September 2012 Grants Office Newsletter

Community Health Partnership Grants

Due: Sept 15
Web: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/institutes/ipph/

The Institute of Public and Preventive Health at Georgia Health Sciences University is establishing a grant program to pair University researchers with community organizations to conduct projects vital to improving health in the Augusta region and in Georgia.

Our priority is to support clinical, translational and preventive public health research. Initially highlighted areas include: teenage pregnancy, cardiovascular disease prevention, sexually-transmitted diseases, prescription drug abuse, at-home medication errors, other projects with high community relevance.

Community partners can be volunteer organizations, schools, churches, state agencies, companies and other influencers of public health. Community partners need to seek collaborators or co-investigators with researchers from Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta State University, or Paine College. Data collected should also facilitate future grant applications and research projects funded by extramural sources.

Eligibility: Applications should be up to three pages long covering background, specific aims, methodologies and interventions, anticipated results, timeline, resources and collaborators, and budget with justification. . The application should include the NIH bio of research collaborators and one page bio of community collaborators. Applicants must attach a letter of support from the leader of the participating community organization. The application should be submitted as one PDF file.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Projects can request up to $50,000 support. For projects of this initiative, up to $300,000 will be available but resources may be further supplemented by our partners, the Cancer Center and the Child Health Discovery Institute at GHSU

Georgia Teacher Quality - Higher Education Program

MEMO OF INTENT DUE: SEPT 24
FINAL PROPOSAL DUE: OCT 24
WEB: http://teacherquality.coe.uga.edu/proposal-information/2012-2013/request-for-proposals/

Georgia's Improving Teacher Quality Higher Education Program is managed by the University of Georgia for the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Funding to support the program comes to the Board of Regents from the United States Department of Education as part of the No Child Left Behind Act signed by President George W. Bush and later identified as Title II, Part A, of Public Law 107-110. Georgia's Improving Teacher Quality Higher Education Program funds are used to enhance the teaching of science, mathematics, language arts, reading, and social studies at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in public and private schools.

The purpose of each grant is to plan and conduct professional learning experiences with the goal of strengthening and deepening teachers' content knowledge in their 2 academic subjects with emphasis on how deepened content knowledge impacts teaching practices and student learning. Grants can also address teachers' use of technology, alternative assessment strategies, or innovative teaching strategies, all with the goal to improve teaching practices and student learning. Projects must attend to the content within and implementation of Common Core Georgia Performance Standards.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The Improving Teacher Quality State Grants, Title II, Part A includes approximately $1.6 million for the State of Georgia to be awarded during the review process to be held November, 2012. Awards are expected to range from $25,000-$75,000.

Budget and Project Period: The project funding period will be for 12 to 16 months beginning on February 15, 2013 and ending as late as May 31, 2014.

American Philsophical Society: Franklin Research Grants

Due: Oct. 1, Dec. 3
Web: http://www.amphilsoc.org/grants/

Supports travel to libraries and archives for research purposes, the purchase of microfilm, the cost of photocopies or equivalent research materials, and the costs associated with fieldwork and laboratory research expenses in a wide range of fields. Applicants must hold a doctorate or have published work of doctoral character and quality. Awards are up to $6,000 each. Grants are payable to the individual applicant.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: In 2011–2012 the Franklin Research Grants program awarded nearly $380,000 to 77 scholars, and the Society expects to make a similar number of awards in this year's competition. Awards will be given in January and March.

Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation: Research Grants

Due: Oct. 15
Web: http://www.cckf.org/e-dornation.htm

Supports research on Chinese studies in the humanities and social sciences. Researchers focusing on the social, cultural, economic or political development of Taiwan over the past few decades are especially encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to collaborative projects with scholars in Taiwan. Research grants are usually given for no more than two years.

Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation: Scholar Grants

Due: Oct. 15
Web: http://www.cckf.org/e-dornation.htm

Provides support for research on Chinese studies in the humanities and social sciences. Fellowships include: Scholar Grants (up to $40,000) for full professors and associate professors and Junior Scholar Grants (up to up $30,000) for postdoctoral scholars and assistant professors without tenure.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
Nuclear Education Curricula Development Grant

DUE: OCT 3
WEB: www.nrc.gov

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency tasked with licensing and regulating the Nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized the NRC Nuclear Education Grant Program to support courses, studies, training, curricula, and disciplines pertaining to nuclear safety, nuclear security, nuclear environmental protection, and other fields that the Commission determines to be critical to the NRC's regulatory mission. The NRC Nuclear Education Grant Program's primary purpose is supporting and developing the educational infrastructure necessary to allow the Nation to safely advance its nuclear energy initiatives.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The NRC anticipates having $4.7 million available for this announcement. The agency's final FY 2013 appropriation determines the actual amount of available funding. The total amount awarded and the number of awards depends upon the number, quality, duration, and costs of the applications selected for award. Future opportunities for submitting proposals may be available depending on availability of funds. Budget and Project Period: Budgets will be approved for up to $200,000 for a period of 2 years. Your application must include a budget breakdown for the entire period. Final budgets are determined during pre-award negotiations between the applicant and NRC.

Grammy Foundation:
Scientific Research and Archiving and Preservation Projects

Letter of Inquiry Due: Oct. 1
Web: http://www.grammy.org/grammy-foundation/grants

Scientific Research Projects support research on the impact of music on the human condition. Examples might include the study of the effects of music on mood, cognition and healing, as well as the medical and occupational well-being of music professionals and the creative process underlying music. Archiving and Preservation Projects support efforts that advance the archiving and preservation of the music and recorded sound heritage of the Americas.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Various awards will be given at a maximum of $20,000.

National Archives and Records Administration: Grant Programs

Due: Oct. 4
Web: http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/

Supports archival projects, editing projects, educational programs, fellowships, publication grants, and projects dealing with electronic records including digitization. All projects must help to identify, preserve, publish, and increase public access to non-federal sources that document the history of the United States. Deadlines are usually in June, September and October annually with optional drafts for some programs due two months in advance.

Nationals Trust for Historic Preservation:
National Trust Preservation Fund

Due: Oct. 1
Web: http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/find-funding/

Provides support to initiate preservation planning and education projects. Funds may be used to obtain professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, fundraising, organizational development, and law, as well as preservation education activities to educate the public.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Grants range from $2,500-$5,000. Intervention and emergency funds are also available throughout the year. One to one match is required.

National Science Foundation
Cybercorps: Scholarship For Service (SFS)

DUE: OCT 12
WEB: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5228
NSF-DOC: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf12585

The CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program seeks proposals that address cybersecurity education and workforce development. The Scholarship Track provides funding to award scholarships to students in cybersecurity. In return for their scholarships, recipients will work after graduation for a Federal, State, Local, or Tribal Government organization in a position related to cybersecurity for a period equal to the length of the scholarship. The Capacity Track seeks innovative proposals leading to an increase in the ability of the United States higher education enterprise to produce cybersecurity professionals.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: $23 million for 20-30 awards. Budget and Project Period: NEH anticipates that awards for seminars will range between $70,000 and $140,000 for a grant period of twelve months. Awards for institutes range from $90,000 to $200,000 for a grant period of fifteen months.

Association For Women In Mathematics:
Travel and Mentoring Grants For Women Researchers

DUE: OCT 1
WEB: https://sites.google.com/site/awmmath/programs/travel-grants
Travel Grants for Women Researchers (annual deadlines are 2/1, 5/1, and 10/1) enable women to attend select research conferences in fields supported by the National Science Foundation's Mathematical Sciences Division. Maximum of $1,500 available for U.S. travel and $2,000 for foreign travel. Mentoring Travel Grants for Women (annual deadline is 2/1 ) program provides up to seven awards of up to $5,000 each to help junior women researchers develop long-term working relationships with senior mathematicians.

National Science Foundation: Sociology

DUE: OCT 15
WEB: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5369

Supports research on human social organization and processes of change: theoretical, empirical Investigations to improve explanation of fundamental social processes and research on organizational behavior, population dynamics, social movements, social groups, labor force participation, stratification and mobility, family, social networks, socialization, and gender roles. Target dates for regular research are 1/15 and 8/15. Target dates for dissertation research proposals are 2/15 and 10/15.

National Science Foundation: Algebra and Number Theory

DUE: OCT 2
WEB: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5431

The Algebra and Number Theory program supports research in algebra, algebraic and arithmetic geometry, number theory, and representation theory.

Kennan Institute Short-Term Grants

DUE: SEP 1 DEC 1 MAR 1 JUN1
WEB: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/opportunity/kennan-institute-short-term-grant

The Kennan Institute offers Short-Term Grants (up to one month's duration) to scholars whose research in the social sciences or humanities focuses on the former Soviet Union (excluding the Baltic States), and who demonstrate a particular need to utilize the library, archival, and other specialized resources of the Washington, DC area. Policy relevant research is preferred.

Eligibility: Academic participants must either possess a doctoral degree or be doctoral candidates who have nearly completed their dissertations. For non-academics, an equivalent degree of professional achievement is expected. Selection is based on the following criteria: (a) the potential contribution of the scholar to the intellectual life of the Institute and the policymaking community; (b) importance and originality of the project; (c) policy relevance; (d) applicant's scholarly promise, achievements, and ability to complete the project; (e) likelihood that the finished product will advance basic understanding of the topic; (f) need for the scholar to have access to the resources of Washington, DC.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: Short-Term Grants provide a stipend of $3200 for 31 days ($103.22/day). The Kennan Institute cannot provide office space for Short-Term scholars. Travel and accommodation expenses are not directly covered by this grant.

National Science Foundation
Cyberlearning: Transforming Education

DUE: OCT 15
WEB: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503581

Supports projects to integrate advances in technology with advances in what is known about how people learn. Proposals are due by Jan 16, 2012 for Design and Implementation Projects. Target dates for Capacity Building Projects are March 15 and October 15, 2012. For Implementation and Deployment Projects, letters of intent are required by May 14, 2013.

Council For International Exchange Of Scholars
Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence Program

DUE: OCT 15
WEB: http://www.cies.org/sir/

Supports proposals to bring scholars and professionals from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities that infrequently or never have the opportunity to host visiting scholars. In addition to teaching courses, scholars give campus-wide and community lectures, help initiate international programs, and contribute to curriculum development. Program is especially appropriate for small liberal arts colleges, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges. Scholars can also receive awards through the Occasional Lecturer Program which will fund short visits to other IHEs while in the U.S.

Funds Available: round-trip international air travel, a monthly stipend for your visiting scholar (ranging from $2,500 to $2,900), an allowance for up to two dependents and insurance for the scholar. Host institutions generally propose some cost-sharing, such as a salary supplement for the scholar and/or in-kind support such as housing, meals, local travel, etc.

International Reading Association: Awards and Grants Program

Due: Oct 2012
Web: http://www.reading.org/Resources/AwardsandGrants.aspx

The Association's awards and grants program ($1,000-$8,000 usually) includes honors for teaching, service to the profession, research, media coverage of reading, and authorship of children's books. IRA funds Children's Literature Awards, Professional Development Awards and Grants, Research Awards and Grants, Service Awards, Teachers Awards, and Grants and Travel Grants. Various deadlines occur for the different programs offered through IRA.

National Endowment for the Arts: Art Works Research

Due: Nov. 6
Web: http://www.nea.gov/news/news11/Research-Art-Works.html

The focus on research is a recent development for the agency, which has focused for nearly five decades on providing support for the creation of art itself. This opportunity distinguishes "between research projects seeking to define value for the U.S. arts sector, and those seeking to demonstrate the arts' impact on American life." Research defining the value of the arts sector should focus on how and why Americans participate in the arts, and what factors, such as level of education, contribute to that participation. Impact research should quantify the cognitive, emotional, social, civic, or economic effects of the arts on individuals or communities.

NEA has expressed interest in hearing from voices beyond the arts community, encouraging applications from diverse research fields, such as sociology, economics, and anthropology, and diverse areas of expertise, such as health, education, and urban and regional planning.

National Science Foundation: Experimental Nuclear Physics

Due: Oct 31
Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5627

Supports research at the frontiers of nuclear science, including: properties and behavior of nuclei and nuclear matter under extreme conditions, and/or as they relate to astrophysical phenomena; the quark-gluon basis for the structure and dynamics of hadrons and nuclei; phase transitions of nuclear matter from normal nuclear density and temperature to the predicted high-temperature quark-gluon plasma; and basic interactions and fundamental symmetries.

