Private Science and Technology Grants

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is offering a grant program to academic faculty focused on identifying, evaluating, and developing safer alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aligns with TURI's mission to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and promote safer practices. The program seeks to foster research that directly addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS by finding viable replacements in various manufacturing and product applications. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are academic faculty and their graduate students located at institutions within Massachusetts. The program aims to support these researchers in conducting innovative studies that contribute to a cleaner environment and safer products for the general public. The impact goals are to reduce reliance on PFAS, mitigate their toxic effects, and encourage the adoption of less harmful alternatives across industries. The grant prioritizes research that focuses on specific applications where PFAS are commonly used, such as water and stain-resistant coated fabrics, textiles, apparel, footwear, surfactant applications (including fume suppressants), refrigerants and coolants, fire suppressants, fluoropolymers, manufacturing processing aids, coated food packaging, and other non-stick coated materials and products. Proposals should directly address these areas to develop practical and implementable solutions. Expected outcomes include the identification of novel, safer alternatives to PFAS, comprehensive evaluations of existing alternatives, and the development of new processes or materials that eliminate the need for PFAS. Measurable results would involve the number of alternatives identified and evaluated, the success rate of developed alternatives in specific applications, and the potential for widespread adoption by industries. TURI's strategic priority is to drive toxics use reduction through research and education, and this grant program embodies a key part of their theory of change by funding scientific inquiry into tangible solutions for harmful chemicals.

The South Plains Foundation program, administered by The Community Foundation of West Texas, aims to foster the development of charitable programs within Lubbock County, Texas. This initiative aligns with the foundation's broader mission to support community well-being by providing grants to eligible organizations. The grants, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, are designed to encourage local programming that addresses identified community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, units of local government (such as school districts, counties, and cities), and faith-based organizations that serve the general community in Lubbock County. The impact goal is to strengthen the local charitable landscape and enhance the capacity of these organizations to deliver effective programs. By supporting a diverse range of community-serving entities, the foundation seeks to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the county. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit the general community and are not focused on specific religious beliefs or individual financial gain. While the exact strategic priorities and theory of change are not explicitly detailed beyond the general encouragement of charitable programs, the emphasis on 501(c)3 nonprofits and local government suggests a commitment to established, accountable entities capable of implementing community-wide initiatives. The foundation's approach appears to be one of empowering local organizations to address local challenges. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of new or expanded charitable programs in Lubbock County. Measurable results would likely involve the number of people served, the types of services provided, and the overall impact on the community, although specific metrics are not outlined in the provided information. The typical grant limit of $10,000 suggests that the foundation is likely supporting projects with defined scopes, aiming for tangible, localized results rather than large-scale, long-term operational funding.

This grant provides $5,000 to nonprofit organizations in Southern California that support underserved Asian and Pacific Islander communities by enhancing their workforce capacity and operational stability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that deliver essential human services to residents of Tempe, Arizona.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

This grant provides funding to innovative researchers in the U.S. to develop new approaches for diagnosing and treating Lyme disease, encouraging fresh talent in the field.

Indiana's Community Good Grants Program considers funding for arts and culture, community development, education, health, human services, and other civic endeavors such as environment, recreation, and youth development. The grant cycle includes four request levels: Level 1 for requests of $500 or less, Level 2 for requests of $501 – $2,500, Level 3 for requests of $2,501 – $9,999, and Level 4 for requests of $10,000 or more.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering a grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through its InnovateMass Program, aimed at supporting teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with strong commercialization potential, to address energy challenges, grow the state's clean energy economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The North Carolina IOLTA's Administration of Justice Grants program is dedicated to improving the administration of justice within North Carolina. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by focusing on areas where grants can have a measurable impact on the justice system's effectiveness and expediency. Key areas of funding include improving the operation and management of the justice system, public education and understanding about the law, promotion and support for a full range of dispute resolution techniques and alternatives, and promotion and support for public interest legal representation. The primary beneficiaries of this program are North Carolina residents who are indigent, defined as individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or eligible for public assistance. Programs may also consider other factors like access to liquid assets, fixed debts, obligations, and family size. The goal is to provide services without charge, though nominal fees with complete waiver options are permitted, especially in areas where legal services are otherwise unavailable to low-income clients. The impact goals are centered on enhancing access to justice for those who cannot afford legal assistance, thereby strengthening the overall justice system. Funding criteria prioritize applicants seeking start-up funds or seed money for new projects, programs offering services to individuals who do not qualify for civil legal aid but cannot afford legal assistance (including pro bono programs), programs with demonstration value or replication potential, initiatives with statewide significance, and requests for matching funds. The program specifically avoids funding direct service programs (e.g., counseling), replicas of established programs, local community groups unrelated to the practice of law, programs for which there is governmental funding responsibility, and continuing program support for local projects exceeding three years. The expected outcomes include a more effective and expeditious justice system in North Carolina, increased public understanding of the law, broader access to dispute resolution techniques, and stronger public interest legal representation. By focusing on these strategic priorities, NC IOLTA aims to foster a justice system that is more accessible, equitable, and efficient for all North Carolina residents, particularly those with limited financial means. The theory of change is that targeted investments in the operational aspects of the justice system, coupled with efforts to educate the public and support legal aid, will lead to significant improvements in how justice is administered across the state. The grant period for these projects is January 1 – December 31, 2025.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation Industry 4.0 Grant Program offers a 50% reimbursement for qualifying Industry 4.0 technology costs up to $25,000 for projects taking place at Michigan manufacturing facilities. Recipient companies must provide a current certificate of good standing from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and complete an I4.0 Technology Assessment by the MMTC or provide documentation of an executed strategy for determining which technology to implement.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits and schools that use technology to tackle challenges in under-resourced communities, focusing on projects that enhance access to education, healthcare, and digital skills.

