State Science and Technology Grants

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications from Minnesota educational cooperative service units with prior experience in statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with low incidence disabilities. This grant aims to sustain and increase the capacity of Minnesota's special education workforce, aligning with the MDE's mission to support all students, particularly those with low incidence disabilities who comprise less than 10 percent of all students receiving special education services or require intensive support in specific categorical areas. The grant opportunity estimates $875,000 per year is available, with an initial grant period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are educational professionals who provide education to students with low incidence disabilities in Minnesota, as well as the students themselves. The impact goals include enhancing the skills of educators and other educational professionals, addressing staff shortages, and improving early identification and support for students with low incidence disabilities. This initiative seeks to build a competent workforce capable of delivering high-quality special education services across the state. The program prioritizes providing aligned, requested, and anticipated technical assistance, including purposeful and sustained collaborative opportunities. This will involve a multi-tiered support framework for technical assistance (MTS-TA) to foster skill-building for educators. A key focus is coordination and partnership with local districts, coops, and other educational agencies, as well as collaboration with institutions of higher education to address workforce development and staff shortages. The categorical areas for necessary supports are outlined in the specific program expectations for grant-funded partners. Expected outcomes include a more robust and skilled special education workforce in Minnesota, improved technical assistance for educators, and enhanced educational outcomes for students with low incidence disabilities. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to the number of professionals trained, the types of technical assistance provided, and improvements in early identification and support practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all students, especially those with low incidence disabilities, receive the necessary supports to achieve a free and appropriate public education.

This funding program provides financial support to local agencies that help low-income individuals and families improve their living conditions and access essential services.

The Alabama Research and Development Enhancement Fund (ARDEF), established under the Alabama Innovation Act (AIA) by Legislative Act #2019-404, aims to stimulate research and development within Alabama to create employment opportunities and enhance products and services for its citizens. The program supports new and ongoing research and development projects in partnership with private sector applicants and emphasizes financial commitments from industry partners. ARDEF prioritizes projects that demonstrate significant potential for economic impact, particularly benefiting small- and medium-sized businesses, and improving the state's employment landscape and available services. Grant renewed every year.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

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.

This grant provides funding for innovative cancer research projects at select Texas institutions located far from major cancer centers, aiming to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in underserved areas.

This funding opportunity supports projects that promote the conservation of golden eagles in California, particularly in areas affected by wind energy, and is open to public agencies, universities, tribal governments, and nonprofits.

This grant provides financial assistance to groundwater and irrigation districts in Idaho for projects that convert irrigation from groundwater to surface water, promoting sustainable water use.

This grant provides over $3.7 million to non-profits, universities, and schools to establish a Juvenile Assessment Center in New Orleans, focusing on prevention and intervention services for youth impacted by the juvenile legal system.

This grant provides funding to distressed municipalities and registered non-profits in Connecticut to develop or improve urban green spaces and community gardens for public enjoyment and environmental education.

This program provides funding to support projects that promote business retention, expansion, and attraction by marketing the state as an investment destination and highlighting regional assets.

The Art Project Grants for Artists program, administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), offers financial incentives to individual Iowa artists and arts educators. This program aligns with a broader mission to foster artistic excellence and provide service to Iowans through arts-related activities. The IEDA's strategic priorities, through the Iowa Arts Council, appear to be centered on supporting the creative economy and enhancing the cultural landscape of the state. The primary beneficiaries of this program are individual artists, including visual and performing artists, filmmakers, musicians, and creative writers, who are current, full-time Iowa residents aged 18 or older. The impact goals are to enable these individuals to undertake eligible one-time project expenses, thereby supporting their artistic endeavors and contributing to the cultural enrichment of Iowa communities. By investing in individual artists, the program aims to strengthen the state's artistic infrastructure. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate both artistic excellence and a clear benefit to Iowans. Applicants can request between $1,000 and $10,000 for expenses incurred during the eligible funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This focus on project-based funding allows for targeted support of specific artistic initiatives. Expected outcomes include the successful completion of diverse arts-related projects by Iowa artists, leading to increased public engagement with the arts and the professional development of individual artists. Measurable results would likely include the number of grants awarded, the types of projects funded, and the reach or impact of these projects within Iowa communities. The underlying theory of change suggests that direct financial support for individual artists will lead to a more vibrant and accessible arts scene throughout Iowa.

The Bioprocessing Research Infrastructure Program is a grant aimed at enhancing Illinois' bioprocessing sector by funding the development of infrastructure, capital equipment, technical staff, and providing affordable access to facilities for businesses and students.

This funding opportunity supports partnerships between Minnesota educational institutions and MedTech businesses to develop training programs focused on AI and advanced technologies, enhancing workforce skills and job opportunities in the sector.

This program helps Pennsylvania municipalities improve their readiness for broadband expansion by streamlining processes and designating a local liaison, ultimately positioning them for future funding opportunities and infrastructure investments.

This funding opportunity is designed to establish teams that provide essential support and resources to adults with complex mental health conditions during critical transitions, such as hospital discharges, to promote community integration and long-term well-being.

This grant provides funding to Maine-based agricultural producers, processors, and organizations to enhance the capacity and resilience of the food supply chain through the purchase of essential equipment.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to selected lending partners in Arizona to help expand and improve child care services through microbusiness development and training for small-scale providers.

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.

Supports applications for innovative research projects addressing critically important questions that will significantly advance knowledge of the causes, prevention, and/or treatment of cancer. • Applicants may request a maximum of $300,000 per year for a 3-year period. • Multi-Principal Investigators (MIs) are allowed under this Request for Applications (RFA). See the Information for Applicants (IFA) document for definition and eligibility of MIs. See application limitations for Principal Investigators (PIs)/MIs, regardless of whether the MI is from the prime institution or a subcontracted institution. • Note that CPRIT does not allow the use of the term Co-PI. • Minimum effort for the PI and/or MIs throughout the project period is required. • A PI and/or MI may not submit more than one application for this RFA (defined as either a new application, resubmission application, or *competitive renewal application). • *Renewal applications are limited to one competitive renewal under this RFA, regardless of the year of the funded parent IIRA award. • The FY25 salary cap is $225,000 per year.