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June 2011

It’s hard to think about ‘year-end’ as we are just entering summer; however, the June 30th fiscal year end for JMU and the Commonwealth will soon be here.   From a general sponsored program prospective, unless your project ends on June 30th and many State awards do, JMU’s fiscal year end not a significant event.  Sponsored program funds do not “go away” and the financial reports continue to capture ‘life-to-date’ information in July and beyond.

However, JMU’s fiscal year end can provide some significant disruptions to sponsored program projects if you do not plan ahead.  Finance has issued year-end memo that is available at:  http://www.jmu.edu/acctgserv/cut_off_schedule.shtml  (in the middle of the page).  The cut-off dates for expenditure transactions are applied to Sponsored Programs as well; accordingly, all expenditure vouchers should be submitted by Thursday, June 16th if payment is required before June 30th.  In addition to the normal year-end processes, the Financial Management system will also be upgraded to a new version of the software.  While this upgrade process has been tested thoroughly and is not expected to cause significant delays in reopening the system for fiscal year 2012, it is still a significant upgrade where glitches could occur and thus delay July expenditure processing.

Accordingly, the words to the wise are DO NOT WAIT and ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS.  If you have known expenses that should be paid before June 30th or even early in July, please process them now.  If expenses are incurred in mid to late June; inform your payee that payment could be slightly delayed related to normal JMU processing.   The individuals that would be responding to your expenditure emergences are the same ones doing the year-end processing and system upgrades, so please don’t be the cause of making their situation worse.

Compliance News

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training at JMU

PI’s, as you conduct research with students this summer, please remember to comply with the RCR requirements. In accordance with federal sponsor requirements, all undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers who will be supported by federal funding to conduct research must receive training in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR).   The National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have specific requirements related to implementation of the America Competes Act. At the University, RCR Training Requirements must be met before payment from federal funding is approved and processed.

RCR is comprised of the following nine topic areas:

• Acquisition, Management, Sharing and Ownership of Data
• Animal Welfare
• Authorship/Plagiarism
• Collaboration
• Conflict of Interest
• Human Subject Protections
• Mentoring
• Peer Review
• Research Misconduct

JMU has entered into the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) to provide the mandated training requirement in the America Competes Act for (1) Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research, (2) Human Subjects Research, and (3) Lab Animal Welfare. Training must be completed before a project can be considered by the IRB or IACUC. Please access the following URL to review the instructions for the required training through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Program: http://www.jmu.edu/sponsprog/research_compliance/conducttraining.html

• Documentation of completion of basic training will be maintained by the ORC. Additionally, a completion certificate is available for printing via CITI. The student /postdoctoral researcher and the PI should maintain a copy of this certificate. The PI should attach this documentation to the RCR training documentation form he/she keeps on each student/postdoctoral researcher. 
• URL for America Competes Act, Section 7009: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19930.pdf

Should you have any questions regarding the CITI Training Program, please contact: Pat Buennemeyer, Director, Research Compliance at 540.568.7025 or by email at buennepd@jmu.edu

New NIH Podcasts
The NIH has posted two new podcasts in the All About Grants section of its website.
(1) One is on the importance of including women, minorities and children in clinical research and runs 14 minutes.
(2)The other is on budget basics and also runs 14 minutes. The NIH has also posted transcripts to both at the above link.
[added May 2011]

*Use Visuals in Grant Proposals to Keep Reviewers Interested*

Bringing program ideas to life with words is a skill that grantwriters work to hone, but sometimes words may not be enough.

"Using visuals in a grant proposal is important for the reader's sake," said Stacy Poncelow, grants coordinator at Poudre School District in Fort Collins, Colo. "Especially for a federal grant application, which may be 25-50 pages long, it can get boring reading straight text even if the proposal is really good."

Charts, tables, and graphs help break-up text, Poncelow said. And, they attract readers' attention.

Interested to learn how to best incorporate visuals into your grant proposals? See below for Poncelow's tips on their usage.

Types of Visuals

• Graphs. Use graphs when trying to show numbers or when trying to tell the story of growth, Poncelow said.
• Tables. Tables are used to make comparisons and connect an idea, such as stating a program objective and then showing the evaluation strategy that will be used to measure it, Poncelow said. They can also be used to display a personnel list. For example, she uses a two-column table: one column lists the individuals involved with the grant, the other shows their responsibilities.
• Charts. Charts may be used to underscore connections. For example, Poncelow uses organization graphics to show how all the stakeholders are involved, and how they are connected to the management of the grant.
• Pictures, graphics. It may be OK to use pictures or graphics when applying for funds from a private funder, but you should consult their applications instructions first, Poncelow said. If the application doesn't state whether the use of pictures or graphics is allowed, judge whether to include them based on the grantor's interest in learning more of your story. "I don't think they [pictures and graphics] have a place in federal or state applications," Poncelow said.

Challenges

• Upload system. Sometimes the systems you are loading documents into may distort the images, she said. This may also happen when you are typing text into an online application that doesn't allow for additional attachments.
• Spacing. Many federal grant RFPs call for all text to be double spaced, which usually means that tables need to be double spaced too, Poncelow said. This can take up more space than anticipated.
• Limits. You need to be able to include some text with you visuals, so you should consider how many you are using in one proposal, she said. For example, if you are writing a 25 page grant proposal, don't use more than three to five visuals, Poncelow said.

Tips for Success

• Label. Labeling is important, she said. If labels are nonexistent, readers may have trouble connecting what you are trying to present to what the text is saying.
• Color. Avoid using colors in your visuals because in the end, they usually end up in black and white, said Poncelow. You can use color if you are sending a hard copy, but refrain from using it in electronic documents.
• Font. Don't change the font in your tables or graphs from what you use in the text portion of your proposal, Poncelow said. Varying fonts can be distracting.

Written by: Stacy Poncelow

http://www.jmu.edu/sponsprog/calendar09.html

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Workforce Program in the Mathematical Sciences

• The long-range goal of the DMS Workforce Program is to increase the number of well-prepared U.S. citizens, nationals, and permanent residents who successfully pursue careers in the mathematical sciences and in other NSF-supported disciplines. Among intermediate goals to this end are improvements in recruitment, retention, education, and placement of trainees in the mathematical sciences. The program's primary interest is in activities centered on education through research involvement for trainees at the undergraduate through postdoctoral educational levels. Activities that broaden participation in the mathematical sciences are of significant interest to the Division of Mathematical Sciences.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503233
• Deadline: June 15, 2011

Petrology and Geochemistry

• The Petrology and Geochemistry Program supports basic research that address the formation and evolution of our planet using petrological and geochemical characteristics of Earth materials in the crust, mantle, and core. Proposals in this program generally address the petrology and high-temperature geochemistry of igneous and metamorphic rocks (including mantle samples), mineral physics, economic geology, and volcanology. Proposals that bridge disciplinary boundaries or that include development of analytical tools for potential use by the broad community are also encouraged.
• Funding: It is expected that there will be 40-60 awards annually with an estimated total program funding of $13,900,000 annually, pending availability of funds.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13683&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
• Deadline: July 6, 2011; January 6, 2012