National Science Foundation
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

Due: Sept 12
Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517

Supports active undergraduate research participation areas funded by NSF through two mechanisms. REU Sites support independent projects to initiate and conduct research projects involving a number of undergraduates. Proposals for projects requiring access to Antarctica are due fourth Friday in May, annually. Deadline for all other sites is fourth Wednesday in August, annually. REU Supplements support the addition of undergraduates to ongoing, new, or renewal NSF-funded projects (deadlines vary).

Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
Scholarship and Fellowship Education Grant

DUE: OCT 5
WEB: http://www.nrc.gov

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency, established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, tasked with licensing and regulating the Nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: The total amount of funding available for scholarships and fellowships will depend on the agency's final FY 2013 appropriation of funds. The number of awards for FY 2013 depends on the number, quality, duration and costs of the applications received. Future year awards will depend on annual appropriations.

Budget and Project Period: Fellowships funds may be requested for multiple individuals of up to $100,000 per year for four (4) years, or $400,000 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) for the project period and are not renewable. An individual may not receive funding in excess of $50,000 per year. Scholarship funds for up to $200,000 total costs (direct costs and facilities and administrative costs) per institution for a two (2) year project period may be requested through this announcement. Both amounts are exclusive of any matching; cost shared or leveraged funding by non-Federal entities. No scholarship student may receive more than $10,000 per year or exceed $20,000 over a 2 year period.

Spencer Foundation: Research Grant Program

Due: Oct. 1
Web: http://www.tinker.org/content/field-research-grants

Small Research Grants up to $40,000 help scholars and teachers in a broad range of academic institutions to pursue pilot research and the initial phases of larger investigations. Major Research Grants (preliminary proposals accepted any time) support projects up to $500,000. Foundation focuses on five areas of interest: Education and Social Opportunity; Organizational Learning; Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Resources; Purposes and Values of Education; and Field-Initiated Proposals. Deadlines refer to required preliminary proposals for Small Research Grants.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Faculty Development Grant

Due: Oct 5
Earliest Anticipated Start Date: Apr. 1
Web: www.nrc.gov

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency, established by the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, tasked with licensing and regulating the Nation's civilian use of byproduct, source, and special nuclear material to ensure adequate protection of public health and safety, to promote the common defense and security, and to protect the environment.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards. The total amount of funding available for faculty development will depend on the agency's final FY 2013 appropriation of funds. The NRC expects to support a limited number of awards of up to approximately $450,000 total costs per institution through this announcement. The number of awards for FY2013 depends on the number, quality, duration, and costs of the applications received. Future year amounts will depend on annual appropriations.

Budget and Project Period: The maximum amount of funding that the NRC will award for an application may not exceed $150,000 total costs per year, provided that an additional $50,000 is fully matched by the institution (for a total of $200,000 per year given full match of $50,000 per year from the institution). Awards are for three years and may not be renewed.

Tinker Foundation: Field Research Grant

DUE: OCT 1
WEB: http://www.tinker.org/content/field-research-grants

Provides grants to university institutes and centers to provide travel funds for graduate student research in Latin America (Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries of the Western Hemisphere, excluding Puerto Rico ). Research must focus on environmental policy, economic policy or governance issues and must be at the pre-dissertation level. One to one university match is required.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Grants range from $10,000 to $15,000. One to one university match is required.

Wenner-Gren Foundation For Anthropological Research:
Historical Archives Program

DUE: Anytime
WEB: http://www.wennergren.org/programs/historical-archives-program-hap

The objective of the Historical Archives Program is to encourage the preservation of unpublished personal research materials of established anthropologists, considered of value for research on the history of anthropology. HAP grants are offered primarily to assist senior scholars at the end of their careers (or their heirs) with the expense of preparing and transferring their unpublished research materials for archival deposit. Applicants must show evidence that arrangements have been made with an appropriate archival repository. Funds are strictly limited to covering expenses related to the basic preparation of materials for archival deposit. In certain instances, funding is also available to collect oral-history interviews with eminent figures in discipline history, or teams involved in landmark research. On such occasions, interviews are expected to be small-scale "moments of opportunity," with limited budgets only covering the basic travel and living expenses required to collect the interviews, and rarely exceeding a couple thousand dollars.

