnership Program aims to address key issues impacting its residents through Community Investment programs and Homelessness Services System Coordination funding. This initiative seeks to align with the city's strategic priorities of Good Government, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Health & Environment, Economic Strength/Poverty Reduction, Infrastructure Growth & Development, and Public Safety. The program operates under a theory of change that by supporting legally formed non-profit entities directly benefiting Savannah residents, it can achieve positive and measurable community outcomes across various critical sectors. The Community Investment programs target a broad range of beneficiaries, including residents experiencing challenges with economic mobility, seniors, youth, individuals facing food insecurity, and those in need of health and wellness services. The impact goal for these programs is to foster a more resilient and thriving community by addressing fundamental needs and improving quality of life. Funding for Community Investment contracts ranges from $15,000 to $50,000, with proposals evaluated by selection committees. A specific focus of the program is Homelessness Services System Coordination. This funding category, capped at $200,000, is dedicated to supporting the lead agency for the Continuum of Care (CoC). The target beneficiaries for this category are individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Savannah. The impact goal is to strengthen the coordinated entry system and other federally mandated CoC activities, leading to more efficient and effective services for the homeless population and ultimately reducing homelessness in the city. Eligible activities for participating agencies fall under two categories: Community Services and Homelessness Services System Coordination. Proposals for Community Services (ranging from $15,000 to $50,000) must demonstrate the ability to address a community need. For the Homelessness Services System Coordination category (up to $200,000), agencies must prove their capacity to provide all required Continuum of Care services. Expected outcomes include tangible improvements in the focus areas, with measurable results tied to the specific services provided and the number of residents impacted. For instance, an economic mobility program would measure the number of individuals gaining employment or increased income, while a food insecurity program would track the number of meals provided or individuals served. To ensure accountability and financial integrity, applying agencies must be legally formed non-profit entities located within Savannah and providing services to its residents. They are required to provide proof of legal formation and submit a Review Report of their profit and loss statement or financial statements prepared by an Independent Auditor or Certified Public Accountant. For agencies expending less than $100,000 in the prior fiscal year, a summary of the Profit and Loss Statement prepared by an independent auditor or a certified public accountant will be accepted. Any financial concerns identified will be addressed during the proposal review period in consultation with the City of Savannah’s Office of Management and Budget, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and effectively towards achieving the program’s strategic objectives.

The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals that significantly advance the performance, capabilities and the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of atomic vapor sensors for electric field sensing, imaging, communications, and quantum information science (QIS). Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in science, devices, or systems. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.

The Southern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop an educated, skilled, and diverse STEM workforce in Southern Nevada. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Nevada to develop and expand STEM training programs that meet industry needs, helping to prepare workers for well-paying jobs in the growing economy.

This funding opportunity supports partnerships between high schools, postsecondary institutions, and STEM employers in Nevada to develop training programs that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Rural STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that help develop a diverse workforce in Rural Nevada with the skills and education needed by STEM industries. Projects should address increased participation in high-quality STEM programs from underserved groups, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This grant provides funding to Nevada public and charter elementary school educators and administrators to enhance STEM education through hands-on learning experiences, particularly for underrepresented students.

The Northwestern STEM Network Grant VI, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation, and Technology (OSIT), aims to support innovative initiatives that align with the objective of developing a diverse talent pool to meet the employment needs of Northwestern Nevada’s evolving STEM industries. Projects should address equity in STEM, raise awareness about STEM opportunities, and ensure high-quality STEM education with engaged business partners across all counties, cities, and districts. Funding is available up to $50,000, with applications due by June 28, 2024. Eligible projects include pilot programs, scaling up existing programs, or extending successful initiatives from other regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to designated STEM schools in Nevada for professional development, educator stipends, and materials to enhance high-quality STEM education.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to develop innovative projects that enhance community engagement in the arts, particularly for underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in northwest North Dakota to support projects in arts, community development, economic development, and innovative initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the region.