National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. National Science Foundation is funding the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY grant program to support interdisciplinary teams that develop responsive solutions for persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. The program focuses on creating and scaling evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, AI-driven future, including early exposure to AI. Teams must include at least one member each from K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers, with the principal investigator coming from an eligible organization, and the program uses a two-phase structure with Planning and Development awards, where only Planning awardees may apply for Development. Proposals are due May 27, 2026, the estimated total program funding is $8.5 million, no cost sharing is required, and NSF grants.gov support is available at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.
Eligible Applicants
*Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following: -Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. -State and Local Governments -Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. -Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131. *Who May Serve as PI: <div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCXW250762343 BCX8"> Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of three stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, and (3) researchers. One of these individuals must act as the Principal Investigator (PI) through an eligible organization described above. Co-PIs andadditionalSenior Personnel, (sub)contractors, consultants, etc., are also allowed. Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible tosubmitproposals in response to this solicitation. There are no PI degree requirements (i.e., the PIis not required tohold a Ph.D. nor any other degree). </div>