Wenner-Gren Foundation For Anthropological
Post-PHD Research Grants

DUE: NOV 1 MAY 1
WEB: http://wennergren.org/programs/post-phd-research-grants

Post-Ph.D. Research Grants are awarded to individuals holding a Ph.D. or equivalent degree to support individual research projects. The program contributes to the Foundation's overall mission to support basic research in anthropology and to ensure that the discipline continues to be a source of vibrant and significant work that furthers our understanding of humanity's cultural and biological origins, development, and variation. The Foundation supports research that demonstrates a clear link to anthropological theory and debates, and promises to make a solid contribution to advancing these ideas. There is no preference for any methodology, research location, or subfield. The Foundation particularly welcomes proposals that employ a comparative perspective, can generate innovative approaches or ideas, and/or integrate two or more subfields. Applicants applying for a Post-Ph.D. Research Grant may also choose to be considered simultaneously for the Osmundsen Initiative (see the Foundation's web site).

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: Post-Ph.D. Research Grants provide a maximum of US $20,000 and the Osmundsen Initiative supplement provides up to an additional $5,000 for a maximum grant of US $25,000.

National Science Foundation:
Cybercorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS)

Due: Oct 12
Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5228
NSF-DOC: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf12585

The CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service (SFS) program seeks proposals that address cybersecurity education and workforce development. The Scholarship Track provides funding to award scholarships to students in cybersecurity. In return for their scholarships, recipients will work after graduation for a Federal, State, Local, or Tribal Government organization in a position related to cybersecurity for a period equal to the length of the scholarship. The Capacity Track seeks innovative proposals leading to an increase in the ability of the United States higher education enterprise to produce cybersecurity professionals.

FUNDING: $23 million for 20-30 awards.

FUNDING: NEH anticipates that awards for seminars will range between $70,000 and $140,000 for a grant period of twelve months. Awards for institutes range from $90,000 to $200,000 for a grant period of fifteen months.

Whitehall Foundation: Grant Programs

Due: Oct. 1, Jan. 15, Apr. 15
Web: http://www.whitehall.org/

The Foundation offers Research Grants and Grants-in-Aid. Research grants in neurobiology are available to established scientists of all ages working at accredited institutions in the United States. Applications will be judged on the scientific merit and the innovative aspects of the proposal as well as the competence of the applicant. Research grants of up to three years will be provided. A renewal grant with a maximum of two years is possible, but it will be awarded on a competitive basis.

Research grants will not be awarded to investigators who have already received, or expect to receive, substantial support from other sources, even if it is for an unrelated purpose. The Grants-in-Aid program is designed for researchers at the assistant professor level who experience difficulty in competing for research funds because they have not yet become firmly established. Grants-in-Aid can also be made to senior scientists. All applications will be judged on the scientific merit and innovative aspects of the proposal, as well as on past performance and evidence of the applicant's continued productivity.

American Society of Microbiology: ASM Awards and Grants

Due: Oct. 15
Web: http://www.asm.org/index.php/awards-grants/all-awards.html

Supports the study microbes--bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, mycoplasma, fungi, algae and protozoa. Microbiological research includes infectious diseases, recombinant DNA technology, alternative methods of energy production and waste recycling, environmental problems and industrial processes. ASM offers various awards, fellowships, and grants for researchers at all stages of microbiology study. Deadlines vary by award type.

Senior Corps: Retirees And Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)

MEMO OF INTENT DUE: SEPT 10
FINAL PROPOSAL DUE: OCT 11
WEB: http://www.seniorcorps.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=97

Purpose: The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and the Senior Corps tap the skills, talents, and experience of more than 330,000 Americans age 55 and over to meet a wide range of community challenges. RSVP offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to serve their communities. RSVP provides service opportunities for those who want to make a difference in their communities while maintaining the flexibility to decide who and how frequently they serve. This year's RSVP funding will focus on the following six areas: (1) education; (2) healthy futures; (3) veterans and military families; (4) environmental stewardship; (5) economic opportunities; (6) disaster services.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: $16 million for 270 awards;

Budget and Project Period: The project funding period will be for 12 to 16 months beginning on February 15, 2013 and ending as late as May 31, 2014.

