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FY27 Grants for Art Projects - February Cycle (GAP 1)

Request Ticket // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
An organization may submit only one application to the FY 2027 GAP program (i.e., one application per calendar year), with limited exceptions. Applications will not be transferred between NEA funding categories. Applications to GAP will not be transferred to Research Awards or vice versa. 

Executive Summary 
Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) provides project-based funding for organizations. Funded activities enable Americans throughout the nation to experience the arts, foster and celebrate America’s artistic heritage and cultural legacy, and benefit from arts education at all stages of life. We also support arts and health programs, including creative arts therapies, that advance the well-being of people and communities. Awards require a 1:1 cost share. Applications are evaluated based on the published Review Criteria. 

Eligible applicants include: nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; and federally recognized tribal communities or tribes. Funding in this category is not available for individuals, fiscally sponsored entities, commercial/for-profit enterprises, State Arts Agencies (SAA), or Regional Arts Organizations (RAO).

Research Category
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/12/2026 (Part 1 - grants.gov); 2/25/2026 (Part 2 - NEA Portal)
Solicitation Type

Mayor's Institute on City Design (MICD)

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Limiting Language
An organization may submit only one proposal under this program solicitation.


Executive Summary
The purpose of this Program Solicitation is to select an organization (Cooperator) to administer the Mayors’ Institute on City Design (MICD), a program of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The MICD brings U.S. mayors together with design professionals in workshops to assist mayors with city design challenges, to promote design excellence, and to enhance the livability of communities across the nation. 

This award will be made as a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement is a type of award in which the federal government will be substantially involved in the project undertaken by the award recipient (known as a Cooperator).  

Eligible applicants include nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3), U.S. organizations; units of state or local government; or federally-recognized tribal communities or tribes. Prior to the application deadline, the selected Cooperator must have a five-year history of experience related to policies and practices affecting the design of American cities. 

Research Category
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
1/22/2026
Solicitation Type

Parkinson's Foundation 2026 Community Grants

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Limiting Language 
Organizations may only submit a total of two applications during a community grant cycle and there cannot be any overlap in the budget items requested.

Program Overview
The Parkinson’s Foundation funds community grants that further the health, wellness and education of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) across the U.S.

The Foundation recognizes the unprecedented need for community-related programs and events. In the last three years the Foundation has awarded over $3 million in community grants to support programs providing services for people living with and affected by Parkinson's disease. These programs benefit communities in 39 states across the country.

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $12.7 million in 969 community-based programs that improve life for people living with PD.

The 2026 Community Grant cycle will be supported by the estate of Stanley and Gloria Brams, members of the PD community from Brooklyn, New York.  Stanley was diagnosed at the age of 52. Following Stanley’s passing, his wife Gloria decided to dedicate a significant portion of their estate to the Foundation’s commitment to making an impact on local PD communities. In keeping with the Brams’ personal values, this generous donation will make a lasting impact for so many across the country.

Programs for the 2026 grant cycle should be geared towards expanding or creating access for populations of focus and must incorporate at least one of the following focus areas: 

  1. Address mental health and PD
  2. Reach and support care partners of individuals with PD
  3. Educate and deliver exercise programs specifically designed for people with PD
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
1/30/2026
Solicitation Type

National Endowment for the Arts: 2026 Big Read

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Limiting Language
Only one application will be accepted per organization. Higher education applicants must partner with a library that is not directly affiliated with their institution.

About Big Read
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read is a program that awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 to organizations. 

These grants support community reading programs designed around a single NEA Big Read book. As our nation moves into its 250th year, the goal of this program is to honor America’s rich artistic and cultural heritage, inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community. 

Grantees will receive funding for their programming and purchasing books, and tools to support them in working with local partners, developing public relations strategies, and leading meaningful book discussions.

NEA Big Read programs vary and can be as short as a week or as long as several months. Beyond discussions of the book, organizations may choose to include a kick-off event, invite the author for a visit, or have other events inspired by the content and themes of the book. These may include panel discussions, lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, theatrical and musical performances, poetry slams, writing workshops and contests, and community storytelling events.

In total, Arts Midwest will be awarding $1,090,000 in project grants through NEA Big Read this year. We anticipate making approximately 75 grants. 

Research Category
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
1/15/2026 (Intent to Apply); 1/29/2026 (Application)
Solicitation Type

Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) Challenges

Request Ticket // Limit: One application per department, school, or program

O. Neto (Global Health Institute) - AI Challenge
L. Meredith (School of Natural Resources and the Environment) - Culture & Practices Challenge

Limiting Language
An organization may only serve as a Lead Organization on one application for each of the three challenges. An organization may be a partner on more than one application if each one proposes a separate and distinct solution. And each application must be submitted by a different, eligible Lead Organization.

Please note: Regional or location-specific branches of larger organizations, as well as departments, schools, and programs within or based in a college/university, may each submit separate applications naming their parent organization as the Lead Organization on their applications. Similarly, applicants may include a specific branch or department along with the parent organization in the Lead Organization field on the registration form.

