Mountaineers Foundation provides funding for Pacific Northwest

The Mountaineers Foundation provides support to organizations and agencies working to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Pacific Northwest.

The foundation provides support for modest, short-term projects. Eligible projects include studies that will yield new data aimed at protecting Northwest wilderness and wildlife; biological, economic, legal, or policy studies; direct educational programs and materials related to environmental preservation; lectures, conferences, and seminars; written or audiovisual awareness materials; curriculum or other instructional materials; publication of conference proceedings, journal articles; seed or pilot studies that can be continued with funding from other sources; and selected capital improvement projects (e.g., restoration; assistance in purchasing equipment/materials).

The foundation funds selected projects led by 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations, by certain agencies such as libraries and schools, and, occasionally, by individuals.

Amount:  $5,000

Due date: February 1, 2013

For more information, click here.

IRA Esther Zolt Academic Research Grant

This grant, established in memory of Esther Zolt, a life-long elementary classroom teacher, may be given annually for a research study on the classroom implementation of In2Books or an e-Pals project and the Common Core State Standards that inspires others to improve teaching and learning in innovative ways.

Amount: $2,500

Date due: November 15, 2012

For more information, click here.

Advancing Informal STEM Learning (NSF)

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) solicitation invites investigators to propose ideas, concepts, models,and other opportunities for learning and learning environments that will capture the creative and innovative potential of informal STEM learning for the future, and potentially forge new connections across all STEM learning communities.  


Leveraging new and emerging technologies, STEM learning can now be located and situated wherever the learner is and customized to meet the learner's educational needs. New interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships for informal
learning among academia, industry, and government can greatly advance our nation's goals to produce a scientifically and technologically literate population and workforce.


Amount: Varies


Date due: January 14, 2013


For more information, click here.

U.S. -- Australia Virtual Environmental Partnership

The Youth Programs Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the new U.S.-Australia Virtual Environmental Partnership under the Global Connections and Exchange Program. Applicant organizations will identify their own partner organization in Australia. Bi-national teams will work together on joint projects to investigate and develop solutions to local, regional, or global environmental water resource issues by using online tools, videoconferencing, virtual workshops, and other advanced methods of communication. Through this exchange, participants will achieve competency in the chosen topic, expand their vision of the world, and gain perspectives that will help them succeed in the international arena. 

Amount: $100,000

Date due: June 4, 2012

For more information, click here.

Research & Evaluation on Education in Science & Engineering

The Research and Evaluation on Education in Science and Engineering (REESE) program seeks to advance research at the frontiers of STEM learning and education, and to provide the foundational knowledge necessary to improve STEM learning and education in current and emerging learning contexts, both formal and informal, from childhood through adulthood, for all groups, and from before school through to graduate school and beyond into the workforce. The goals of the REESE program are: (1) to catalyze discovery and innovation at the frontiers of STEM learning and education; (2) to stimulate the field to produce high quality and robust research results through the progress of theory, method, and human resources; and (3) to coordinate and transform advances in education and learning research. In coordination with the Research on Gender in Science and Engineering (GSE) and Research on Disabilities Education (RDE) programs, REESE supports research on broadening participation in STEM education. REESE pursues its mission by developing an interdisciplinary research portfolio focusing on core scientific questions about STEM learning; it welcomes Fostering Interdisciplinary Research on Education (FIRE) projects, previously called for in a separate solicitation. REESE places particular importance upon the involvement of young investigators in the projects, at doctoral, postdoctoral, and early career stages, as well as the involvement of STEM disciplinary experts. Research questions related to educational research methodology and measurement are also central to REESE activities. 

Amount: Varies

Date due: July 17, 2012

For more information, click here.

Target Early Childhood Reading & Arts and Culture Grants

Every year, the Target Store Grant program provides grants to K-12 schools and other nonprofit organizations working to provide reading and arts programs for children and youth.  Target Early Childhood Reading Grants are awarded to schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to support programs such as afterschool reading events and weekend book clubs. Grants are intended to help foster a love of reading and encourage children, preschool through third grade, to read with their families.

Target Arts and Culture in Schools Grants are intended to enhance classroom curricula by bringing music, dance, drama, and visual arts programs into the classroom. These grants are designed to help bring performers to schools so children can experience the arts and learn new forms of self-expression. Eligible programs include in-school performances, artist in residency programs, and workshops in schools.

Amount: $2,000

Date due: April 30, 2012

For more information, click here.

Investing in Innovation

The Investing in Innovation Fund, established under section 14007 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), provides funding to support (1) local educational agencies (LEAs), and (2) nonprofit organizations in partnership with (a) one or more LEAs or (b) a consortium of schools. The purpose of this program is to provide competitive grants to applicants with a record of improving student achievement and attainment in order to expand the implementation of, and investment in, innovative practices that are demonstrated to have an impact on improving student achievement or student growth (as defined in this notice), closing achievement gaps, decreasing dropout rates, increasing high school graduation rates, or increasing college enrollment and completion rates.

Date due: Pre-applications are due April 9, 2012

For more information, click here.