13 May Funding Alert! Racial Equity in STEM Education Grants
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Does your organization work to address systemic racism in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields? NSF is now accepting proposals to its Racial Equity in STEM program. This program is designed to advance racial equity in STEM education and workforce development through fundamental and applied research and practice. NSF encourages prospective applicants to send a one-page concept paper in advance of the full proposal. The full proposal deadline is July 13, 2021.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicant eligibility is unrestricted for this program; however, NSF emphasizes the importance of including the voices, knowledge, and experience of those impacted by systemic racism. Individuals who have experienced racial inequities should lead, develop, and/or engage in authentic partnership to drive the proposal development and decision-making processes.
What are the program details?
Proposed projects should include a robust, detailed plan to generate knowledge surrounding systemic barriers to access, retention, and success in STEM education, research, and workforce development. Funded proposals will accomplish the following objectives:
- Advance the science and promotion of racial equity in STEM;
- Contribute to the removal of systemic barriers that impact STEM education and workforce and overall scientific advancement;
- Institutionalize effective, inclusive environments for STEM professionals, learning, and research;
- Diversify NSF funding of leadership, institutions, ideas, and approaches; and
- Expand the epistemologies, perspectives, and experiences in STEM.
Activities may include (but are not limited to) building theory, developing methods, testing approaches and interventions (and then assessing their efficacy and scalability), establishing or developing authentic partnerships, and changing practices or policies. Applicants may consider these activities within a variety of STEM contexts, including pre-K-12 education, two- and four-year Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs), municipal or community organizations, STEM workplaces, and more.
What makes a project a good fit?
Proposals should clearly define how the work will advance racial equity and address systemic racism within the identified context or setting. In addition, proposed projects should include a dissemination plan that proactively shares information and learnings with those individuals and communities impacted the most, and with community leaders, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
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 description for additional details and allowable project activities.
- Review NSF’s presentation from the Racial Equity in STEM outreach webinar for FAQs and proposal preparation guidelines.
- 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://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.
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 the next deadlines, which are October 12, 2021 and March 22, 2022. 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 opportunities?
AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. 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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