How much funding does ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant provide?

ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant provides $280 - $1,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Who is eligible for ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant?

Eligible applicants: Science seminars and talks (high school level); After-school science programs; Laboratory experiences for students; First-generation college student programs (e.g., Upward Bound); Applicants: ASCB members (postdocs and students particularly encouraged); Institution Type: Academic institutions, nonprofits, community organizations.

How often is ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant offered?

ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant runs on a three cycles a year cycle.

ASCB COMPASS Outreach Grant

The American Society for Cell Biology

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Funding Amount

$280 - $1,000

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Three cycles a year
Tracked since: April 2026

From the program guidelines: “Check Application Cycles: Monitor ASCB website for current deadlines (three cycles per year)”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Eligible organizations

Science seminars and talks (high school level)
After-school science programs
Laboratory experiences for students
First-generation college student programs (e.g., Upward Bound)
Applicants: ASCB members (postdocs and students particularly encouraged)
Institution Type: Academic institutions, nonprofits, community organizations

Other requirements

Science camps and workshops
Community science engagement
Outreach to underserved/underrepresented groups
Prison education programs

Overview

The COMPASS (Committee for Postdocs and Students) Outreach Grant program provides funding opportunities for ASCB members to conduct science outreach and education initiatives in their communities.

Program Details

Funder: American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)
Committee: COMPASS (Committee for Postdocs and Students) Outreach Subcommittee
Focus Areas:
- K-12 science education and outreach
- Community science engagement
- Underrepresented populations in STEM
- Science career awareness
- Public understanding of science

Eligible Activities

Science seminars and talks (high school level)
After-school science programs
Science camps and workshops
Laboratory experiences for students
Community science engagement
Outreach to underserved/underrepresented groups
Prison education programs
First-generation college student programs (e.g., Upward Bound)

Eligibility

Applicants: ASCB members (postdocs and students particularly encouraged)
Geographic Scope: International
Institution Type: Academic institutions, nonprofits, community organizations

Award Amounts

Range: $280 - $1,000 per grant
Historical average: Around $280-$1,000

Application Cycles

Frequency: Three times per year (quarterly basis)
Recent Cycle Deadlines (historical): April 15, May 31, July 15, August 16
Note: Specific 2026 deadlines not provided in source material

Contact Information

Organization: American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB)
Address: 6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 750, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
Website: ascb.org
Chair/Contact: Bruno da Rocha-Azevedo (former chair, COMPASS outreach subcommittee)

Program Success

Described as "a great way to show non-scientists with different levels of science education what scientists do"
Helps build public advocacy for basic science research
Inspires future cell biologists through outreach to children
High-quality applications received each cycle
Funded projects reach diverse communities across multiple regions

How to Apply

Application Process

Check Application Cycles: Monitor ASCB website for current deadlines (three cycles per year)
Prepare Proposal: Develop outreach project proposal including:
- Project description and goals
- Target audience and community impact
- Detailed budget
- Timeline
- Expected outcomes
Submit Application: Submit through ASCB online portal during designated application window
Review: COMPASS outreach subcommittee reviews and awards grants

Required Materials

Project proposal/narrative
Budget and justification
Organizational information
Applicant information (ASCB member status)

Application Tips

Focus on measurable community impact
Highlight how project promotes science understanding
Include target audience demographics
Describe plans for reaching underrepresented populations
Provide realistic budget estimates

Award Notification

Decisions made by COMPASS outreach subcommittee
Funded projects may be featured in ASCB communications

Notes

Encourages all ASCB members to apply
Particularly welcomes postdoc and student-led initiatives
High-quality applications regularly funded across diverse project types

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What The American Society for Cell Biology actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2021 — the most recent filing with itemized grants

The American Society for Cell Biology reported $1,000 in grants for 2024 as a total without an itemized list; the grant details below are from 2021, its most recent itemized filing.

Grants in 2021: 11
Total given: $266K
Median grant: $21K
Range: $5,500–$41K

By dollars: Massachusetts 17%, Minnesota 15%, Utah 15%. Top recipient cities: Minneapolis, MN; Moab, UT; Boston, MA.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

Example grants

Mayo Clinic · Minneapolis, MN

Public engagement grant

$41K
Science Moab · Moab, UT

Public engagement grant

$40K
STEM Advocacy Insitute · Boston, MA

Public engagement grant

$35K
The University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, MI

Public engagement grant

$35K
West Chester University of Pennsylvania · West Chester, PA

Public engagement grant

$35K