Healthy Habits
Timing For Developing Sustainable Healthy Behaviors In Children And Adolescents

DUE: OCT 16
WEB: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-11-328.html

Purpose: Topics to be addressed in this FOA include: effective, sustainable processes for influencing young people to make healthy behavior choices; identification of the appropriate stage of influence for learning sustainable lifelong health behaviors; the role of technology and new media in promoting healthy behavior; identification of factors that support healthy behavior development in vulnerable populations, identification of barriers to healthy behaviors; and, identification of mechanisms and mediators that are common to the development of a range of habitual health behaviors. Multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged. The goal is to promote research that identifies processes that promote sustainable positive behavior or changes social and cultural norms that influence health and future health behaviors.

Eligibility: Governments, public and private colleges and universities and 501(c)(3) nonprofits

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The number of awards is contingent upon NIH appropriations, and the submission of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. Budgets for direct costs of up to $50,000 per year for a maximum of $100,000 direct costs over a two-year project period.

Budget and Project Period: Budgets for direct costs of up to $50,000 per year for a maximum of $100,000 direct costs over a two-year project period The total project period for an application submitted in response to this funding opportunity may not exceed 2 years.

The John Templeton Foundation: The Meaning of Convergence

INQUIRY DUE: OCT 15
WEB: http://www.templeton.org/what-we-fund/funding-competitions/the-meanings-of-convergence

Purpose: The foundation is particularly interested in research and scholarship with the potential to offer insight into biological convergence for a better understanding of life. In addition to the biological convergence competition, the Templeton Foundation is also accepting letters of inquiry for its core funding programs: Science and the Big Questions, Character Development, Freedom and Free Enterprise, Exceptional Cognitive Talent and Genius, and Genetics.

Does convergence at different levels point to a singular phenomenon, or are these processes in fact fundamentally different? Much research in the field seems to assume that convergence is the same phenomenon whether one is studying proteins or the camera eye. Is that correct? And what are the implications of the answer?

Does the phenomenon of convergence, or specific aspects of it, provide us with a different or novel way of classifying basic elements of living systems, and of understanding how those elements emerge? If so, are structural features of living systems, for example, more likely to converge than functional elements, which might be more variable due to selection history? Could convergence help us tell the difference?

What is the distribution of convergence and parallelism in phylogenies? Why do some groups show rampant convergence? Why are at least some convergences clustered? What can these patterns tell us about the evolutionary process and even the nature of life more broadly?

What insights might be gained from examples of absent convergent forms? For example, all major groups of land animals have evolved eel-like swimming morphology -- except the mammals. Here we might ask not just why so much convergence on this form, but turn it around and ask why not mammals too?

Does the apparent fact that convergence has been so common in evolutionary history help us better understand in what ways and under what circumstances the evolutionary process can be described as either random or non-random? What are the implications of the fact that convergence is so common for our understanding of causation, for a deeper understanding of reality?

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Applicants may request three years of support, up to $200,000 for pilot projects and up to $1 million for empirical projects, with higher awards possible for exceptional proposals.

National Endowment for the Humanities: Summer Stipends

Due: Sep 27
Web: http://www.neh.gov/grants/research/summer-stipends

Summer Stipends support individuals pursuing advanced research that is of value to humanities scholars, general audiences, or both. Recipients usually produce articles, monographs, books, digital materials, archaeological site reports, translations, editions, or other scholarly resources. Summer Stipends support full-time work on a humanities project for a period of two months for projects at any stage of development. Summer Stipends are awarded to individual scholars; organizations are not eligible to apply.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number or Awards: A total of up to $35,000 will be available in 2012. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $3,500.

Department of Defense Multidisciplinary Research Program
Of The University Research Initiative

WHITE PAPERS DUE: OCT 9
WEB: http://www.nea.gov/grants/apply/LitTranslation/index.html

Purpose: The FY 2013 MURI competition is for the topics listed below. Innovative ideas addressing these research topics are highly encouraged.