Program Overview
The Workplace Innovation Now (WIN) AI Challenge is seeking bold solutions that address the impact and potential of AI in quickly evolving workplaces, from AI-powered solutions that help support women at work, to AI skill-building and solutions that mitigate bias in AI.

When women succeed in the workplace, we all win. Pivotal recently conducted research that shows that removing barriers for women creates better workplaces for everyone and strengthens our economy. 

This initiative will source innovations that open opportunities for women’s careers, while improving workplaces for everyone and expanding prosperity for communities across the country. The workplace is where life barriers thread together, and it’s quickly transforming. Lifting these barriers and better equipping everyone to thrive in the workplace of the future can have a multiplier effect on women’s lives, their families, their communities, and the overall economy.

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
12/11/2025 (Registration); 1/27/2026 (Full Application, Culture and Practices Challenge); 1/28/2026 (Full Application - AI Challenge)
Sponsor
Solicitation Type

ASCENDʳ Research Grant Program – 2026 Cycle

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 2

This opportunity is being institutionally coordinated by Research Development Services and the Office of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives. If you are interested, please check your eligibility then contact Riley McIssac. 

Limiting Language
Limit on number of proposals per university: 2

About ASCENDʳ
ASCENDʳ Research is a competitively funded DOD research program that is aligned to the U.S. National Defense Science and Technology Strategy and the DOD Critical Technology Areas and part of the HSRU’s Advancing STEM Careers through Education, Networking, Development + Research (ASCENDʳ) Initiative (for more information about ASCENDʳ visit www.hsru.org) For this opportunity, research priority areas are: Advanced Materials, Human-Machine Interfaces, and Space Technology. Through this competitively funded research program, HSRU Alliance member institutions’ research strengths will be leveraged, faculty leadership development will be provided, and graduate student researchers will be integrated. This research program will have the aims to (1) expose both faculty and students to military operations and defense and national security real-world challenges, (2) deploy and enhance the research environments conducive for the successful progression and participation of the students in the process (e.g. mentoring, professional development, and financial support), and to (3) conduct research and deliver research outcomes to meet DOD technical challenges/gaps.

Eligibility 
The proposal must originate from an HSRU member institution in good standing.

  1.  Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator(s) must be a Research Faculty member or Tenure/Tenure Track Faculty member that is early to mid-career, defined as within the first 8 years of their professional career.
  2. The Principal Investigator must hire and integrate at least one Graduate Research Assistant for this project. The graduate assistant must be enrolled at the start of the project and maintain enrollment eligibility throughout the proposed project.
  3. All PIs, Co-PIs, and the graduate assistant working on this project must be U.S. Persons, defined as U.S. born or U.S. Naturalized Citizen.b.
  4. The Principal Investigator and Co-PIs must agree to jointly participate in the ASCENDʳ Leadership Program.

Program Webpage | RFP (box login required) 
 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/27/2026

ASCENDR Research Grant Program – 2026 Cycle

Institutionally Coordinated // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 2

This opportunity is being institutionally coordinated by Research Development Services and the Office of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives. If you are interested, please contact Riley McIssac and Cody Nicholls.

Limiting Language
Limit on number of proposals per university: 2

About ASCENDR
ASCENDR Research is a competitively funded DOD research program that is aligned to the U.S. National Defense Science and Technology Strategy and the DOD Critical Technology Areas and part of the HSRU’s Advancing STEM Careers through Education, Networking, Development + Research (ASCENDR) Initiative (for more information about ASCENDR visit www.hsru.org) For this opportunity, research priority areas are: Advanced Materials, Human-Machine Interfaces, and Space Technology. Through this competitively funded research program, HSRU Alliance member institutions’ research strengths will be leveraged, faculty leadership development will be provided, and graduate student researchers will be integrated. This research program will have the aims to (1) expose both faculty and students to military operations and defense and national security real-world challenges, (2) deploy and enhance the research environments conducive for the successful progression and participation of the students in the process (e.g. mentoring, professional development, and financial support), and to (3) conduct research and deliver research outcomes to meet DOD technical challenges/gaps.


 

Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/27/2026

Data.org Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge

Notify Limited Submissions of Your Intent to Submit a Proposal  Please include a brief summary of the planned project scope // Limit: Must notify if there are two or more planned institutional proposals

Limiting Language
Organizations are limited to submitting one Entry to the Challenge. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Challenge may consider multiple Entries from large organizations such as universities. Any such Entries must be distinct, without overlap in the scope of the proposals or the project teams. If you are aware that two or more teams within your organization are submitting Entries to the Challenge, please notify us by email at challenge@data.org and include an explanation as to how your team meets the foregoing requirement.

Funding Highlights
The Activate AI: Economic Opportunity Challenge is a global call for innovative AI applications that empower people and communities, and that unlock economic opportunity for a resilient future. With the launch of this challenge, data.org and Zoom are seeking out projects that drive AI workforce development and organizational capacity, develop pathways to create future friendly jobs leveraging data and AI, and build climate resilient communities for a green economy. 

