Civic Engagement Microgrants Initiative – US

Civic engagement is highly interdisciplinary by nature, acknowledging the complexities of scientific and societal concerns by drawing on expertise from a wide breadth of disciplines. Collaborations across the following STEM disciplines are encouraged but not required (and are not limited to): psychology, sociology, anthropology, physical sciences, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, computer science and related technologies, engineering, economics, math, and medicine.

Microgrants Modules

On your application, please indicate the category you are applying for.

• Startup Funding — Designed for new science policy groups (less than one year old), this provides funding (with the possibility of a renewal) to build interest among students, initiate programming, and develop sustainable local support. (Maximum: $3,000)
• Design Your Own Community Event — This category supports the development of in-person, virtual, or hybrid events to bring together scientists, the community, youth programs and local officials. Examples include thought-leader panels, roundtable discussions, and hands-on science fairs. (Maximum: $2,000)
• Digital Media — Technology and social media play a significant role in conveying and distributing information. This category is designed to support the creation of digital media that will be used to support science policy and civic engagement projects on topics of interest to local communities. The creation of podcasts, data visualization/infographics, videos, and other digital deliverables fall under this category. Data-driven projects should utilize publicly available data sets. (Maximum: $2,000)

Supplemental Programs for Microgrant Recipients

Micrograntees will have access to exciting programming including:

• Networking Sessions – Meet fellow microgrant recipients through virtual “coffee hours” to expand your network, share news updates, promote your events, exchange ideas, and troubleshoot any issues you may have.
• Webinar Trainings – These trainings bring experts to share best practices in program management, event planning, communications and media relations, public engagement, and more.

Eligibility

• Groups of early career STEM students (master’s and PhD students), professional students (medical, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, etc.), and postdocs residing in the United States or a U.S. territory are eligible to apply. Applications must include the names of two co-leaders.
• Grants are designated to support the activities of groups and are not payable to individuals.
• Groups must be located in the United States or a U.S. territory with a fiscal sponsor based in the U.S. or U.S. territory.
• Microgrants do not provide indirect costs for sponsoring institutions.
• Grants cannot be used to support stipends, salaries, or be used to pay for research expenses.

For more information, visit Research!America.