1. Artificial Cells for Novel Synthetic Biology Chassis
2. Molecular Co-Crystal Design and Synthesis
3. Reduced Cyber-system Signature Observability by Intelligent and Stochastic Adaptation
4. Non-equilibrium Many-body Dynamics
5. Materials with Spin Mediated Thermal Properties
6. Transforming Information within Nonequilibrium Nanosystems
7. Controlling Collective Phenomena in Complex Networks
8. Physiochemical Determinants of Cognition and Decision Making
9. Measurement and Verification Methods in Quantum Information Science
10. New Quantum Phases of Matter
11. Multiphysics and Multiscale Failure Prediction through Peridynamic Theory
12. Electrochemical Dynamics in Nanoscale Systems
13. A New Paradigm in Sources and Physics of High-Power Ionospheric Modification
14. Magneto-electric Energy Conversion Materials: Terahertz Emission and Efficient Energy Conversion in Unbiased Dielectrics
15. Photonic Synthetic Matter
16. Random Lasers, Nano-spasers and Optical Rogue Waves
17. Free Space Optical Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
18. Integrated Nanophotonics
19. Exploitation of Natural and Anthropogenic Noise for Ocean Exploration
20. Rare Element Replacement Strategies
21. Acoustic Metamaterials
22. Cognitive Neuroscience of Memory Consolidation across Sleep Stages and Efficient Learning
23. Computational Foundations of Moral Cognition

Eligibility: U.S. institutions of higher education (universities) including DoD institutions of higher education, with degree-granting programs in science and/or engineering.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Total amount of funding for five years available for grants resulting from this MURI BAA is estimated to be about $250 million dollars pending out-year appropriations. MURI awards are $1M- $2.5M per year, with the actual amount contingent on availability of funds, the specific topic, and the scope of the proposed work. Typical annual funding is in the $1.25M to $1.5M range.

National Education Association Foundation:
NEA Foundation Grants

DUE: OCT 15
WEB: http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/educators/grant-programs/grant-application/

Provides grants to improve academic achievement of students in U.S. public schools and public higher education institutions in any subject areas. Student Achievement Grants ( up to $5,000) support initiatives to improve academic achievement.

Eligibility: Learning and Leadership Grants support high-quality professional development--$2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups. Higher education faculty and staff may apply.

National Endowment For The Humanities
Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections

DUE: DEC 1
WEB: http://www.neh.gov/grants/preservation/sustaining-cultural-heritage-collections

Sustaining Cultural Heritage Collections (SCHC) helps cultural institutions meet the challenge of preserving large and diverse humanities materials for future generations by supporting conservation measures that mitigate deterioration and prolong the useful life of collections. Libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations are responsible for collections that facilitate research, strengthen teaching, and provide opportunities for life-long learning. To preserve and ensure continued access to such collections, institutions must implement preventive conservation measures; providing protective storage; and safeguarding collections.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Planning Grants of up to $40,000 will be made (plus up to $10,000 additional). For Implementation Grants, grants of up to $350,000 are available.

National Endowment For The Arts
Research: Art Works

DUE: NOV 6
WEB: http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/Research/

The NEA distinguishes between research projects seeking to define value, and those seeking to demonstrate the arts' impact. "Value"- oriented research will measure or otherwise clarify one or more components of how Americans participate in the arts. Such research also may probe the underlying conditions and vehicles for arts participation; for instance, it can examine how key inputs such as training, education, and infrastructure, directly affect arts creation, arts audiences, or other aspects of arts engagement. Separately, research on "impact" will investigate the direct benefits of arts participation on individuals and/or communities. The NEA also will consider proposals measuring the effects of arts participation on broader-level outcomes, such as self-expression, outlets for creative activity, and the creative and expressive capacity of U.S. society.

Eligibility: Nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally recognized tribal communities or tribes may apply. This may include, but is not limited to, colleges and universities.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The Arts Endowment anticipates awarding up to 25 grants, based on the availability of funding. Grants generally will range from $10,000 to $30,000. Grants do not require matching funds. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to provide some cash and/or in-kind services in support of this project. Indirect costs will be supported, but will be limited to a maximum of 15% of the total award. Budget and Project Period: The Arts Endowment's support of a project may start on May 1, 2013, or any time thereafter. A grant period is not expected to exceed one year.

