National Science Foundation Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry
NSF funds interdisciplinary Planning and Development grants to teams of K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers that co-design and scale evidence-based, technology-enabled solutions for learning and workforce development, including early AI education.
⚑ Two-phase program: only Planning awardees may submit Development proposals · Leadership team must include at least one K-12 educator, one technologist, and one researcher · Special justification required if funds/support are proposed for an international branch campus of a U.S. IHE
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 62 good | outside portfolio topics; social/behavioral work is substantial; funds applied research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
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.
Eligibility
*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>
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: U.S. National Science Foundation <grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov>