Deadline: 15-Apr-24
The National Science Policy Network (NSPN) has announced applications for Lifting Underrepresented Voices Grant to help cultivate a more inclusive and representative Sci-PACD workforce ready to tackle the local, state, national, and international challenges of today and the future.
The graduate and post-graduate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) population already fails to reflect the demographic composition of the United States, but the discrepancy is further exaggerated in Science Policy, Advocacy, Communication, and Diplomacy (Sci-PACD). This lack of diverse narratives and perspectives throughout the policymaking space impedes the collective ability to be more innovative, effective, and equitable.
This grant program is intended for organizations outside of NSPN to host an event, complete a project, or undergo other activities (collectively referred to as a project) that focus on uplifting the voices of minority, marginalized, and underrepresented people in Sci-PACD.
They encourage applications that cultivate data-driven policy solutions, focus on positive outcomes for students and early career professionals, and foster collaborations between minority-serving organizations and other STEM or Sci-PACD organizations. They especially encourage applications from minority-serving organizations and community groups.
Funding Information
- This year, NSPN anticipates a $10,000 budget to support projects. They anticipate funding 5-7 projects, depending on the applications received and the budgets requested from each project. NSPN reserves the right to request changes to budgets before making an award or capping the total amount that can be received by each project.
- Awards up to $2500 will be awarded for successful applicants.
- All funds must be expended before September 2024.
- Funding cannot be used for activities or events that have already been completed. If you are requesting funding for an activity that is part of an ongoing initiative or larger project, make sure you clearly describe how the LUV grant funding will be applied for your specific activity.
- Example allowable expenses: Speaker honoraria, conferences, workshops, promotional materials, science materials, and many more. Note: Honoraria for speakers are allowed, but will be provided to the speaker directly by NSPN.
- Award is provided as a reimbursement, pre-paid debit card, or cash advance.
- Organizations must provide receipts verifying all expenses related to the project.
What they are looking for?
- Proposal objectives should be accomplished through education, discussion, action, and other knowledge, career, or community-building activities. In order to promote engagement and increase inclusivity in Sci-PACD, proposals submitted should advance one or more of the following:
- The creation or dissemination of data-driven policy solutions to issues impacting minority, marginalized, or underrepresented people in STEM and Sci-PACD (e.g., writing about, talking about, and organizing around non-partisan policies funding green infrastructure to address urban heat islands in marginalized communities);
- The engagement of minority, marginalized, and underrepresented people with legislators around non-partisan policy solutions rooted in data, evidence, and science (e.g., workshops around meeting with legislators with subsequent meetings with state legislators around the topic of ethical artificial intelligence);
- The creation or execution of programs that support the interests of minority, marginalized, and underrepresented people in STEM or Sci-PACD (e.g., science workshops for K-12 at disadvantaged schools);
- The training and careers of minority, marginalized, and underrepresented scientists in the STEM and/or Sci-PACD field (e.g., STEM/policy career exploration projects for underrepresented college students);
- The mission of an organization or group which is working to advance the interests of minority, marginalized, or underrepresented people in STEM and/or Sci-PACD.
Eligibility Criteria
- They are seeking applications from all university-affiliated organizations, non-profits, and community groups whose proposal would uplift and enrich the experiences and perspectives of minority, marginalized, and underrepresented people at the intersection of science and policy. They are particularly interested in projects that positively impact early career professionals or students, although this is not the only group that may be the focus of a project. Minority-serving organizations and community groups that work directly with marginalized and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.
- They encourage projects that foster collaborations between minority-serving organizations and community groups and organizations that are directly involved in Sci-PACD, such as the National Science Policy Network or its local chapters across the United States.
For more information, visit NSPN.