Lumina Foundation: Higher Education Grant

LETTERS OF INTENT: ANYTIME
WEB: http://www.luminafoundation.org/grants.html

Lumina's overarching goal is to increase the higher education attainment rate of the United States to 60% by 2025. While the mission focuses on both student access and success in higher education, the emphasis is on attainment, defined as completing associate and baccalaureate degrees and credentials. Applicants should take a look the foundation's A Stronger Nation, a report on its achievements thus far in meeting the 2025 goal.

Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities and 501(c)(3) agencies;

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Median awards are $100,000 each; Applicants should take a look the foundation's A Stronger Nation, a report on its achievements thus far in meeting the 2025 goal.

Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
NARSAD Young Investigator Act/Independent Investigator Grant

DUE: TO BE RELEASED IN SEPTEMBER
WEB: http://bbrfoundation.org/apply-for-a-narsad-grant-from-the-brain-behavior-researchfoundation

The foundation is the largest philanthropic organization dedicated brain and behavior disorder research. NARSAD Grants have been awarded to a variety of areas, including Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorder, bipolar disease and dementia. The Young Investigator grant supports scientists at the advanced post-doctoral or assistant professor (or equivalent) level. Every Young Investigator gets support and guidance from a scientific mentor designated by the Scientific Council. The Independent Investigator grant supports scientists at the associate professor (or equivalent) level.

Eligibility: Researchers.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The Young Investigator grant are up to $60,000 over a two-year period, or $30,000/year. The Independent Investigator grants are up to $100,000 over a two-year period, or $50,000/year.

Brain and Behavior Research Foundation
NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grant

DUE: OCT 8
WEB: http://bbrfoundation.org/apply-for-a-narsad-grant-from-the-brain-behavior-researchfoundation

The foundation is the largest philanthropic organization dedicated brain and behavior disorder research. NARSAD Grants have been awarded to a variety of areas, including Alzheimer's disease, anxiety disorder, bipolar disease and dementia. This grant supports scientists at the full professor (or equivalent) level. Areas of particular interest to the Scientific Council's Selection Committee include: Patient populations with unique or unusual characteristics and Central nervous system developments.

Eligibility: Researchers.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Grants are up to $100,000 for one year.

Agriculture Department Childhood Obesity Prevention

DUE: JAN
WEB: www.cfda.gov=program&mode=form&tab=step1&id=c5d85e0d3ed3a8e963c3702014620c13

AFRI awards grants addressing key agriculture problems of national, regional and multi-state importance. This program is designed to achieve the long-term outcome of reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents (ages 2-19).

Last year, a priority was to generate new knowledge of the behavioral, social and environmental factors that influence childhood obesity and use this information to develop quality obesity prevention program for adolescents ages 15-19.

Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities, nonprofit (with or without 501 (C)(3) status), tribes, individuals and for-profits, including small businesses;

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: TBD (in FY 2012, $5 million was available for multiple awards)

Department of Education:
Graduate Assistance In Areas Of National Need

DUE: JAN
WEB: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=134294

Colleges and universities use GAANN funds to provide fellowships in areas of national need. The FY 2013 areas haven't been offered. Last year's areas were: Area Studies; Biological Sciences/Life Sciences; Chemistry; Computer and Information Sciences; Engineering; Foreign Languages and Literatures; Mathematics; Nursing; Physics; and Educational Evaluation, Research and Statistics.

Eligibility: Public and private colleges and universities (a 25% match is required)

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: Grants are up to $60,000 over a two-year period, or $30,000/year.

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The Senate DoEd funding bill (S 3295) would provide full funding ($30 million) for this program. The House has offered a draft DoEd proposal, which doesn't mention GAANN funding. This program's solicitation generally is among the first to be released each fiscal year. Last year's version was released in December, with a January deadline.

Lockheed Martin: Innovate The Future

DUE: SEPT 30
WEB: https://lmco.brightidea.com/innovatethefuture-contest

The program seeks to create a forum for interested participants to share ideas on how innovation can enable a more secure future for the planet. Participants are invited to submit their thoughts on a range of topics facing the world, including the need for sustainable energy, cyber security and health care.

Eligibility: Individuals

Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards: The awards are as follows: $25,000, grand prize; $10,000, second prize; $15,000, third place (three $5,000 awards will be given)