Education Mini-Grants

Funding Agency:
NC Space Grant

NC Space Grant strives to inspire and engage North Carolinians to explore the universe and our own planet by capitalizing on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) unique contributions in exploration and discovery. Our program aims to support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research, education, and public understanding that support current and future success at NASA and across North Carolina. 

To better respond to statewide needs, NC Space Grant will conduct a rolling call for requests for proposals (RFPs) to support education and/or public outreach efforts from organizations across North Carolina that wish to engage in innovative projects and programs in STEM disciplines. Proposals should be for the development innovative projects relevant to community needs that are aligned with one or more of NASA’s Mission Directorates.

Mini-grants must be used to cultivate new activities and not support ongoing programs. Innovative ideas and new approaches, particularly if they have the potential to lead to sustained activities beyond the duration of the grant, are particularly encouraged. Special consideration will be given to those proposals that are exceptionally innovative and/or have the potential for high impact. 

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to: exhibits (permanent, traveling or virtual); STEM programs serving educators, students and the general public; partnerships with informal education providers (e.g., youth groups, after-school programs); staff professional development; informal education programs; and curriculum support for informal science education (e.g. technology development). 

There is no deadline to submit a proposal. However, proposals will be processed and peer reviewed on a rolling basis in the order in which they are received. 

Agency Website

Areas of Interest

NASA Mission Directorates include: 

  • Aeronautics Research 
  • Human Exploration and Operations 
  • Science 
  • Space Technology 

Mini-grant proposals must also respond to one or more of NC Space Grant’s strategic goals: 

  1. Support new knowledge generation to meet NASA-relevant interdisciplinary research and educational needs.
  2. Prepare the next generation of STEM workers with the technical and professional skills to address current and future workforce needs. 
  3. Provide access to information and training in NASA-relevant subject matter to formal and informal educators, as well as to the general public, to inspire and educate. 
  4. Increase North Carolinians’ awareness of, and opportunities for engagement with, NASA-related research, education, and outreach products and opportunities. 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Proposals will be accepted from the following: accredited institutions of higher education in the state of NC, industry, public/private schools/districts, museums, and other not-for-profit educational organizations. 
  • Proposals that serve underserved and underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged. 

Amount

$3,000

Funding Type

Grant

Eligibility

Faculty

Category

Community Outreach and Engagement
Curriculum Development
Engineering and Physical Sciences