Evolutionary Processes

• The Evolutionary Processes Cluster supports research on microevolutionary processes and their macroevolutionary consequences. Topics include mutation, gene flow, recombination, natural selection, genetic drift, assortative mating acting within species, speciation, and long-term features of evolution. These investigations attempt to explain causes and consequences of genetically-based change in the properties of groups of organisms (at the population level or higher) over the course of generations as well as large-scale patterns of evolutionary change, phylogeography, origin and maintenance of genetic variation, and molecular signatures of evolution at the population or species level. The cluster seeks to fund projects that are transformative -- that is, those that will change the conceptual bases of evolutionary biology and have broad implications for future research. Both empirical and theoretical approaches are encouraged. The Cluster is comprised of two programs, Evolutionary Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology (described below); proposals should be submitted to one of these programs.
  Research on evolutionary patterns and processes is supported across the Biological Sciences Directorate. The following, general guidelines are provided to help you find the most appropriate program for your research interests. Proposals addressing molecular genetic mechanisms or the structure, maintenance, expression, transfer, and stability of genetic information in DNA, RNA, chromosomes, and proteins and how those processes are regulated are considered by the Genes and Genome Systems Cluster (Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology). The evolution of physiological or developmental mechanisms is covered by programs in the Division of Integrative Organismal Systems. We recognize that research topics may cross disciplinary and administrative boundaries; the Evolutionary Processes Cluster frequently co-reviews projects with each of these clusters or programs. Program Officers stand ready to answer more specific questions about the best program for your particular research plans.
  Evolutionary Genetics Program: The Evolutionary Genetics Program supports research that investigates the genetic bases of micro- and macroevolutionary processes and their effects on the evolution of genotypes and phenotypes. Both adaptive and non-adaptive processes and their effects will be considered. Within this context, appropriate topics of investigation include (but are not limited to) population and quantitative genetic examination of the processes responsible for the evolution of complex phenotypes; processes maintaining genetic variation; how the properties of genes (number, arrangement, and pattern) and their interactions influence evolutionary processes at the population level or above; the evolution of genetic architecture; and multi-species comparisons of aspects of development.
  The Evolutionary Ecology Program supports research on the evolutionary causes and consequences of ecological interactions (intra-specific, interspecific, and with the abiotic environment). Appropriate topics of investigation include the selective pressures imposed by abiotic or biotic environments and the evolutionary responses to these pressures; the causes and consequences of phenotypic plasticity; life-history evolution; the evolution of interspecific relations (predator-prey, competition, cooperation, mutualism, parasitism, symbiosis); the ongoing evolution of biodiversity; dynamics of natural and sexual selection; and the phylogenetic bases of community assembly.
• Funding: Estimated total program funding is $15,663,000.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503421&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
• Deadline: July 9, 2011; January 9, 2012

Biomolecular Dynamics, Structure, and Function

• This Cluster supports fundamental research in the areas of molecular biophysics and biochemistry. The cluster gives high priority to the creative projects that address the relationships between structure, function, and dynamics in studies of individual biomolecules and their complexes by an integrated approach of theory, computation, and experimental methods such as NMR, X-ray crystallography, EPR, and optical spectroscopy including single molecule methods. The cluster encourages research projects that are designed to discover and define general principles of macromolecular structure, dynamics, and mechanisms, as well as projects that will develop cutting-edge technologies in the context of biological questions relevant to the cluster. The cluster also encourages multi-disciplinary research at the interface of biology with physics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and engineering. Funding priority is given to proposals that identify critical gaps in our understanding, propose imaginative experiments to fill the gaps, and promise high-impact breakthroughs in the following areas: structure and dynamics of biomolecules; biomolecular interactions and mechanisms; and energy transduction: photosynthesis and biological electron transfer.
• Funding: It is expected that there will be 70 awards with an estimated total program funding of $14,000,000.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503609&WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click
• Deadline: July 12, 2011

Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation (NSF)

• The National Science Foundation seeks applications for the Software Infrastructure for Sustained Innovation (SI2) Program to transform innovations in research and education into sustained software resources that are an integral part of the cyberinfrastructure.
• Funding: In FY2012, $30 million total for 40 to 50 awards. The estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
• Web:www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11539/nsf11539.htm
• Deadline: July 18, 2011

Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program

• CAREER: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Such activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from junior faculty members at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply.
  PECASE: Each year NSF selects nominees for the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from among the most meritorious recent CAREER awardees. Selection for this award is based on two important criteria: 1) innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology that is relevant to the mission of the sponsoring organization or agency, and 2) community service demonstrated through scientific leadership, education or community outreach. These awards foster innovative developments in science and technology, increase awareness of careers in science and engineering, give recognition to the scientific missions of the participating agencies, enhance connections between fundamental research and national goals, and highlight the importance of science and technology for the Nation's future. Individuals cannot apply for PECASE. These awards are initiated by the participating federal agencies. At NSF, up to twenty nominees for this award are selected each year from among the PECASE-eligible CAREER awardees who are most likely to become the leaders of academic research and education in the twenty-first century. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy makes the final selection and announcement of the awardees.
• Funding: The estimated number of awards is 600 per year. Anticipated funding amount is $220,000,000 per year to new and continuing CAREER awards. This amount is approximate, includes new and continuing increments, and is subject to availability of funds. Funding for CAREER awards is contained within research and education program allocations. Inclusion of voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
  The minimum CAREER award size is $400,000 for a five-year period for all directorates except for the Directorate of Biological Sciences (BIO) and the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). For proposals submitted to BIO and OPP, the minimum award size is $500,000 over five years. Before preparing a CAREER proposal, PIs are strongly encouraged to contact their disciplinary program director or the appropriate CAREER contact to discuss budget requests for their proposed CAREER activities, and typical funding levels for their discipline. Many programs and Directorates prefer to make more awards by funding CAREER proposals closer to the minimum award size. Proposers should also review the list of recent CAREER awards made in their discipline for guidance on average award size.
  In addition to PI salary, support for other Senior Personnel is not permitted, either in the primary budget or in any subawards. All other allowable costs, as described in the Grant Proposal Guide, are permitted. Allowable costs include funds for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, summer salary, education or outreach activities, support for an evaluator, travel and subsistence expenses for the PI and U.S. participants when working abroad with foreign collaborators, and consultant expenses. In some cases, it may be appropriate to include academic year salary support for the PI on a CAREER budget (for example, PIs who have heavy teaching responsibilities or who must conduct field work during the academic year). Proposers should talk to the cognizant Program Director about their individual case.
  
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2011/nsf11690/nsf11690.htm
• Deadline: Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Education and Human Resources, Office of Cyberinfrastructure: July 25, 2011; Engineering: July 26, 2011; Geosceinces, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Social Behavioral and Economic Sciences, Office of Polar Programs: July 27, 2011

Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21)

• The Computing Education for the 21st Century (CE21) program aims to build a computationally savvy 21st century workforce that positions the US to demonstrate a leadership role in the global economy. Innovations in computing and more broadly, information technology (IT), drive our economy, underlie many new advances in science and engineering, and contribute to our national security. Projected job growth in IT is very strong .Despite these very positive indicators, student interest in computing has declined dramatically over the last decade. For example, the percentage of college freshmen indicating an intent to major in computing has declined overall by 70% in the last decade; for women, the decline was 80% (HERI, 2000-2009). Recent data show that student interest in computing majors has fallen behind projected job openings by a factor of five and a half (ACT, 2010).
  The CE21 program seeks to reverse this troubling trend by engaging larger numbers of students, teachers, and educators in computing education and learning at earlier stages in the education pipeline. While interventions in primary education are within scope, the CE21 program focuses special attention on activities targeted at the middle and high school levels (i.e., secondary education) and in early undergraduate education.The goals of the CE21 program are to: Increase the number and diversity of K-14 students and teachers who develop and practice computational competencies in a variety of contexts; and increase the number and diversity of early postsecondary students who are engaged and have the background in computing necessary to successfully pursue degrees in computing-related and computationally-intensive fields of study. The program seeks to increase computational competencies for all students, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability status, or socioeconomic status, and regardless, too, of eventual career choices. By promoting and enhancing computing K-14 education, the CE21 program seeks to increase interest in computing as a field in its own right, and also to better prepare students for successful careers in other computing-intensive fields.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503582&WT.mc_id=USNSF_39&WT.mc_ev=click
• Deadline: Planning proposals ONLY: July 28, 2011

