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Education and Special Programs

U.S. National Science Foundation

open
Rolling / OpenLast verified: 2026-07-05

About This Grant

The Education and Special Programs unit of the Astronomical Sciences Division administers all Foundation-wide (crosscutting) programs, as well as programs that cross sub-disciplinary lines in astronomy or have significant educational components. Programs include Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER), a prestigious award that supports the early career-development activities of teacher-scholars; NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowships (AAPF), the only postdoctoral program for astronomers that combines research and education; Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites and Supplements, a program that supports undergraduate students to do research; Research in Undergraduate Institutions (RUI), a program that is similar to the regular research grants but supports faculty members at predominantly undergraduate institutions; ResearchOpportunity Awards (ROA), a supplement available for active research awards to involve faculty from non-research institutions; ADVANCE, a program with different options for increasing the participation of women in the scientific and engineering workforce; MPS Internships in Public Science Education (MPS-IPSE), which strives to bring science research results from MPS disciplines to the public by funding interns; MPS Distinguished International Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (MPS-DRF), postdoctoral fellowships for carrying out research at leading institutions outside the U.S.; Minority Research Planning Grants (MRPG) that enable eligible minorities to develop a competitive research project; and Minority Career Advancement Awards (MCAA) that enable eligible minorities to undertake one-year enhancement projects to increase their research capability and productivity. Full descriptions ofthese programs can be found by visiting the NSF home page and choosing Crosscutting as a program area, or by visiting the home page of the Astronomical Sciences Division.

Grant Summary

Education and Special Programs is a U.S. National Science Foundation grant providing funding that varies by award for nonprofit, small business, university. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.

Focus Areas

sciencetechnology

Eligibility

nonprofitsmall businessuniversitymunicipalitytribal governmenthealthcare orgschool district

How to Apply

Funding Range

Up to $0K

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Education and Special Programs from U.S. National Science Foundation, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
  2. 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
  3. 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
  4. 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to U.S. National Science Foundation before the deadline.
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Education and Special Programs: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Education and Special Programs?

Education and Special Programs is offered by U.S. National Science Foundation and is generally open to nonprofit, small business, university, municipality, tribal government, healthcare org, school district. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.

How much funding does the Education and Special Programs provide?

Education and Special Programs provides an amount that varies by award per award from U.S. National Science Foundation. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.

When is the Education and Special Programs deadline?

Education and Special Programs accepts applications on a rolling or ongoing basis, so there is no single fixed deadline. Confirm current timing with the funder, U.S. National Science Foundation, before you apply, and submit as early as possible because rolling programs can close once funds are committed.

How do you apply for the Education and Special Programs?

To apply for Education and Special Programs, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from U.S. National Science Foundation.

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