Civic Engagement Microgrants Initiative Grant

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 2024-2025 Civic Engagement Microgrant Program welcomes novel ideas and programs for early career researchers to support building 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.

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: $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)

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• We are accepting proposals from early-career scientists, who we define as master’s and PhD students, postdocs, and professional students (medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, etc.), who are involved in or are forming science policy groups/organizations.
• Grants are made only to support activities of student groups and not are not payable to individuals.
• Eligible students groups must have a fiscal sponsor.
• 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

• The microgrants do not provide indirect costs for sponsoring institutions.
• 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.
• The grantee(s) shall not use any portion of the grant for any of the following purposes:
• To carry on propaganda or attempt to influence legislation.
• 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.