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

• STS considers proposals that examine historical, philosophical, and sociological questions that arise in connection with science, engineering, and technology, and their respective interactions with society. STS has four components:
  1. Ethics and Values in Science, Engineering and Technology (EVS),
  2. History and Philosophy of Science, Engineering and Technology (HPS),
  3. Social Studies of Science, Engineering and Technology (SSS),
  4. Studies of Policy, Science, Engineering and Technology (SPS).
  The components overlap, but are distinguished by the different scientific and scholarly orientations they take to the subject matter, as well as by different focuses within the subject area. STS encourages the submission of hybrid proposals that strive to integrate research involving two or more of these core areas.
  STS provides the following modes of support:
  1. • Scholars Awards,
     • Standard Research Grants and Grants for Collaborative Research,
     • Postdoctoral Fellowships,
     • Professional Development Fellowships,
     • Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants,
     • Small Grants for Training and Research,
     • Conference and Workshop Awards,
     • Other Funding Opportunities.
• Funding: It is expected that there will be 40 awards with an estimated total program funding of $9,000,000.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2008/nsf08553/nsf08553.htm
• Deadline: August 1 , 2011

Science of Learning Centers (SLC)

• The Science of Learning Centers program (SLC) offers awards for large-scale, long-term Centers that create the intellectual, organizational and physical infrastructure needed for the long-term advancement of Science of Learning research. It supports research that harnesses and integrates knowledge across multiple disciplines to create a common groundwork of conceptualization, experimentation and explanation that anchor new lines of thinking and inquiry towards a deeper understanding of learning. The goals of the Science of Learning Centers Program are to advance the frontiers of all the sciences of learning through integrated research; to connect the research to specific scientific, technological, educational, and workforce challenges; to enable research communities to capitalize on new opportunities and discoveries; and to respond to new challenges.
• Funding:There are currently no SLC Centers or Catalyst competitions. However, the Science of Learning Centers Program is currently accepting proposals for Workshops, Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER), Rapid Response Grants (RAPID), and Supplements to NSF awards (including those funded by other programs).
• Web:http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5567
• Deadline: August 1, 2011; February 6, 2012

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

• The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. This solicitation features two mechanisms for support of student research: (1) REU Sites are based on independent proposals to initiate and conduct projects that engage a number of students in research. REU Sites may be based in a single discipline or academic department, or on interdisciplinary or multi-department research opportunities with a coherent intellectual theme. Proposals with an international dimension are welcome. A partnership with the Department of Defense supports REU Sites in DoD-relevant research areas. (2) REU Supplements may be requested for ongoing NSF-funded research projects or may be included as a component of proposals for new or renewal NSF grants or cooperative agreements. Undergraduate student participants in either Sites or Supplements must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
• Funding: $67,700,000 for 1,850 awards.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5517&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
• Deadline: August 24, 2011

Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering (BBBE)

• The Biotechnology, Biochemical, and Biomass Engineering (BBBE) program supports fundamental engineering research that advances the understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes (in vivo, in vitro, and/or ex vivo) and eventually leads to the development of enabling technology and/or applications in support of the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and bioenergy industries, or with applications in health or the environment. Quantitative assessments of bioprocesses are considered vital to successful research projects in the BBBE program.
  Fundamental to many research projects in this area is the understanding of how biomolecules and cells interact in their environment, and how those molecular level interactions lead to changes in structure, function, phenotype, and/or behavior. The program encourages proposals that address emerging research areas and technologies that effectively integrate knowledge and practices from different disciplines, and effectively incorporate ongoing research into educational activities.
  Research projects of particular interest in BBBE include, but are not limited to:
  • Metabolic engineering and synthetic biology
  • Quantitative systems biotechnology
  • Tissue engineering and stem cell culture technologies
  • Protein engineering/protein design
  • Development of novel "omics" tools for biotechnology applications
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501024&org=NSF&sel_org=NSF&from=fund
• Deadline: September 15, 2011

Energy for Sustainability

• The Energy for Sustainability program supports fundamental research and education that will enable innovative processes for the sustainable production of electricity and transportation fuels. Processes for sustainable energy production must be environmentally benign, reduce greenhouse gas production, and utilize renewable or bio-based resources that are abundant in the United States. The most abundant and sustainable source of renewable energy is the sun. The Energy for Sustainability program emphasizes two themes which harness solar energy to make fuels and electrical power: biofuels & bioenergy, and photovoltaic solar energy. In addition, this program also supports research in wind and wave energy, sustainable energy technology assessment, and fuel cells.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501026
• Deadline: September 15, 2011

Research in Engineering Education

• The Division of Engineering Education and Centers (EEC) seeks to enable a world-leading system of engineering education, equally open and available to all members of society, that dynamically and rapidly adapts to meet the changing needs of society and the nation's economy. Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
  1. Increasing our understanding of how engineering students learn and the capacity that supports such discovery. Fundamental research is encouraged on how engineering is learned, including engineering epistemologies and identities; and how to evaluate or operationalize aspects of engineering thinking, doing, and knowing.
  2. Understanding how to increase the diffusion and impact of engineering education research. Research projects are sought that discover how to improve the process by which engineering education research is translated into practice; how to accomplish organizational and cultural change in institutions of engineering education that leads to improved learning outcomes; or identifying and overcoming barriers to widespread adoption of engineering education research. Research projects that partner with other engineering education stakeholders (e.g. private companies, NGOs, or professional societies) to measure the value and impact of engineering education research on practice are also sought.
  3. Understanding engineering education in broader, organizing frameworks such as innovation, globalization, complex engineered systems, or sustainability. Research in this theme explores learning from perspectives and contexts that cut across disciplines and in which learners integrate expertise from multiple fields. Research projects that align with this theme include discovering processes to effectively teach engineering students to succeed in such environments or "eco-systems"; discovering key concepts and principles of educating engineers within such frameworks; or exploring factors such as teamwork, communication, or identity formation in such environments.
  4. Diversifying pathways to and through engineering degree programs. Research projects that align with this theme explore how engineering programs can engage and develop students with a broad range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences; investigate how real world experiences germane to engineering--such as military service or being a "maker"--impact, improve, or accelerate learning; or investigate how to fundamentally restructure courses, curricula, or programs to substantially boost student success, especially for under-represented populations.
• Funding: Most projects will be funded at approximately $100,000 per year. Projects which anticipate other funding levels should discuss the proposed project with a cognizant program officer before submission.
• Web: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=503584&WT.mc_id=USNSF_25&WT.mc_ev=click
• Deadline: September 16, 2011

Education Research

• The central purpose of the institute's research grant programs is to provide parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all students. In carrying out its grant programs, the institute provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need.
  Under the two education research competitions, the National Center for Education Research (NCER) will consider only applications that address one of the following education research topics:
  1. Reading and Writing
  2. Mathematics and Science Education
  3. Cognition and Student Learning
  4. Effective Teachers and Effective Teaching
  5. Social and Behavioral Context for Academic Learning
  6. Improving Education Systems: Policies, Organization, Management,
  and Leadership
  7. Early Learning Programs and Policies
  8. English Learners
  9. Postsecondary Education and Adult Education
  10. Education Technology
  
• Web: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=76153
• Deadline: June 23, 2011

Special Education Research: Social and Behavioral Outcomes to Support Learning

• The purpose of the Social and Behavioral Outcomes to Support Learning (Social/Behavioral) research grant program is to contribute to the prevention or amelioration of behavior problems in students with or at risk for disabilities and concomitantly, improve their academic outcomes. The long-term outcome of this program will be an array of tools and strategies (e.g., assessments, interventions) that have been documented to be effective for preventing behavior problems and improving the behavioral, emotional, social skills, and likewise, the academic performance of students with or at risk for disabilities from kindergarten through Grade 12. Research supported through this program must be relevant to education in the United States.
  