Sponsor Notes
The Challenge will award at least five final winners with a combination of grant funding and in-kind support with a combined total value of $115,000 USD. In-kind support may include, but is not limited to, data science talent, staff training, technical support and consulting, media production, marketing and promotional outreach, and software and infrastructure licenses. 

Internal Deadline
External Deadline
1/8/2026
Solicitation Type

Breakthrough Science Initiative Awards Program (Ono Initiative)

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M. Zhang (COM-P)

Limiting Language
Each Nominating Institution may nominate up to two (2) applicants in Chemical Biology Research. 

Program Overview
Annually, the Ono Pharma Foundation considers proposals from PIs for research that could ultimately transform human health. Although additional areas of research may be added in future years, the Ono Pharma Foundation is only considering proposals for scientific research addressing Chemical Biology at this time.

Chemical Biology is defined as research that deals with the interface between chemistry and biology. The criteria for this field are deliberately broad so as not to disqualify potentially innovative and groundbreaking projects.

The goals of the Ono Initiative are to:

  • Identify and develop innovative research proposals and results that could lead to the development of breakthrough treatment solutions for patients.
  • Support academic research and the career development of promising young and established scientists.
  • Build strong relationships within the community in order to lead to transformative research aligned with Ono Initiative's interest.

Eligibility:

  • Applicants must meet the following requirements. LOIs and final Proposals from applicants not meeting the requirements listed below will not be considered.
    1. PIs applying must be working at one of the nominating institutions. Nominating institutions might be replaced or added to in subsequent years. For the list of nominating institutions, please see the FAQ.
    2. The PI must have an MD and/or a PhD degree.
    3. The PI must be a new applicant to the Ono Initiative, or, if they are a returning applicant, must be applying for a project different from the one they previously proposed.
    4. The PI must be a young and/or mid-career scientist (15 years or less of experience since starting an independent academic position).
    5. The PI must not have been, nor currently be, engaged in other sponsored research and/or collaborative research with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and/or grant program with Ono Pharma Foundation.
    6. The PI may not apply for funding to amplify current work. However, PIs may research a new idea based on a prior finding of the PI.
    7. The PI must not be a healthcare professional (defined as individuals currently holding an active state license for which they are (a) qualified to prescribe, administer, use or supply any medicinal or medical products or (b) perform any professional clinical services). A PI with an MD but without an active state medical license is still eligible.
    8. PIs serving on a healthcare formulary or similar committee are not eligible.
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/13/2026 (LOI); 5/15/2026 (Full Proposal)
Solicitation Type

NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Early-Stage Postdoctoral Researchers (K99/R00 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) - February 2026 Deadline

Limit: 4* (see below) // Tickets Available: 3

Cancer Data Science // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Cancer Control Science // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0
​J. Llavona-Ortiz (Cancer Center) 

Molecular Precision/Cancer Prevention // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1 

Other Cancer Research // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Number of Applications
Each eligible institution (defined as having a unique UEI number or NIH IPF number) may submit up to a combined total of four applications (one in Cancer Data Science, one in Cancer Control Science, one in Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention, and one in Other Cancer Research) to any companion NOFO or any combination of companion NOFOs (PAR-23-286, PAR-23-287, and/or PAR-23-288).

Scientific Areas

  • (A) Cancer Data Science: For the purposes of this K99/R00 award, cancer data science is defined as an interdisciplinary field of inquiry in which quantitative and analytical approaches, processes, and systems are both developed and used to extract knowledge and insights from increasingly large and/or complex sets of data. This includes cancer-focused data integration and visualization, systems biology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, informatics, genomics, precision oncology, and developing analytics for epidemiological or biostatistical studies.
  • (B) Cancer Control Science: For the purposes of this K99/R00 award, cancer control science is defined as basic and applied research in the behavioral, social, and population sciences to create or enhance interventions that, independently or in combination with biomedical approaches reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and improve quality of life. This includes research in epidemiology, behavioral sciences, health services, surveillance, cancer survivorship, and healthcare policy.
  • (C) Molecular/Precision Cancer Prevention: For the purpose of this K99/R00 award, early translational research in cancer prevention is defined as basic research to understand mechanisms of cancer formation, development and progression of cancer precursors, and to translate basic biological knowledge into novel human interventions and human-centered adaption of current interventions with the potential to reduce cancer risk, incidence, and mortality, and improve quality of life. This includes but is not limited to research in molecular and systems biology, diagnostics, vaccine and drug development, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering.
  • (D) Other Cancer Research: For the purposes of this K99/R00 award, "Other Cancer Research" includes all scientific fields supported by the NCI that are not included in (A), (B) or (C). Applicants proposing research in (D) "Other Cancer Research" may apply only if it is reasonable to expect their candidates to transition to independence with an abbreviated period of mentored research training beyond their original doctoral degrees."
Funding Type
Internal Deadline
External Deadline
2/17/2026
Solicitation Type