Grant Opportunity: Grand Strategy Research Grants Funder: Charles Koch Foundation The Grand Strategy Research Grants program, funded by the Charles Koch Foundation, aims to support scholars and research institutions interested in challenging the current approach to U.S. foreign policy and providing alternative visions. The program is open to proposals from various fields, with a particular interest in political science, international relations, history, and economics. The grant opportunity seeks research projects that explore topics such as a grand strategy of restraint, the role of values and ethics in U.S. foreign policy formulation, unintended consequences of military actions abroad, impact on American society and civil liberties, executive-legislative relations in foreign policy, influence of interest groups on foreign policy decisions, growth of intelligence and national security establishments since 9/11, costs and impacts of foreign aid and alliance commitments, Pentagon spending and defense policy demands, consequences of a multipolar world, and leveraging technology for a sound approach to grand strategy. Applicants are required to submit a two-to-five page abstract of the project along with a CV or résumé and a brief itemized budget. Final projects should be original and meet high standards in their respective fields. Funding levels will depend on the research requirements and potential for advancing understanding of critical issues. Accepted proposals may also receive support for disseminating research findings. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested applicants can find more information about the grant opportunity and access the application form on the Charles Koch Foundation's website at https://charleskochfoundation.tfaforms.net/344037?tfa_13=tfa_22

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies in Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties, Alabama, for programs that enhance education, workforce development, and quality of life in the community.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit performing arts organizations in Washington, focusing on innovative theatre and dance projects that foster community and train emerging artists.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in specific Pennsylvania counties to develop workforce skills and enhance economic development initiatives.

The Bonnaroo Works Fund, administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, seeks to expand its support for nonprofits dedicated to social impact and human development. This grant program aligns with the foundation's mission by channeling resources towards organizations that are actively making a difference in the world through various community-focused initiatives. The fund operates with the strategic priority of fostering positive change, reflecting a theory of change that believes targeted financial support can empower organizations to achieve significant and lasting societal benefits. The fund targets a broad range of beneficiaries, focusing on children and communities through programs in education, music, and arts. It also extends its reach to environmental protection and sustainability efforts, as well as the arts and humanities. The impact goals are to support and nurture initiatives that enhance learning, cultural enrichment, and ecological well-being. The fund generally avoids supporting endowment programs, fundraising events, annual appeals of well-established organizations, or grants to individuals or religious or political causes, thereby concentrating its resources on direct program impact. The Bonnaroo Works Fund prioritizes programs that demonstrate clear objectives and a potential for measurable results. Applicants are required to provide detailed project information, including a comprehensive description, the requested amount, the total project budget, and a timeline. A critical component of the application is a narrative explaining how the success of the efforts will be measured, ensuring that funded projects are accountable and demonstrate tangible outcomes. This emphasis on measurable results reflects the fund's commitment to effective philanthropy. To ensure accountability and transparency, applicants must also provide information about future funding plans and a completed Project Budget Form, along with required organizational documentation. Grants are exclusively made to tax-exempt public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and to government agencies, ensuring that funds are directed to legitimate and impactful organizations without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or national origin. The average grant allocation ranges from $1,000 to $10,000, signifying a commitment to supporting a diverse portfolio of projects that can achieve meaningful results within these parameters.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is inviting proposals for its ConocoPhillips SPIRIT of Conservation program, which is specifically designed to advance bird species and habitat conservation. This program directly aligns with NFWF's mission to address the alarming loss of 3 billion birds since 1970. The foundation's strategic priority is to support projects that conserve, restore, or enhance critical habitats and to gather essential bird population data, ultimately aiming to reverse population declines. The primary beneficiaries of this program are bird populations, both migratory and non-migratory, particularly those inhabiting grassland, wetland, sage-steppe, and coastal habitats. The program's impact goals include improving habitat quality and quantity, enhancing breeding and wintering grounds, and supporting stopover periods for birds along major migratory routes. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in bird populations, improved habitat conditions, and the collection of vital data to inform future conservation efforts. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on implementing science-driven and strategic conservation. This involves addressing habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Geographic focal areas are critical, spanning major migratory routes from the northern slope of Alaska to the north-south axis of the central United States, including the Gulf Coast regions of Texas and Louisiana. The program emphasizes innovative methods for gathering lacking bird population data and conserving specific habitat types. Grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $275,000, with projects expected to be completed within two years. Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-profit organizations, government agencies (U.S. federal, state, local, municipal, tribal), and educational institutions. This inclusive eligibility criteria reflects NFWF's theory of change, which recognizes that collaborative efforts across various sectors are essential for achieving large-scale, sustainable conservation impacts for bird populations and their habitats.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to South Carolina law enforcement and code enforcement agencies to improve litter prevention and enforcement efforts.

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

This grant provides a three-month design partnership valued at $30,000 to nonprofit organizations and startups focused on women's health, helping them enhance their branding and communication efforts to drive social change.