24 Jun Funding Alert! Grants for Research Experiences for Undergraduates

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Attention educators, researchers, institutions of higher education (IHEs), and students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields! NSF is now accepting proposals to its Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. The REU program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by NSF. The goal of the program is to increase the participation of underrepresented student groups in research by involving students who might not otherwise have the opportunities. The two types of support for student research are REU Sites and REU Supplements. Applications for this program are due September 6, 2022.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Undergraduate Participant Eligibility: undergraduate student participants who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible for REU programs. NSF defines undergraduate student as someone enrolled in a degree program (part- or full-time) leading to a baccalaureate or associate degree.
• REU Site Eligibility: NSF strives to invest in a robust and diverse portfolio of projects that create new knowledge and enables breakthroughs in understanding across all areas of science and engineering research and education. Proposed project should clearly convey impact to promote progress of science; advance national health, prosperity, and welfare; secure the national defense; and other purposes. NSF expects faculty from these institutions to hold significant roles in the proposed project, including serving as principal investigator (PI) or co-PIs.

What are the program details?

The REU program has two mechanisms for support of student research:

• REU Sites are independent proposals for projects that engage a number of undergraduate students in research. Sites must have a well-defined common focus that enables a cohort experience for students and may be based on a single discipline or academic department or an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary research opportunity.
• REU Supplements provide support for one or two undergraduate students to participate in research as part of a new or ongoing NSF-funded project. Supplements are supported by various research programs throughout the Foundation.

To meet the program goals to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, a significant portion of students at an REU Site must come from outside the host institution or organization, and at least half of the student participants must be from academic institutions where STEM research opportunities are limited.

The total available funding pool is $84,140,000, with an estimated 1,800 awards to be made (200 new site awards, 1,600 new supplement awards). The typical REU site hosts 8-10 students per year with average annual awards of $80,000 to $130,000. Three years is the standard duration of REU site awards; however, a duration of five years may be allowed in some cases.

What makes a project a good fit?

NSF evaluates all proposals using two National Science Board-approved merit review criteria:

• Intellectual merit: the potential to advance knowledge; and
• Broader impacts: the potential to benefit society and support the achievement of specific societal outcomes.

Applicants should fully address both criteria in their proposals.

What if I am ready to apply? To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:

• Read the full program solicitation and the proposal and award policies and procedures (PAPPG) for additional details and review criteria;
• Review the list of existing abstracts of recent awards; and
• Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have a Grants.gov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://sam.gov/content/status-tracker.

What if I need help with this application?

Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Julie Assel, GPC, President/CEO, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you with a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for next year! The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. The office’s website has ample resources and descriptions of available or upcoming opportunities.

How do I learn more about federal grant proposal writing, so my application is more likely to be successful?

AGS is excited to offer a Federal Grants Training Series in 2022! The series is designed to support nonprofit leaders before and during the application process. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.

AGS blogs, funding alerts, and trainings are aligned with the Grant Professional Certification Institute’s Competencies and Skills

Competency #1: Knowledge of how to research, identify, and match funding resources to meet specific needs

Skill 1.2: Identify major trends in public funding and public policy

Skill 1.6: Identify fundable programs and projects for specific organization

Skill 1.7: Determine best matches between funders and specific programs