06 Aug Funding Alert! Informal STEM Learning Grants

National Science Foundation

Attention researchers and practitioners in informal science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields! The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now accepting proposals to its Advancing Informal Stem Learning (AISL) program. The AISL program supports projects that advance new approaches and understanding, broaden access and engagement, advance research and assessment, and engage the public of all ages in informal STEM learning experiences and issues. Proposals for this program are due January 18, 2022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicant eligibility is unrestricted for this program (except individuals not affiliated with an eligible organization may not apply). Note that an individual may serve as principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on a maximum of three AISL proposals per deadline.

What are the program details?

“Informal STEM” refers to lifelong learning in STEM disciplines that primarily takes place in and through a variety of settings and experiences outside of formal classrooms. Examples include exhibitions and programming in facilities such as museums, zoos, parks, nature centers, or libraries; afterschool or out-of-school-time programs; radio, television, film, or other media programs or series; online or other digital experiences; and relevant research activities and findings. With this focus on informal learning, AISL applicants may pursue one of six types of projects:

1. Pilots and Feasibility Studies – awards of up to $300,000 for a maximum two-year project period, intended to support practitioners and researchers performing initial exploratory work and studies to investigate approaches to informal STEM learning.
2. Research in Service to Practice – awards between $300,000 and $2 million for a two- to five-year project period, intended to advance the knowledge and evidence base for both research and practice in informal STEM learning. These projects require partnership and collaboration between researchers and practitioners.
3. Innovations in Development – awards between $500,000 and $3 million for a two- to five-year project period, intended to support research and development projects that produce new or improved innovations or approaches to informal STEM learning. Deliverables may include exhibits, media, afterschool programs, technologies, or other resources.
4. Broad Implementation – awards between $1 million and $3 million for a three- to five-year project period, intended to scale up successful or innovative models, programs, technologies, research, and other resources to expand their reach.
5. Literature Reviews, Syntheses, or Meta-Analyses – awards of up to $250,000 for a two- to five-year project period, intended to build capacity of the AISL program through a literature review, syntheses, or meta-analysis that focuses on a specific question, issue, or topic relevant to the program.
6. Conferences – awards up to $250,000 for a maximum two-year project period, intended to support a conference focused on informal STEM literature and/or practice. Note that conference projects with budgets less than $75,000 may be submitted at any time and will be reviewed on an ad hoc basis.

The program solicitation contains a complete list of allowable activities and project requirements on pages 6-7. The funder expects to award 58-99 total grants across all project types.

What makes a project a good fit?

NSF seeks AISL projects that meet at least one of the following program priorities: (1) maximizing strategic impact; (2) enhancing knowledge-building; (3) promoting innovation; (5) strengthening infrastructure and building capacity; and (6) broadening participation. The funder also aims to support projects that seek diversity among participants and to broaden opportunities in STEM for underrepresented population groups. In addition, 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:

• Review the full program solicitation for additional details and allowable activities for each project type.
• View NSF’s AISL program page for examples of previously funded proposals, a map of recent AISL awards, program contacts, and other news and resources.
• Browse the Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education’s (CAISE) AISL program resources, including informational webinars, expert interviews, guides for PIs, and other resources.
• Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov 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. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for next year! NSF also has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. The office’s website has ample resources, webinars, 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 new Federal Grants Training Series throughout 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit leaders and faculty at institutions of higher education 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.

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