Science and Technology Grants

The Minerva Research Initiative's University Research Announcement is a funding opportunity provided by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support innovative basic research in the social sciences. The initiative aims to advance understanding in areas of strategic importance to U.S. national security, focusing on social, cultural, behavioral, and political dynamics. Minerva seeks to enhance DoD’s intellectual capital in the social sciences by fostering research that informs policy and strategic decision-making. The program encourages collaboration among universities, research institutions, and scholars worldwide to address specific research topics identified by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The program supports research in six major topic areas: societal cohesion and conflict, advancing influence measurement(s), the Arctic at the polar crossroads, cultural resilience and human security in Oceania, the social impact of technological change, and deterrence and competition across military and civilian spheres. Research proposals should focus on developing theoretical foundations, methodologies, and applied insights that contribute to the understanding of these areas. Teams of university investigators are encouraged, especially for projects requiring interdisciplinary expertise. The Minerva Research Initiative does not require substantial government involvement in award execution but aims to facilitate collaboration between academia and defense policy communities. The total estimated funding for this program is up to $30 million, with individual grants reaching a maximum of $1,000,000 per year for up to five years. Approximately 15 awards are expected to be made. Grants will be issued for an initial three-year period, with possible extensions for an additional two years. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Proposals must be submitted in two stages: white papers are due by November 29, 2024, and full applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025, through Grants.gov. Awards are anticipated to be announced by April 16, 2025, with projects commencing on June 1, 2025. Eligibility is open to U.S. and foreign institutions of higher education, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Non-profit institutions and commercial entities may participate as subawardees but are not eligible to apply as lead institutions. Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs) may collaborate but are not eligible to receive direct funding. Each proposal must designate a single Principal Investigator (PI) responsible for technical and administrative project oversight. Applications must include detailed research proposals with methodologies, relevance to defense priorities, management plans, and budget justifications. White papers undergo an initial review, and select applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. Evaluation criteria include scientific merit, relevance to DoD research priorities, potential contributions to security-relevant social sciences, qualifications of key personnel, and cost realism. Proposals aligning with the 2022 National Defense Strategy and supporting the Minerva Research Initiative's goals will be prioritized. For inquiries, applicants may contact Dr. David Montgomery at [email protected] for technical questions. General questions regarding the initiative can be directed to Jonathan Bertsch at [email protected]. More information, including the full research topics of interest, is available at Minerva Research Initiative.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and individuals working on documentary projects that highlight California's diverse stories and cultures, requiring collaboration with humanities advisors and matching funds.

This fellowship supports emerging and underrepresented women and non-binary artists in New York City by providing them with the opportunity to develop and exhibit their work, along with access to mentorship and professional development resources.

This program provides financial support and service credits to U.S.-based nonprofits to enhance their operational capabilities and strategic planning efforts.

This grant provides funding for programs and services that empower women and girls in Northwest Minnesota, focusing on entrepreneurship, safety, leadership, and personal development.

The "Request for Information (RFI) Plant Genetic Engineering for Energy Applications" grant by the U.S. Department of Energy's ARPA-E is seeking feedback from stakeholders to develop a program aimed at improving plant genetic modifications to enhance biofuel production, carbon sequestration, and mineral extraction, with a focus on advancing genetic engineering technologies and overcoming technical challenges.

This funding opportunity is designed to assist local and state law enforcement agencies in the Northern District of Georgia in implementing initiatives to reduce gun violence and improve community safety.

This grant provides $10,000 to exceptional individual artists in South Carolina to recognize their artistic achievements and support their creative endeavors.

This grant provides funding to Colorado nonprofits and schools to enhance access to arts education for historically marginalized youth through collaborative projects with professional artists.

This funding opportunity is designed for researchers with active NCI R01 grants to validate and enhance existing cancer biomarker assays, facilitating their clinical use and improving cancer detection and treatment strategies.

This grant provides funding to support nonprofits in Muskogee County and organizations in Oklahoma that offer educational and vocational opportunities for young people with disabilities, as well as initiatives promoting Jewish education and culture.

This grant provides financial support to artists in Franklin County, Ohio, for creating public exterior murals, requiring a secured location and partial funding from a commissioning organization.

This program provides financial support to local governments in Georgia for purchasing essential equipment and technology to enhance the capabilities of first responder agencies like police, fire, and emergency medical services.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations and individual artists in New York State to support and expand arts and cultural initiatives, particularly in underserved areas like Genesee and Orleans Counties.

This program provides financial support to individual Black, Indigenous, and People of Color artists in Greater Cincinnati to create and showcase projects that explore themes of truth and innovation related to social justice and equity in July 2025.

This program provides financial support to graduate institutions in certain U.S. jurisdictions to help recruit and fund talented STEM students who received Honorable Mentions from the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, government entities, school districts, and churches in the Bootheel region to address pressing community needs and improve the quality of life.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to independent cultural venues in Sacramento, such as music venues, art galleries, and bookstores, to help them recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This grant provides financial support to local artists in Norman, OK, for community projects, the creation of new artwork, or educational opportunities that enrich the local creative scene.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments, for-profit developers, and non-profit organizations for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Ramsey County, promoting safe and sustainable redevelopment.