Greetings Colleagues,

 

Updating progress on the transition to the Office of Research: COEHD’s Concierge Team providing pre-award/post-award support will be shared with COLFA. The team members are Jesse Hernandez (Senior Research Administrator); Amanda Key (Research Administration III); and Kathryn Carrillo (Research Administrator II). We welcome continuing our relationship with these highly expert research administrators as we move forward.

 

Urgent Reminder: The deadlines for submitting an NOI for the Internal Seed Grants are rapidly approaching.


 

Here are some prospects from (1) National Geographic Society Level I and II grants, (2) Moody Foundation M-Pact Fund; and (3) Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program.

 

There is also an opportunity from the Wallace Foundation, which requires that a BIPOC arts organization be lead applicant. So, if a faculty member can develop a grant where UTSA is a sub-award, there is potential to create a strong proposal. A letter of intent must be submitted to The Wallace Foundation by February 23, 2024.

 

 

National Geographic Society Level I and Level II Grants

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/ Note: The landing page also includes FAQs and templates of the different grant programs.

 

Submission Extension: The original deadline for Level I and Level II grant submissions for October 2023 has been extended to April 11, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EDT, with funding decisions to be made in September 2024.

 

Overview: Since its founding in 1888, the National Geographic Society has awarded over 15,000 grants, supporting a diverse community of changemakers worldwide known as National Geographic Explorers. These grants are aimed at individuals working on bold, innovative projects in science, conservation, storytelling, education, and technology that align with the Society's mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.

 

LEVEL I FUNDING

 

Eligibility: Early-career individuals or those looking to establish themselves in their field, seeking mentorship, or aiming to grow their network. This category is not open to individuals who have previously been awarded a National Geographic Society grant. Priority is given to new applicants and those not yet recognized as National Geographic Explorers.

Funding Amount: Up to USD $20,000 for projects up to one year in length (two years for technology-focused projects).

Application Process: Pre-applications must be submitted through the online portal. Applicants are encouraged to have a clear understanding of their project's methods, dissemination strategies, and outputs, and should identify local collaborators and access to facilities and equipment.

Additional Benefits: Training, networking, coaching, mentorship, and more from the National Geographic Explorer community.

 

LEVEL II FUNDING

 

Eligibility: More established individuals in their field, including those who have previously received a National Geographic Society grant. This level is reserved for select projects with the potential for significant impact.

Funding Amount: Typically $50,000 – $60,000, with awards up to $100,000 in exceptional cases. Projects can be up to two years long.

Additional Benefits: Mentorship opportunities within the Explorer community, contribution of expertise, and potential speaking engagements.

Application Guidelines: Applications for both levels must be submitted exclusively through the National Geographic Society's online portal. Mailed or emailed applications will not be accepted.

 

 

Moody Foundation M-Pact Fund

 

The Moody Foundation's Education M-Pact Fund is an integral part of its commitment to allocate $1 billion towards Texas education over two decades. This annual grantmaking initiative seeks to bolster student success by funding educational institutions and nonprofits that align with its strategic priorities, specifically in Early Learning and Postsecondary Success. The Foundation emphasizes a partnership model with its grantees, aiming to create a collaborative network that extends beyond financial support to include annual convenings and shared goals for measuring impact.

 

For 2024, the grant process is divided into two cycles with deadlines on March 15 and June 14. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities in Texas (i.e., UTSA is eligible), focusing on services that enhance early learning and postsecondary success, especially for low-income or at-risk populations. Key areas include early childhood education, literacy, college and career readiness, and workforce development. The initiative also supports educator workforce development, mental health, special education, and wraparound services.

 

Grant seekers can apply via the Moody Foundation's portal, with informational webinars provided for each cycle. https://moodyf.org/education-mpact-fund/

 

 

Russell Sage Foundation Visiting Scholars Program

 

Purpose: The Russell Sage Foundation offers a prestigious opportunity for scholars in the social sciences to engage in data analysis and writing at its New York City headquarters. The program supports projects related to core areas such as Behavioral Science, Future of Work, Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration, and Social Inequality, among other special initiatives.

 

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree for at least two years by the application deadline. The program is open to scholars with a strong record of research accomplishments. A maximum of two visits is allowed per individual, with priority given to first-time applicants.

 

Fellowship Details: The foundation awards 15-17 fellowships annually, ranging from a full year (September to June) to half-year terms. Fellows receive an office, computer and software, access to research materials, and salary support up to 50% of their academic year salary, with a maximum of $125,000 for a full year or $62,500 for half a year. Additional support includes a partially subsidized apartment for those outside the New York area and a childcare subsidy.

 

Application Deadline: June 25, 2024 (11:59pm ET) for the 2025-2026 fellowship period.

 

Application Process: Candidates must submit through the online portal a five-page proposal, an up-to-date abbreviated CV (5 pages max), and are advised to create their account well before the deadline. Supplementary materials such as papers and recommendations are not accepted.

 

Selection Criteria: Projects are evaluated based on relevance to the foundation's mission and areas of interest, with a strong preference for proposals that offer innovative insights or directions. The selection process involves internal screening, external expert reviews, and final decisions by a committee.

 

Special Considerations: Working group applications for up to three collaborating scholars are welcome, with priority given to geographically dispersed teams. RSF prioritizes the quality of the proposed research over the publication type.

 

 

Wallace Foundation

 

The following funding opportunity is only available to eligible BIPOC arts organizations. So I encourage interested faculty to seek out partnering organizations that can serve as lead applicants and will take on UTSA as a sub-award.

 

Field Studies by Arts Service Organizations  Founded By, For, and With Communities of Color

 

https://wallacefoundation.org/sites/default/files/2024-01/field_studies_round_3_rfp_2024_Final.pdf

 

The Wallace Foundation extends an invitation to arts service organizations founded by, for, and with communities of color to participate in a significant grant program. This initiative is focused on supporting research projects that provide valuable insights into the arts communities served by these organizations.

 

The Wallace Foundation, headquartered in New York City, is committed to fostering equity and improvements in the arts, education, and youth development. The Foundation's approach is to create value at both the local and broader levels through research and sharing of findings, aiming to build a sustainable and equitable arts ecosystem.

 

The Foundation offers two categories of grants. Research Implementation Grants, with funding up to $250,000, are intended for the execution of fully developed research projects. Research Expansion Grants, offering up to $400,000, are designed to enhance and expand existing research projects for a broader impact. Eligible organizations for this grant program include those that have been established by, for, and with communities of color, have a focus on an artistic discipline, and operate or function as arts service organizations. These organizations should be engaged in providing professional development, networking, research, and advocacy for artists or arts organizations of color and should participate in networks for disseminating study results to similar entities.

 

The Foundation is seeking proposals that outline how the research will contribute to the broader knowledge and practice in the field of arts organizations and service organizations rooted in communities of color. The research should be collaborative, equity-centered, and aimed at generating both practical and conceptual insights.

 

This site lists previous Wallace awardees under this competition category:  https://wallacefoundation.org/research-proposed-arts-organizations-rooted-communities-color

 

Important dates for applicants to remember are the deadline for Letters of Intent on February 23, 2024, and the final proposal submission date on May 20, 2024. For inquiries or to express intent to submit a proposal, contact the Foundation at ArtsResearch@wallacefoundation.org.

 

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Please let me know if you need any further information or support in applying for any of the above funding opportunities.

 

Thank you.

 

--Iwan


Mr. Iwan Notowidigdo 

Senior Grant Development Manager

The University of Texas at San Antonio

College of Education & Human Development (COEHD)

iwan.notowidigdo@utsa.edu 

Mobile: 347-231-5931