• Funding: The maximum length of the award period varies by goal. The maximum length of the award period for each goal ranges from two to five years. The size of the award depends on the goal and scope of the project. Awards pursuant to this request for applications are contingent upon the availability of funds and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications. The number of projects funded under a specific topic and goal depends upon the number of high-quality applications submitted to that topic and goal. The Institute does not have plans to award a specific number of grants under each particular topic and goal.
• Web: http://ies.ed.gov/funding/ncser_rfas/ncser_socialbeh.asp
• Deadline: Letter of Intent (not mandatory, but requested): July 21, 2011; Proposal: September 22, 2011

Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) Grants - (R15)

• The AREA program will enable qualified scientists to receive support for small-scale research projects. These grants are intended to create a research opportunity for scientists and institutions otherwise unlikely to participate extensively in NIH programs to support the Nation's biomedical and behavioral research effort. It is anticipated that investigators supported under the AREA program will benefit from the opportunity to conduct independent research; that the grantee institution will benefit from a research environment strengthened through AREA grants and furthered by participation in the diverse extramural programs of the NIH; and that available students will benefit from exposure to and participation in scientific research in the biomedical, behavioral and clinical sciences.The AREA program is a research grant program and not a training or fellowship program. Active involvement of undergraduate and graduate students in the proposed research is encouraged, and reviewers will consider whether the proposed project will expose undergraduate (preferably, if available) and graduate students to meritorious research. However, the application should not focus on training objectives and training plans should not be provided.
• Funding: Applicants may request a maximum of $300,000 total direct costs plus applicable Facilities & Administrative (F&A)/indirect costs for the entire project period of up to three years. Note when a consortium is involved, the $300,000 direct cost limit is exclusive of consortium F&A costs. These can be requested in addition to the $300,000 direct costs limit.
• Web: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/area.htm
• Deadline: June 25, 2011; October 25, 2011; February 25, 2012

Translational Research to Help Older Adults Maintain their Health and Independence in the Community (R01)

• The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Administration on Aging (AoA) invite applications using the R01 award mechanism for translational research that moves evidence-based research findings towards the development of new interventions, programs, policies, practices, and tools that can be used by community-based organizations to help elderly individuals remain healthy and independent, and living in their own homes and communities. The goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support translational research involving collaborations between academic research centers and community-based organizations with expertise serving the elderly (such as city and state health departments, city/town leadership councils, and Area Agencies on Aging) that will enhance our understanding of practical tools, techniques, programs and policies that communities across the nation can use to more effectively respond to needs of their aging populations.
• Funding: This FOA will use the R01 award mechanism. Application budgets are not limited, but need to reflect actual needs of the proposed project. The maximum period is five years. Cost sharing is not required. Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs in any year (excluding consortium F&A) must contact NIH program staff at least 6 weeks before submitting the application and follow the Policy on the Acceptance for Review of Unsolicited Applications that Request $500,000 or More in Direct Costs as described in the SF 424 (R&R) Application Guide.
• Web: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-11-123.html
• Deadline: October 5, 2011; February 5, 2012

Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R01)

• The goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage research that will improve the quality and scientific power of data collected in the behavioral and social sciences, relevant to the missions of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers. -The participating NIH Institutes and Centers invite qualified researchers to submit research grant applications aimed at improving and developing methodology and measurement in the behavioral and social sciences through innovations in research design, data collection techniques, measurement, and data analysis techniques. -Research that addresses methodology and measurement issues in diverse populations, issues in studying sensitive behaviors, issues of ethics in research, issues related to confidential data and the protection of research subjects, and issues in developing interdisciplinary, multimethod, and multilevel approaches to behavioral and social science research is particularly encouraged, as are approaches that integrate behavioral and social science research with biological, physical, or computational science research or engineering.
  
• Funding: No Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement
• Web: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-214.html
• Deadline: September 7, 2011

Preservation and Access Education and Training Grants

• The Preservation and Access Education and Training program is central to NEH's efforts to preserve and establish access to cultural heritage resources. Thousands of libraries, archives, museums, and historical organizations across the country maintain important collections of books and manuscripts, photographs, sound recordings and moving images, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, art and material culture collections, electronic records, and digital objects. The challenge of preserving and making accessible such large and diverse holdings is enormous and the need for knowledgeable staff is significant and ongoing. Preservation and Access Education and Training grants help the staff of cultural institutions, large and small, obtain the knowledge and skills needed to serve as effective stewards of humanities collections. Grants also support educational programs that prepare the next generation of conservators and preservation professionals, as well as projects that introduce the staff of cultural institutions to recent improvements in preservation and access practices.
  
• Funding: Awards normally are for two years. Grants to regional preservation field service organizations typically range from $50,000 to a maximum of $250,000 per year. For all other applicants, the maximum award is $125,000 per year. Successful applicants will be awarded a grant in outright funds, federal matching funds, or a combination of the two, depending on the applicant's preference and the availability of NEH funds. Matching funds are released when a grantee secures gift funds from eligible third parties.
  Although cost sharing is not required, NEH, is rarely able to support the full costs of projects approved for funding. In most cases, NEH grants cover no more than 80 percent of project costs.
• Web: http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/pet.html
• Deadline: June 30, 2011

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. Summer Stipends support projects at any stage of development. ELIGIBILITY: The Summer Stipends program accepts applications from researchers, teachers, and writers, whether they have an institutional affiliation or not. Applicants with college or university affiliations must, however, be nominated by their institutions.
  
• Funding:Summer Stipends provide $6,000 for two consecutive months of full-time research and writing. Recipients must work full-time on their projects for these two months, and may hold other research grants supporting the same project during this time. Summer Stipends normally support work carried out during the summer months, but arrangements can be made for other times of the year.
• Web:http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/stipends.html
• Deadline: September 29, 2011

Scholars Program

• The Scholars Program is a professional development program for early-career researchers in the social, behavioral, or health sciences. The program differs from traditional research grants in that it supports career development. The foundation is particularly excited about applicants who already have a promising track record, but seek a qualitative shift in their trajectory as researchers. The foundation encourages Scholars to be ambitious in their research endeavors by tackling important questions that will advance theory, policy, and practice for youth and to do so with an expanded array of expertise that includes different methods, disciplinary perspectives, and content knowledge. Applicants identify areas in which they seek to expand their expertise, and propose five-year research plans to develop it. The foundation recognizes that early-career researchers often have few supports and incentives to take measured risks with their work, and we view mentors as providing important assistance. Applicants are asked to create mentoring plans that will aid them in acquiring new expertise and producing stronger work.
  
• Funding:Every year, four to six William T. Grant Scholars are selected and each receives $350,000 distributed over a five-year period.
• Web:http://www.wtgrantfoundation.org/funding_opportunities/fellowships/william_t__grant_scholars/william_t_grant_scholars
• Deadline: July 6, 2011

Publishing Historical Records

• The National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a part of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), supports projects that promote supports projects that promote the preservation and use of America's documentary heritage essential to understanding our democracy, history, and culture. This funding category has two application deadlines. This announcement is for Colonial and Early National Period Projects (those preparing publications whose documents fall predominantly prior to 1820). An additional funding opportunity will be published in June 2010 for New Republic through the Modern Era Projects (those preparing publications whose documents fall predominantly after 1820).The Commission seeks proposals to publish historical records of national significance. Projects may focus on the papers of major figures from American life or cover broad historical movements in politics, military, business, social reform, the arts, and other aspects of the national experience. The historical value of the records and their expected usefulness to broad audiences must justify the costs of the project .Grants are awarded for collecting, describing, preserving, compiling, editing, and publishing documentary source materials. The NHPRC does not fund proposals to purchase historical records; it also does not fund proposals to publish the papers of anyone who has been deceased for fewer than ten years .Eligible Activities Include:Scholarly documentary editions in printed and bound volumes. Scholarly documentary editions in online and other formats. Image editions in online, microfilm, and other formats. Conversion of existing print and microfilm editions to electronic publications. Combinations of the above. A publishing project that has received NHPRC support can apply for a grant for a new or subsequent stage of that project. These proposals must demonstrate that they have successfully completed the performance objectives associated with previous NHPRC grant awards. Proposals must be substantially updated, including a description of the new activities and a justification of the new budget. The applicant must describe the extent to which the project met its performance objectives under its most recent grant. Applicants not previously funded may apply for a grant to begin a historical documents publishing project. These applications are considered with other proposals and will be judged by the same criteria as others in that competition. All applicants should be aware that the application process is highly competitive.
• Funding: Applicants may apply for funding up to three years. Applicants should be aware that the Commission normally awards grants on an annual basis; subsequent funding is conditioned on previous years' project performance. Award amounts ordinarily range from $20,000 to $250,000 annually. The Commission expects to make as many as 35-40 grants in this category, for a total of up to $4,500,000. In accordance with Federal regulations, the Commission reserves, for Federal Government purposes, a royalty-free, non-exclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work and authorize others to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work that results from each grant. The Commission requires that grant recipients acknowledge NHPRC grant assistance in all publications and other products that result from its support. Cost sharing is required. Cost sharing is the financial contribution the applicant pledges to the cost of a project. Cost sharing can include both direct and indirect expenses, in-kind contributions, non-Federal third-party contributions, and any income earned directly by the project. The Commission ordinarily provides no more than 50 per cent of total project costs for Publishing Historical Records projects.
• Web: http://www.archives.gov/nhprc/announcement/publishing.html
• Deadline: Colonial and Early National Period: July 7, 2011; New Republic through the Modern Era: October 6, 2011

Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program - National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP)

• The goal of the National Integrated Water Quality Program (NIWQP) is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of our Nation's surface water and groundwater resources through research, education, and extension activities. Projects funded through this program will work to solve water resource problems by advancing and disseminating the knowledge base available to agricultural, rural, and urbanizing communities. Funded projects should lead to science-based decision making and management practices that improve the quality of the Nation's surface water and groundwater resources in agricultural, rural, and urbanizing watersheds. ELIGIBILITY: Colleges and universities.
• Funding: The amount of funds available for support of this program in FY 2011 is approximately $10,000,000.
  
• Web:http://www.nifa.usda.gov/funding/rfas/
• Deadline: July 15, 2011

Research Associateship Programs (RAP)

• The mission of the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) is to promote excellence in scientific and technological research conducted by the U.S. government through the administration of programs offering graduate, postdoctoral, and senior level research opportunities at sponsoring federal laboratories and affiliated institutions.
• Eligibility: The mission of the NRC Research Associateship Programs (RAP) is to promote excellence in scientific and technological research conducted by the U.S. government through the administration of programs offering graduate, postdoctoral, and senior level research opportunities at sponsoring federal laboratories and affiliated institutions.
• Funding: An NRC Research Associate receives a stipend from the National Research Council while carrying out his or her proposed research. Stipends for Associates are limited to the amounts set forth by the NRC and the sponsoring federal laboratory and any other arrangement, formal or informal, between an applicant and laboratory personnel for additional monies or other considerations is strictly prohibited. A group health-insurance program is required for Associates and is optional for dependents. A relocation reimbursement will be determined for each awardee.
• Web: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/rap/
• Deadline: August 1, 2011; November 1, 2011

Project Awards

• The Foundation's awards are restricted to support for basic social science research within its announced programs. Currently, the Foundation is pursuing five principle areas: (1) A program of research on the Future of Work concerned principally with the causes and consequences of changes in the quality of low-wage work in the United States and other advanced economies; (2) A program of research on current U.S. Immigration aimed at discovering how well immigrants and their children are adapting socially, politically, and economically to life in the United States, particularly as they move beyond the traditional immigrant gateway cities; (3) A program on Cultural Contact concerned with understanding and improving relations between racial and ethnic groups in schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and other key institutional settings; (4) A program on Social Inequality, focused on the social effects of rising economic inequality, with particular attention to the ways in which the U.S. political and educational systems have responded to growing economic disparities; and (5) A program of research on Behavioral Economics which incorporates the insights of psychology and other social sciences into the study of economic behavior.
  
• Funding:The Foundation's major awards range between $35,000 and $500,000. Support is mainly provided for analyzing data and writing up results, but occasionally larger awards are considered for data acquisition projects highly relevant to the Foundation's program goals.
• Web: http://www.russellsage.org/how-to-apply/apply-project-awards
• Deadline: August 15, 2011; March 15, 2012

NEA Arts in Media

• The Arts Endowment's support of a project may start on May 1, 2012, or any time thereafter. Through this category, the National Endowment for the Arts seeks to make the excellence and diversity of the arts widely available to the American public through every available media platform including television, radio, the Internet, interactive and mobile technologies, digital games, and satellite. By increasing the accessibility and impact of the arts, the Arts Endowment aims to strengthen the creativity of our nation. Grants are available to support the development, production, and national distribution of innovative media projects about the arts (e.g., visual arts, music, dance, literature, design, theater, musical theater, opera, folk & traditional arts, and media arts including film, audio, animation, and digital art) and media projects that can be considered works of art. The NEA is seeking and will give priority to artistically excellent projects that have the potential to reach a significant national audience, through their primary platform, regardless of the size or geographic location of the applicant organization. Only projects of the highest artistic excellence and merit, in both media production and subject matter, will be funded. Projects may include high profile multi-part or single television and radio programs (documentaries and dramatic narratives); media created for theatrical release; performance programs; artistic segments for use within an existing series; multi-part webisodes; installations; and interactive games. Short films, five minutes and under, will only be considered in packages of three or more. Projects may deal with any subject matter or art form, and those targeted to children and youth are welcome. The agency encourages innovative, entertaining, compelling, and artistically crafted media projects that not only increase access to, but also enhance public knowledge and understanding of, the arts. Such projects might be multi-platform or transmedia. They may include the use of radio and television, DVDs, interactive web sites, live streaming, audio- and video-on-demand, podcasts, MP3 files, mobile, or other digital applications including games. Projects may include enhancements such as educational materials and/or foster collaborations with arts organizations, educators, and community groups. Media distribution to schools, libraries, as well as homes, and other substantive public engagement strategies will be given priority. Applications should clearly demonstrate the organization's ability to complete the project in a timely fashion and to achieve national distribution. Further, in order to reach the widest possible audience, this category will give priority to projects that include a well articulated social media strategy.
  
• Funding:Grants generally range from $10,000 to $200,000, based on the platform and the complexity and scope of the project. In rare instances, the Arts Endowment may recommend an award over $200,000 for a project of major significance and impact. All grants require a nonfederal match of at least 1 to 1.
• Web:http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/AIM/
• Deadline: September 1, 2011

Charitable Grants

• The Timken Company Charitable Trust seeks to improve the quality of life in the communities where its associates live and work by providing funding in the following areas: arts, education, and community and economic development.
• Geographic Area: Company operations in Virginia. All requests for support should be discussed with a local Timken representative prior to application.
• Funding: In 2009, the trust awarded more than $1 million in charitable grants .
• Web: http://timken.com/en-us/about/citizenship/CharitableTrust/Pages/CharitableTrustGrantGuidelines.aspx
• Deadline: September 1, 2011

Grants

• While the Kazanjian Foundation maintains a vital interest in the overall efforts to increase economic literacy, the Board of Trustees will give special attention to proposals and projects with national impact that address the following issues: (a) The Foundation has an abiding interest in elevating the nation's understanding of the need for economic education. It will support programs that raise various public's participation in economic education and/or create a demand for greater economic literacy; (b) The application of new strategies for teaching economics including on-line and web-based instruction is of interest to the Foundation; (c) Projects, policy studies, or programs that encourage measurement of economic understanding more often and/or more effectively are of specific interest; and (d) The large number of students at risk of leaving school, and hence never effectively participating in the nation's economic system are of concern to the Foundation. Programs that help otherwise disenfranchised youth and/or young adults with children learn to participate in the economic system are very important to the Foundation. ELIGIBILITY: Only IRS Approved 501(C)(3) organizations are eligible to receive grants.
• Funding:The Foundation makes grants of various sizes. The average grant is approximately $22,000, however grants as small as $3,500 and as large as $150,000 have been made. Occasionally, multi-year grants are made for larger projects.
• Web:http://www.kazanjian.org
• Deadline: September 15, 2011; February 15, 2011

