Civic Engagement Microgrant Grant Program

The Civic Engagement Microgrant Grant Program, funded by Research!America, aims to enhance public engagement skills among early-career scientists. By providing financial support for innovative projects, this initiative encourages collaborations across various STEM disciplines. Grantees will develop essential skills in communication and policy-making to strengthen community ties and promote science as a national priority. This program addresses the critical need for scientists to connect with local communities and policymakers to ensure the relevance and impact of scientific research.

Background
Building trust in science and with local communities and with policymakers through public engagement is an essential skill for scientists to develop. 89% of Americans surveyed believe it is important for scientists to inform elected officials about their research and its impact on society, based on a poll commissioned by Research!America. In that same survey, results showed that 82% of Americans surveyed consider it part of the scientists’ job to share their research and its impact with the public. These funds provide opportunities for grantees to develop skills in areas such as communication and program planning, along with an understanding of public policy and government to have an impact in their local communities.
Early-career scientists’ perspectives and creativity are uniquely valuable to the “public square” and the development of innovative policies and programs that build strong linkages between scientists and non-scientists. Civic engagement provides opportunities for scientists to take part in our democracy while contributing a scientific perspective on important issues facing our communities and our nation.
Another reason that civic engagement skills should be prioritized:

• scientific research is heavily dependent on taxpayer funding with almost 50% of basic research support coming from the federal government.
• Knowing how to communicate effectively with the public and policymakers about the value of science is vital to strengthening research as a national priority.
• Civic Engagement Microgrants Initiative

The 2025-2026 Civic Engagement Microgrant Program welcomes novel ideas from early career researchers that will help them build policy and communication skills and increase their level of engagement with their communities, community leaders, and elected and non-elected government officials.
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.
Microgrant Modules
On your application, please indicate the category you are applying for.
Startup Funding — Designed for new 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: $4,000)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)
Microgrants Themes
On your application, please indicate the theme you are applying for. You may select more than one theme.
Collaborations — To encourage partnerships across different institutions, this theme provides funding for joint projects between early career researchers at separate universities. Civic Science at Scale — This theme supports existing projects with a strong potential for growth and/or sustainability through microgrant funding. Recognizing Lived Experience — This theme supports projects that integrate community knowledge and lived experiences with scientific approaches. Neuroscience — This theme supports projects that are neuroscience-related. Examples include, but are not limited to, science outreach to build community awareness of brain health, science communication about the science of drug addiction to dispel common public misperceptions, etc.

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.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.

Ineligibility

Please note that Research!America is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such, we are nonpartisan and do not participate in or support activities that favor specific political parties or candidates.The grantee(s) shall not use any portion of the grant to:To attempt to influence specific legislation (“lobbying”).To directly or indirectly participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to any candidate running for public office.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.Grants are designated to support the activities of groups and are not payable to individuals.