Funding
Many of the funding opportunities provided on this page were found by using the Community of Science (COS) Funding Opportunities database. Access to this database is provided by the UNC-Chapel Hill GrantSource Library. The GrantSource Library is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking funding. They provide workshops and personal appointments to help you learn how to search for and find funding opportunities to meet your specific needs.
Spencer Foundation Grants
Deadline: Usually in the Fall
Grant Link: http://www.spencer.org/programs/grants/research_grants.htm
Abstract: The Spencer Foundation provides funding for research projects that study education in the United States and abroad. The Foundation funds research grants that range in size from smaller grants that can be completed within a year, to larger, multi-year endeavors.
NSF: CreativeIT
Deadline: September 26, 2008
Amount: $6,500,000
Grant Link: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501096&org=IIS
Abstract: The CreativeIT Program solicits proposals for projects that explore synergistic cross disciplinary research in creativity and computer science and information technology. Information technology is playing an increasing role in extending the capability of human creative thinking and problem solving. The study of creativity and computing as a way to advance computer science and information technology, cognitive science, engineering, education, or science can lead to new models of creative computational processes, innovative approaches to education that encourage creativity, innovative modes of research that include creative professionals, and new technology to support human creativity.
U.S. Department of Education: Cognition and Student Learning
Deadline: October 2, 2008
Amount: $1,200,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=67452;if=search
Grant Link: http://ies.ed.gov/ncer/funding/cognition/index.asp
Abstract: The purpose of the Cognition and Student Learning (Cognition) research program is to improve student learning by applying recent advances in cognitive science to education practice. The objectives of the cognition research program are to
- identify underlying processes involved in reading, writing, mathematics, or science that are predictive of student achievement in the relevant domain;
- develop interventions (instructional approaches, practices, and curriculum) for improving student learning;
- establish the efficacy of existing interventions and approaches for improving student learning with efficacy or replication trials; and
- develop measurement tools that can be used to improve student learning and achievement.
The long-term outcome of this program will be an array of tools and strategies (instructional approaches and computer tutors) that are based on principles of learning and information processing gained from cognitive science and that have been documented to be efficacious for improving learning in education delivery settings.
MacArthur Foundation: Innovation Awards
Deadline: October 15, 2008
Amount: $250,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=109912;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.dmlcompetition.net/innovation.php
Abstract: Learning environments are changing dramatically. Not only do young people have easy access to enormous amounts of information-they are participating in media rather than simply consuming it. They receive immediate feedback on performance, sharing their products nationally if not internationally. They participate in broad scale simulations emulating real world complexity. Furthermore, such learning environments are often youth-led, thereby altering significantly the roles and contributions of adults and experts.
As early research begins to illuminate changes occurring in young people who are 'growing up digital,' the time is ripe to translate this research into concrete designs for new kinds of learning environments.
MacArthur Foundation: Knowledge-Networking Awards
Deadline: October 15, 2008
Amount: $75,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=109913;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.dmlcompetition.net/networking.php
Abstract: The field of digital media and learning has already produced a number of brilliant ideas that deserve wider dissemination, circulation, discussion, translation, application, articulation, and customization. Not every inventor/developer is a good knowledge-networker. Knowledge-networking takes good ideas and circulates them widely, taking full advantage of the Web's potential for collaborative thinking. It enables communication in which many can contribute, shape, and share. Knowledge-networking is 'do-it-yourself' field-building, collective matchmaking across communities of those who have and those who seek information, so that each can teach and learn from the other.
NSF Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI)
Deadline: January 12, 2009
Amount: $2,000,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=14183;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5741
Abstract: This program seeks to improve the quality of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for all undergraduate students. The program supports efforts to create, adapt, and disseminate new learning materials and teaching strategies, develop faculty expertise, implement educational innovations, assess learning and evaluate innovations, and conduct research on STEM teaching and learning. Specifically excluded are projects that address solely professional training in clinical fields such as medicine, nursing, and clinical psychology.
The program supports three types of projects representing three different phases of development, ranging from small, exploratory investigations to large, comprehensive projects. The phases reflect the maturity of the proposed educational innovation and the number of academic institutions, students, and faculty involved in the project. All proposals should include an explicit and thorough discussion of prior work showing how the proposed project is informed by and builds upon that work. They also should include an evaluation plan appropriate to the size and scope of the project.
NSF: Strategic Technologies for Cyberinfrastructure
Deadline: February 12, 2009
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=103120;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=500066
Abstract: The primary purpose of this program is to support work leading to the development and/or demonstration of innovative cyberinfrastructure services for science and engineering research and education that fill gaps left by more targeted funding opportunities. In addition, it will consider highly innovative cyberinfrastructure education, outreach and training proposals that lie outside the scope of targeted solicitations. NSF provides a number of targeted funding opportunities for the development of cyberinfrastructure, for the provision of cyberinfrastructure services, and for related education, outreach and training. However, cyberinfrastructure technology and training are broad continua. It is anticipated that, at any given time, there will be ideas that do not map neatly onto the extant portfolio of cyberinfrastructure solicitations yet have a high potential impact on research and education. Accordingly, this program will accept proposals for cyberinfrastructure development, demonstration, education, outreach, and training activities that are not aligned with the specific goals of other existing cyberinfrastructure funding opportunities and which have the potential to transform multiple areas of research or education.