Cottrell College Science Awards - Single Investigator Awards

• The Single-Investigator Cottrell College Science Awards support research in astronomy, chemistry, physics and closely related fields that significantly overlap with research in these three disciplines at public and private, predominantly undergraduate colleges. The projects proposed are judged on the basis of scientific originality, significance, feasibility, overlap with the three core disciplines and the ability of the institutional environment to sustain the activity. The involvement of undergraduate students in the research is expected, and is an important factor in most awards. ELIGIBILITY: Applications will be accepted from faculty members at public and private institutions of higher education in the United States. The applicant's home department must offer at least the baccalaureate, but not doctoral, degrees in the applicant's discipline. The institutional environment and support for research are important considerations in evaluating the potential of the proposal. The principal investigator must have a faculty appointment in a department of astronomy, chemistry or physics, or, if from another department, propose research that significantly overlaps with research in one of these three disciplines. At the time of application the applicant must be within the first three years of her (his) first tenure track appointment, and within twelve years of receiving her (his) doctoral degree.
• Funding:The total funding requested from Research Corporation for Science Advancement must be $35,000. An institutional matching contribution to the project of $10,000 is required for all applicants. Although all awards are for $35,000 and a match of $10,000, a budget page where expenses are justified is required. Awards are approved for two years with a single, one-year extension possible to expend remaining funds.
• Web:http://www.rescorp.org/cottrell-college-science-awards/single-investigator-awards/single-investigator-awards
• Deadline: September 17, 2011, Pre-Proposal Required

STEM for K-12, Higher Education

• The Office of Naval Research (ONR) requests applications for the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics for K-12 and Institutions of Higher Education grant opportunity. The goal of the program is to foster an interest in, knowledge of, and study in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics nationwide to ensure an educated and well-prepared workforce, which meets the naval and national competitive needs. The initiative's five program goals are to: inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers (grades K-10); engage students in STEM-related hands on learning activities using Navy content (grades 3-12); educate students to be well-prepared for employment in STEM disciplines in the Navy or in supporting academic institutions or the Naval contractor community (higher education); employ and develop Naval STEM professionals; and collaborate across Naval STEM programs to maximize benefits to participants and the Navy.
• Funding: Estimated average grant range is up to $200,000 per year.
• Web: http://grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=55774
• Deadline: September 30, 2011

Unique and Innovative Space Technology

• The Game Changing Technology Division (GCT), within NASA's Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) is soliciting executive summaries, white papers, and proposals for research and development (R&D) for technology that is innovative and unique and promises to enable revolutionary (game-changing) improvements to the efficiency and effectiveness of the USA's space capability. Novel (unique) capabilities are sought that address NASA Space Technology Grand Challenges or any of the 14 Technology Areas (TAs) identified in NASA's draft Space Technology Roadmap and listed below:
  TA01 Launch Propulsion Systems
  TA02 In-Space Propulsion Technologies
  TA03 Space Power and Energy Storage
  TA04 Robotics, Tele-Robotics and Autonomous Systems
  TA05 Communication and Navigation
  TA06 Human Health, Life Support and Habitation Systems
  TA07 Human Exploration Destination Systems
  TA08 Science Instruments, Observatories and Sensor Systems
  TA09 Entry, Descent and Landing Systems
  TA10 Nanotechnology
  TA11 Modeling, Simulation, Information Technology and Processing
  TA12 Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems and Manufacturing
  TA13 Ground and Launch Systems Processing
  TA14 Thermal Management Systems
• Funding: Between 5 and 10 awards are anticipated, for a total of all awards up to $5 million per year. Individual awards can be for up to 3 years, but are limited to a total of $3 million over 3 years. Awards are subject to availability of appropriated funds. The following types of funding instruments may be awarded: procurement contract, grant, cooperative agreement, or other transaction (Inter-agency or Intra-agency only). If an institution of higher education or other not-for-profit organization is selected to receive a grant or cooperative agreement, cost sharing is not required, although NASA can accept cost sharing if it is voluntarily offered (see the Grants Handbook, Section B, Provision 1260.123, "Cost Sharing or Matching"). If a commercial organization is selected to receive a grant or cooperative agreement, cost sharing is typically required unless the commercial organization can demonstrate that it does not expect to receive substantial compensating benefits for performance of the work. If this demonstration is made, cost sharing is not required but may be offered voluntarily (see also Section D, Provision 1274.204, of the Grants Handbook).
• Web: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={B038DDD9-9361-A4A8-06AD-38A2650D03EF}&path=open
• Deadline: Other (submit an Executive Summary): September 30, 2011; White paper: November 1, 2011, Full Proposal: January 3, 2012

Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) - 2011

• This NASA Research Announcement (NRA) solicits proposals for supporting basic and applied research and technology across a broad range of Earth and space science program elements relevant to one or more of the following NASA Research Programs: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Planetary Science, and Astrophysics. This ROSES NRA covers all aspects of basic and applied supporting research and technology in space and Earth sciences, including, but not limited to: theory, modeling, and analysis of SMD science data; aircraft, stratospheric balloon, suborbital rocket, and commercial reusable rocket investigations; development of experiment techniques suitable for future SMD space missions; development of concepts for future SMD space missions; development of advanced technologies relevant to SMD missions; development of techniques for and the laboratory analysis of both extraterrestrial samples returned by spacecraft, as well as terrestrial samples that support or otherwise help verify observations from SMD Earth system science missions; determination of atomic and composition parameters needed to analyze space data, as well as returned samples from the Earth or space; Earth surface observations and field campaigns that support SMD science missions; development of integrated Earth system models; development of systems for applying Earth science research data to societal needs; and development of applied information systems applicable to SMD objectives and data.
• Funding: Awards range from under $100K per year for focused, limited efforts (e.g., data analysis) to more than $1M per year for extensive activities (e.g., development of science experiment hardware).
• Web: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/external/solicitations/summary.do?method=init&solId={AEF75D0F-2272-7DE7-D52A-295B47C8F5CF}&path=open
• Deadline: Notice of Intent to propose: Present-February 8, 2012; Proposals Due: Now - April 30, 2012.

National Fish and Recovery Program

• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Fisheries Program’s National Fish Passage Program is a voluntary, non-regulatory conservation assistance program that provides financial and technical assistance to remove or bypass artificial barriers that impede the movement of fish and other aquatic species and contribute to their decline. The National Fish Passage Program received $11.0 million of operational funds to implement the program in Fiscal Years 2011. The Service will implement fish passage improvement-based, cost-shared projects to protect, restore, or enhance habitats that support fish and other aquatic species and their populations. All or a portion of project funds may be transferred to partner organizations through cooperative agreements if the Service lacks the capability to implement a project.To determine eligibility of a specific project contact the REGIONAL COORDINATOR in your area. A list of Coordinators and their responsible geographical areas is attached to this announcement under the APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS.
• Funding: Average grants range from $200 to $500,000.
• Contact: Susan_Wells@fws.gov
• Deadline: September 30, 2011

