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Simpler Grants

No. 26-507 · U.S. National Science Foundation

Open

National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry

grants.gov listing Full announcement (NOFO)
Dealbreakers No cost share required Audit: not stated Reimbursement-only: not stated
Award range
Not specified
Expected awards
Not specified
Application deadline
Nov 18, 2026
Posted
Mar 23, 2026
Last verified
7 days ago

At a glance

AI summary

The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program funds technology-based projects to improve K-12 STEM learning and workforce development through a Planning phase and, for selected teams, a Development phase. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based two- and four-year colleges and universities, certain U.S.-based nonprofit non-academic organizations, state and local governments, and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Each leadership team must include at least one K-12 educator, one technologist, one researcher, and one parent or guardian, and only one proposal per organization and per PI or co-PI is allowed for each phase. The announcement does not state award sizes, number of awards, or cost-share requirements, and it does not mention geographic set-asides beyond requiring U.S.-based eligible organizations.

AI-generated summary — verify against the announcement

What it funds

  • Science and Technology and other Research and Development
  • Capacity Building & Technical Assistance
  • Planning & Coordination
  • Educators & Health/Public-Service Workforce
  • General Public / Community-wide
  • Students & Learners (K-12 and Postsecondary)
  • AI, Computing & Cybersecurity
  • STEM Education & Research Training
  • Workforce, Employment & Economic Mobility
Official description from grants.gov

The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future. A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships across sectors - schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits - to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions. NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas. The program aligns with national priorities, including the Executive Order 14277, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth ” (April 23, 2025), and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Public Law 117-167 , Sections 10381-10383 and 10395.

Who can apply

  • Others
Geographic restriction None found in the announcement — likely nationwide

Program history

USASpending.gov

Assistance listing 47.076 · STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources)

Real awards this federal program has made — the whole assistance listing (47.076), not just this notice.

Fiscal year Awards Median award Middle half
FY 2026 (so far) 93 $743,868 $218,502 – $1,887,597
FY 2025 803 $475,000 $242,507 – $1,000,000
FY 2024 1,421 $398,874 $200,164 – $909,820
FY 2023 1,303 — —
FY 2022 1,344 — —
FY 2021 1,191 — —

Dollar figures are based on the 1,000 most recent awards we store, not all 6,155 — award counts are complete.

Who wins it Higher education (5,466), Business (351), Tribal government (18) of 6,155 awards — categories can overlap.
Top states CA (93) · TX (67) · NY (65) · NC (49) · IL (37)
Largest recent awards
  1. GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORP $8,990,942 · FY 2025
  2. THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO $8,000,000 · FY 2025
  3. CAL POLY POMONA FOUNDATION INC $7,500,000 · FY 2025
  4. FLORIDA A & M UNIVERSITY $7,500,000 · FY 2025
  5. MONTANA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY $7,500,000 · FY 2025

Source: USASpending.gov · refreshed Aug 5, 2026

Assistance listing 47.084 · NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships

Real awards this federal program has made — the whole assistance listing (47.084), not just this notice.

Fiscal year Awards Median award Middle half
FY 2026 (so far) 199 $304,926 $50,000 – $1,149,405
FY 2025 908 $305,000 $50,000 – $997,540
FY 2024 1,040 — —
FY 2023 1,102 — —
FY 2022 623 — —
FY 2021 268 — —

Dollar figures are based on the 1,000 most recent awards we store, not all 4,140 — award counts are complete.

Who wins it Higher education (2,266), Business (1,777), Individuals (2) of 4,140 awards — categories can overlap.
Top states CA (138) · NY (79) · TX (68) · MA (66) · CO (31)
Largest recent awards
  1. ACTIVATE GLOBAL INC $14,978,985 · FY 2025
  2. OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY $7,500,000 · FY 2026
  3. TRUSTEES OF INDIANA UNIVERSITY $7,500,000 · FY 2026
  4. UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS $7,500,000 · FY 2026
  5. UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT $7,500,000 · FY 2026

Source: USASpending.gov · refreshed Aug 5, 2026

Change history

Since we first indexed it
  1. Jul 25, 2026 Grant announcement document replaced