ROSES 2025: F.9 Citizen Science Seed Funding Program

The Citizen Science Seed Funding Program (CSSFP) is a funding opportunity administered by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD). This program seeks to support scientists and subject matter experts in developing citizen science projects or transitioning them through critical phases such as public launch or scientific redirection. CSSFP encourages integration of volunteer participation into scientific investigations and aims to expand the community of professional scientists who use citizen science methodologies. The fund is supported by four divisions within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate: Astrophysics, Biological and Physical Sciences, Heliophysics, and Planetary Science. Each division independently evaluates and selects projects based on its programmatic goals and scientific relevance. Earth Science-related projects are not eligible under this program but may be supported under other NASA ROSES elements. Projects must align with at least one of the four participating divisions and are expected to demonstrate strong science motivation, rigorous methodology, and meaningful volunteer engagement. Funding awards are limited to a one-year duration, with up to $480,000 collectively available for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, $200,000 for Heliophysics, and $50,000 for Biological and Physical Sciences. Each award typically ranges between $80,000 and $88,000 depending on the division. Funding may not be used to pay volunteers directly, but can support training, outreach materials, and communication infrastructure. Successful projects may qualify for continued funding through other ROSES elements, but not through future CSSFP rounds. To be eligible, proposals must address scientific objectives related to one or more of the four participating SMD divisions. Projects must involve citizen science participants meaningfully and describe when and how the public will be engaged if the project is not already open. Beta testing with a volunteer group is required, and proposals must also include a detailed Science/Technical/Management section (max 6 pages), an anonymized Open Science and Data Management Plan, and a non-anonymized document detailing team expertise, support letters, and institutional resources. Applications are evaluated using dual-anonymous peer review with criteria based on intrinsic merit, cost, and relevance to SMD goals. Proposals must include redacted budgets, clearly demonstrate the use of citizen science platforms or communities, and outline long-term sustainability plans including future funding pathways. Participation in an annual NASA citizen science workshop is mandatory for award recipients. Submissions must be made electronically via NSPIRES and follow strict formatting and anonymization guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to consult NASA's documentation and online tools for preparing and submitting compliant proposals. The primary administrative contact for the program is Marc Kuchner, Citizen Science Officer, who may be reached at marc.kuchner@nasa.gov or (301) 286-5165. The funding opportunity number is NNH25ZDA001N-CSSFP, and key deadlines can be found in the ROSES-2025 Tables 2 and 3. Investigations are expected to begin approximately six months after proposal submission.

Proposals must follow DAPR format, include beta testing, long-term plan, and letters from platforms.