Restoration and Recovery Programs

• The Region 1 US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program and its partners recognize that we share responsibilities for managing and conserving fish and other aquatic resources, and success is contingent on partnerships that cut across jurisdictions. The Region 1 Fisheries Program embraces a balanced approach toward aquatic resource stewardship that recognizes a need to conserve and manage self-sustaining populations and their habitats while providing quality recreational fishing. Proposals will only be considered for projects within the state of Washington. Proposals may include but are not limited to: Assessment, Planning and Coordination, Implementing and Evaluating Water Quantity, Water Quality, Fish Passage, In-stream and Riparian Habitat, Introduced Species (including Aquatic Nuisance Species), Introgression, and culture aspects of brood stock development, production and re-introduction. Project proposals requested between $1,000 and $50,000 are most attractive. There is no required match, however 50 percent cost share is highly encouraged. Project ranking criteria include: ecological benefits for Federal trust species, minimum costs to the Service for operation and maintenance, current scientific knowledge and proven technology, and addressing objectives outlined in approved management plans. Projects must comply with all applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and Local regulations. Benefits of collaborative interagency efforts and partnerships for aquatic resources will be: Improved status of populations and habitats; Enhanced recreational opportunities; Improved partnerships and decreased duplication of efforts; Activities will be consistent with the US Fish and Wildlife Service Fisheries Program Vision. Assistance can only be provided on a cost recoverable basis. The Region 1 Fisheries Program staff reviews and approves project proposals and their associated budget upon receipt of a completed application. Decisions on funding a proposal are usually made no later than 180 days after receipt of the proposal. However, funding opportunities may present themselves at a later opportunity at which time projects may be reconsidered. Projects will be reviewed to determine how well they address the fisheries program priorities outlined above, including relevance to fish conservation plan priorities, conservation and management priority species, and the fish conservation activities listed above. Projects will also be evaluated for their biological and statistical soundness, feasibility, geographic scope of applicability, and cost effectiveness. Projects may also be evaluated and reviewed by outside sources, including but not limited to other appropriate federal staff at national and regional levels, state and local government employees, and other individuals with project area expertise, before selection is approved, to insure cost effectiveness, biological and statistical methodology, and feasibility. Although cost sharing and funding match are not a requirement, projects involving partners from other agencies and organizations who provide matching funds, in-kind services, materials, and equipment may be given greater consideration for funding than similar projects that do not include partner resources. Application packets are accepted throughout the fiscal year (1 Oct – 30 Sept) and are reviewed upon receipt. Once a proposal is accepted and mutually agreed upon deliverables and funding are approved, a formal agreement is written. Upon signing of the agreement by both parties, work may begin. Based upon the USFWS Program Officer determination, some agreements may be issued with a period of performance of up to five years. Subject to availability of funds, funding on some agreements may be increased during the life of the agreement. No advance of funds is available. All awards for assistance are subject to availability of funds. All proposals should be submitted to: USFWS, Fisheries, Attn: FIS or ANS Coordinator, 510 Desmond Drive SE, Suite 102, Lacey, Washington 98503.
  
• Funding: Average grants range from $1,000 to $100,000.
• Web:http://www.fws.gov/wafwo/fact_sheets/RestorationandRecoveryprogramfunding1109final.pdf
• Deadline: September 30, 2011

National Trust Preservation Fund

• Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for particular projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. A small grant at the right time can go a long way and is often the catalyst that inspires a community to take action on a preservation project.
• Funding: Grants generally range from $500 to $5,000. The selection process is very competitive. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals carefully and to complete the application form with the assistance and guidance of the National Trust regional office serving their state. The review process is generally completed within six weeks of the application deadlines, and applicants are notified in writing once the review process is complete.
• Web: http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/find-funding/grants/
• Deadline: October 1, 2011; February 1, 2012

Grants

• The CHRB provides grant funding for research efforts that have the potential of maximizing the health of Virginia's citizens. Research efforts eligible for support include traditional medical and biomedical research related to the causes and cures of human diseases as well as research related to human health services and the delivery of human health care.
• Funding:The Grantee Institution must provide a minimum cash match from internal funds in the amount of 33% of the amount of CHRB funds requested.  The sources for that match must be clearly identified in the concept paper submission and full proposal. As provided in these guidelines, the grantee institution or organization can use indirect costs as part of or all of their matching funds.  However, matching funds, whether cash or indirect costs, may not be used to support unallowable costs.  (See Allowable/Unallowable Costs and Restrictions on page 23 of this document.)
• Web:http://www.chrb.org/Guidelines%20&%20Forms.htm
• Deadline: Pre Proposal/Concept Paper Due October 1, 2011; Proposal: February 1, 2012

2011 Annual Grant Program

• The United States Institute of Peace requests proposals for the 2011 Annual Grant Competition. The grants support innovative peace building projects involving research, the identification of promising models and effective practices, the development of practitioner resources and tools, the development and delivery of education, training and dialogue program, and the production of films, radio programs, and the production of films, radio programs, and other media.
• Funding: Average grants range from $50,000 to $120,000.
• Web: http://www.usip.org/grants-fellowships/annual-grant-competition
• Deadline: October 3, 2011

Conservation Grants Program

• The Conservation program supports the professional practice of art conservation, especially as it relates to European art of the pre-modern era. Grants are awarded to projects that create and disseminate specialized knowledge, including archival projects, development and dissemination of scholarly databases, documentation projects, exhibitions and publications focusing on art conservation, scholarly publications, and technical and scientific studies. Grants are also awarded for activities that permit conservators and conservation scientists to share their expertise with both professional colleagues and a broad audience through international exchanges, professional meetings, conferences, symposia, consultations, the presentation of research, exhibitions that include a prominent focus on materials and techniques, and other professional events. Support for conservation treatments is generally limited to works from the distributed Kress Collection, and is coordinated through the Kress Program in Paintings Conservation at the Conservation Center of the New York University Institute of Fine Arts.
• Funding: Competitive grants; Past grants awarded were $15,000 each.
• Web: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/default.aspx?id=138
• Deadline: October 15, 2011

History of Art Grant Program

• The History of Art grant program supports scholarly projects that will enhance the appreciation and understanding of European art and architecture. Grants are awarded to projects that create and disseminate specialized knowledge, including archival projects, development and dissemination of scholarly databases, documentation projects, museum exhibitions and publications, photographic campaigns, scholarly catalogues and publications, and technical and scientific studies. Grants are also awarded for activities that permit art historians to share their expertise through international exchanges, professional meetings, conferences, symposia, consultations, the presentation of research, and other professional events.
• Funding: Competitive grants; Past grants ranged from $2,700 to $72,500.
• Web: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/default.aspx?id=142
• Deadline: October 15, 2011

Digital Resources Grants Program

• The Digital Resources program is intended to create incentives for historians of art and architecture, as well as archivists and librarians who support their work, to convert important existing information resources (especially key visual resources such as our major art history photo archives) to digital form. These resources will reach a vastly larger audience of specialists, teachers, and students online than they could ever reach previously, while also fostering new forms of research and collaboration and new approaches to teaching and learning. Support will also be offered for the digitization of primary textual sources (especially the literary and documentary sources of European art history); for promising initiatives in online publishing; and for innovative experiments in the field of digital art history.
• Funding: Competitive grants; Past grants ranged from $25,000 to $95,000.
• Web: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/default.aspx?id=150
• Deadline: October 15, 2011

Responsive Grants Program

• The Responsive Grants program is intended to allow the Foundation to support essential needs of the profession of art history that may not be explicitly addressed in the Foundation's other program areas. ELIGIBILITY: Grants are awarded to non-profit institutions with 501(c) 3 status, based in the United States, including supporting foundations of European institutions.
• Funding: In 2009, one grant was made for $25,000
• Web: http://www.kressfoundation.org/grants/default.aspx?id=152
• Deadline: Continuous

Young Investigators Grant

• The National Security Agency (NSA) Mathematical Sciences Program (MSP) supports self-directed, unclassified research in the areas of Algebra, Number Theory, Discrete Mathematics, Probability, and Statistics. The program does not support research in cryptology. The Young Investigators Grant will be made on the basis of factors that demonstrate the scientific merit of the proposal, including (1) the prospect that the research will lead to important discoveries; (2) the prospect that the research will produce innovations or significant improvements in investigative methods, including methods of computation; (3) the investigator's scientific qualifications and accomplishments; and (4) the investigator's demonstrated awareness of previous approaches to the problem.
• Eligibility: This award is available to promising investigators within ten years of receiving the Ph.D. Researchers receiving support from another funding agency are not eligible for NSA support for the same research proposal.
• Funding: The basic award is a bottom line figure of $20,000 per year for each of two years. Awards cover the direct costs of up to two months of summer salary per year plus fringes, a small amount for travel and expenses, and a university payment in lieu of indirect cost of 15% of the direct costs. Subject to the same 15% in lieu of indirect, a young investigator proposal may also ask for graduate student support (other than tuition) not to exceed $5,000 per student per year, as well as limited funds for computer equipment, as long as the total costs of the project fall within $20,000
• Web: http://pjm.math.berkeley.edu/nsa-ams/about/program/guidelines.html
• Deadline: October 15, 2011

Open Grant Program

• The Open Grant Program is open to proposals rooted in any humanities disciplines in any format. Most open grants fall within the $3-10,000 range; grants over $10,000 are rare. Proposals are submitted online and must address all proposal requirements. Narratives for the Open Grant Program usually range from 4-6 pages. Draft proposals are strongly encouraged..
  