Projects appropriate for this program should
- be activities that include a demonstration of the potential impact on science or engineering research or education;
- generate outcomes not currently under development elsewhere;
- meet a clearly described cyberinfrastructure need not met elsewhere; and
- generate outcomes that will be of interest to a range of science and engineering communities.
NSF: Advanced Learning Technologies
Deadline: April 25, 2009
Amount: $100,000 - $200,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=91534;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2006/nsf06535/nsf06535.htm
Abstract: Through the Advanced Learning Technologies (ALT) program, the Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) and Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) support research that enables radical improvements in learning through innovative computer and information technologies, and advances research in computer science, information technology, learning, and cognitive science through the unique challenges posed by learning environments and learning technology platforms. Integrative research approaches that build across disciplines and establish tight linkages among theory, experiment, and design are strongly encouraged. Technology goals may include systems for tutoring or assessment, modeling and sensing of cognitive or emotional states, context awareness, natural language interfaces, collaboration, knowledge management, and non-traditional goals that redefine the roles of technology in learning. Educational foci for ALT projects must include an area of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), or general cross-cutting skills directly relevant to STEM.
Corporation for National and Community Service: Learn and Serve America Higher Education College Student Social Media Initiative
Deadline: May 7, 2011
Amount: $500,000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=77580;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.learnandserve.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa_detail.asp?tbl_nofa_id=56
U.S. Department of Defense: Advanced Distributed Learning Grant
Deadline: Continuous
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=57506;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339-06-R-0003/Attachments.html
Abstract: The Navy, the other services, the Department of Defense, the federal government, academia, and private industry have made the commitment to develop capabilities in ADL. The goal of ADL is to deliver instructional and job performance aiding information anytime, anywhere, to anyone who needs it. Potential topics of research include the following:
- Learner-centric, adaptive instructional techniques
- Effective use of web-unique instructional and performance aiding techniques
- Design of effective ADL resource centers
- . Design and use of learning management systems
- Effective use of sharable content objects
- Techniques for performance measurement and feedback
- Use of intelligent tutoring systems and intelligent agents
- Techniques for continuous, career-long learning
- Student motivational techniques
- Techniques for configuration management of ADL
- Role of the instructor or facilitator in ADL
- Tradeoff analyses between instructional approaches and organizational constraints (e.g., firewalls)
- Tools and techniques for ADL-specific front-end analysis
- Tools and techniques for evaluation of ADL systems
U.S. Department of Defense: Distance Learning
Deadline: Continuous
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=99015;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339-06-R-0003/Attachments.html
Abstract: More than any other service branch, the Navy is depending on e-learning to train and educate its personnel. One of the greatest challenges for distance learning developers and designers is how to create courseware that is engaging and effective; in short, how to avoid churning out page-turning, passive material that fails to fully captivate the learner. More emphasis is being placed on a wide array of active learning activities, such as team mission rehearsal at a distance, joint training, embedded simulations, game-based learning, and job performance aids. Research is needed to determine how to maximize these approaches, to exploit or adapt available groupware products, and how to address the social or human issues associated with collaborative training and education over networks.
U.S. Department of Defense: Games and Gaming
Deadline: Continuous
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=99019;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N61339/N61339-06-R-0003/Attachments.html
Abstract: The use of games is aggressively pursued for its instructional value in today's society and military; however, it is a relatively new instructional technology that has limited empirical support. Theoretically, if built properly, these training games have the potential to improve skill acquisition, recall of facts, increase situation awareness, and improve ability to effectively multi-task, for example. The question is how can games be developed to ensure they meet specific training objectives. Potential topics of research include: how to identify the essential characteristics of effective games, how to implement these characteristics into a training game, how games engage users in game play, and how this engagement of users improves training.
National Association of Student Personnel Admistrators (NASPA) Research Grants
Deadline: Continuous
Amount: $5000
COS Link: http://fundingopps.cos.com/cgi-bin/getRec?id=114784;if=search
Grant Link: http://www.naspa.org/foundation/research.cfm
Abstract: The National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Education (NASPA) Foundation supports the discovery of new knowledge through research and innovation in the field of student affairs. This is achieved through a continued commitment to funding selected proposals as submitted annually to the Foundation.
The Foundation invites proposals from all members of the profession, encompassing all aspects of the field of student affairs. Although there are many worthy and exciting areas of research, the Foundation is especially interested in supporting research that addresses the following topics:
- Civic Engagement
- Diversity, Multiculturalism, Global Education
- Gender Issues
- Standards and Ethics
- Outcomes