• Funding: $3,000 to $10,000.
• Web: http://www.virginiafoundation.org/grants/opportunities.html#open
• Deadline: October 15, 2011

Discretionary Grants

• The Discretionary Grant Program allows VFH to make grants of up to $3,000 at any time during the year. These grants may be used to plan larger projects, or to carry out programs where only a modest amount of funding is required. Proposals are submitted online and must address all proposal requirements. For Discretionary Grants, funding decisions are normally made within four weeks following receipt of the application.
• Funding: Up to $3,000 .
• Web: http://www.virginia.edu/vfh/grants/opportunities.html#discretionary
• Deadline: None; submit at any time.

Post-Ph.D. 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 chose to be considered simultaneously for the Osmundsen Initiative (see the Foundation's web site).
• Funding: 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.
• Web: http://www.wennergren.org/programs/post-phd-research-grants
• Deadline: November 1, 2011

International Collaborative Research Grants

• The International Collaborative Research Grant (ICRG) supports international research collaborations between two or more qualified scholars, where the principal investigators bring different and complementary perspectives, knowledge, and/or skills to the project. Supplemental funds are also available to provide essential training for academic research participants in ICRG-funded projects (co-applicants, students, as well as other professional colleagues). By encouraging international collaborations, the grant contributes to the development of an international anthropology that values and incorporates different national perspectives and resources. By providing training funds, the grant helps to build capacity in countries were anthropology may be under-resourced.
• Eligibility: Proposals must involve collaboration between two or more researchers of different nationalities who are working in different countries. Each researcher must hold a doctorate or equivalent qualification in anthropology or a related discipline. Scholars are eligible without regard to institutional or departmental affiliation.
• Funding: The grants are for a maximum of $30,000 for the research project. Proposals which include the optional training element can have an increased funding request up to a maximum of $35,000, of which no more than $10,000 can be for essential training purposes. Under special circumstances grants can be renewed to support longer-term research projects.
• Web: http://www.wennergren.org/programs/international-collaborative-research-grants
• Deadline: December 1, 2011

International Symposia

• Since the 1950's the Foundation has convened more than 130 symposia on topics of broad interest to anthropology. These symposia involve a small group of invited scholars who meet for intensive discussion and debate. The Symposia are based on a format that was developed and refined at Burg Wartenstein, the Foundation's European conference center from 1958 to 1980. Today's meetings continue the Burg Wartenstein model and are held at a variety of sites in the U.S. and abroad. Symposia topics are either initiated by the Foundation or selected from submitted proposals on the basis of the importance and timeliness of the topic, the promise of meaningful exchange among scholars representing diverse perspectives and fields, and the potential for opening up new approaches to significant problems. Symposia are administered and fully supported (both financially and logistically) by the Foundation. Wenner-Gren International Symposia have resulted in a number of landmark volumes, including "Man's Role in Changing the Face of the Earth" (1956); "Background to Evolution in Africa" (1967); "Cloth and Human Experience" (1989); and "Tools, Language, and Cognition in Human Evolution" (1993). Between 2002 and 2010, twelve symposia were published in The Wenner-Gren International Symposium Series (Berg Publishers). From 2010 onward, symposia publications will appear as supplementary issues of Current Anthropology. Academic publication is changing rapidly and the Foundation believes that Wenner-Gren symposia publications will reach a wider audience and have a greater impact in journal format.
• Web: http://www.wennergren.org/programs/international-symposia
• Deadline: Anytime

Small Research Grants

• The Small Research Grant (SmRG) Program is administered by the AAS Executive Office. The program is funded mainly by a grant from NASA. A small amount of additional funding may be provided by income from the AAS operating-reserve fund and/or by the Cecilia Payne and Sergei Gaposchkin Memorial Fund. The amount of money available during any proposal cycle depends on the sources of support available to the Society at that time. The purpose of the grants is to cover costs associated with any type of astronomical research.
• Eligibility: Open to both US and international astronomers with a PhD or equivalent; graduate students are not eligible.
• Funding: Awards range from $1,000 to a maximum of $7,000.
• Web: http://aas.org/grants/smrg.php
• Deadline: November 28, 2011

Grant

• The Foundation's grants support initiatives to conserve/preserve natural resources, in particular parklands and waterways; initiatives to research/ promote the use of alternative fuels; and environmental education for K-12 students.
• Funding: Funding varies by request.
• Web: http://www.bmwgroupna.com/07_Philanth.htm
• Deadline: Continuous

Research Grants

• The Foundation's research grants are organized under four areas of inquiry that identify broad topics believed to have fundamental and abiding importance for educational improvement: (1) The Relation Between Education and Social Opportunity; (2) Organizational Learning in Schools, School Systems, and Higher Education Systems; (3) Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Resources; and (4) Purposes and Values of Education. The Foundation also welcomes proposals that do not fit one of the four areas listed through its Field-Initiated Proposal program. ELIGIBILITY: Principal Investigators (PIs) applying for a Research Grant must have an earned doctorate in an academic discipline or professional field, or appropriate experience in an education research-related profession. PIs must be affiliated with a college, university, research facility, school district, or cultural institution that is willing to serve as the fiscal agent if the grant is awarded. Research Grant proposals from individuals are not eligible.
• Funding: Research grants are made up to $500,000.
• Web: http://www.spencer.org/content.cfm/research
• Deadline: Continuous

Grants

• The RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of Education, Community, and Medicine and Health. The foundation's primary interests within the Education area include programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science, and reading), teacher development, literacy, and higher education.
• Funding: The average grant amount is $25,000. Multi-year grants are rare; most grants are awarded for a one-year period.
• Web:http://www.rgkfoundation.org/public/guidelines
• Deadline: Continuous

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John Hulvey, Director of Sponsored Programs Administration and Accounting
MSC 5728, JMAC-6, Suite 26
hulveyjd@jmu.edu
x8-3725

Sponsored Programs Administration:
Pre-Award & Post-Award (Non-fiscal)
www.jmu.edu/sponsprog/
jmu_grants@jmu.edu
JMAC-6, Suite 26
MSC 5728
Phone: 568-6872; Fax: 568-6240

Sponsored Programs Accounting :
Post-Award (Grants & Contracts)
www.jmu.edu/acadaffairs/grant.shtml
JMAC-6, Suite 30
MSC 5713
Phone: 568-4623; Fax: 568-2397

Tamara Hatch, Associate Director
hatchtt@jmu.edu
x8-2350

Sally Dickenson, Grants Specialist
dickensr@jmu.edu
x8-2336

Zanetta Ford, Grants Specialist
fordzs@jmu.edu
x8-3558

Carolyn Strong, Research Coordinator
IRB & IACUC Contact
strongcd@jmu.edu
x8-2318

Tina Warner , Executive Assistant
warnertf@jmu.edu
x8-6872

Donna Crumpton, Financial Administrator
crumptdl@jmu.edu
x8-8099

Brenda Seifried, Financial Administrator
wilburbc@jmu.edu
x8-2314

Kyra Shiflet, Financial Administrator
shiflekl@jmu.edu
x8-7108

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