NSF STRIVE offers research seed grants and K-12 STEM funding opportunities across Vermont. Explore STaRS seed grants for early-stage research and STEAD funding for K-12 STEM educational programming.
Research Seed Grants for Vermont faculty and researchers.
The STaRS Grant program provides up to $15,000 in seed funding for early-stage, faculty-led or researcher-led projects that strengthen Vermont’s STEM research ecosystem. Designed to help historically underfunded institutions and small organizations launch preliminary studies, STaRS funding supports work that lays the groundwork for future external grant proposals to major funders such as NSF, NIH, or DOE.
Best for: Vermont-based faculty, researchers, and small businesses pursuing proof-of-concept or pilot STEM research.
Application cycles: October 15 and March 15 each year.
Funding period: Up to 12 months from the project start date.
K-12 STEM Funding Opportunities for Vermont teachers, schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations.
The STEAD program awards up to $2,500 to support educator-led or community-based projects that expand hands-on, inclusive STEM learning opportunities for K–12 students. This funding helps design or grow curriculum and programming that sparks interest, builds capacity, and connects students to Vermont’s STEM research ecosystem.
Best for: Vermont K–12 teachers, schools, afterschool programs, or community groups aiming to deliver equitable STEM experiences.
Application cycles: February 15 and August 15 each year.
Project scope: Typically 6–12 months, with emphasis on sustainability, local relevance, and alignment with NSF priorities.
Watch this recorded information session for an overview of STaRS seed funding, the application process, and eligibility.
Watch this recorded information session to learn about STEAD funding, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
Access NSF’s Consolidated Training Module (1 hour) and upcoming STRIVE modules on invoicing, reporting, and subaward compliance. More resources will be added soon.
As part of NSF EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) priorities, STRIVE aims to expand research among institutions that have historically received little or no NSF funding. NSF STRIVE prioritizes the inclusion of smaller institutions – such as primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) and two-year colleges – as essential partners in building sustainable STEM capacity. These institutions are actively supported through integration into collaborative research and workforce development initiatives.
Yes. STaRS is designed as a one-year (up to 12-months) award cycle. Afterward, applicants are expected to pursue major external funding. The NSF STRIVE operations and administrative team will support awardees by highlighting opportunities and assisting with applications to help secure long-term funding.
No. Instead, we will help awardees identify larger grants that provide stipends or course-load reduction. We understand that research adds to your workload, and we are working with partner institutions to make it more manageable and sustainable. For example, we will host a vision workshop to guide applicants in designing proposals that integrate student internships and research into courses, reducing faculty burden while still advancing meaningful research.
Proposals should demonstrate immediate benefits to Vermont students and colleagues. Research done in Vermont inherently strengthens the state’s research ecosystem, even if the subject extends beyond local issues. Projects that both build Vermont’s research capacity and address challenges tied to Vermont’s economy will be especially strong.
Current STEM debates include ethical concerns around, for example: AI, automation and job displacement, genetic engineering, sustainability in engineering and agricultural practices, etc. NSF STRIVE also prioritizes equity in STEM education and access to careers. Relevance means aligning research with these ongoing debates while strengthening Vermont higher education’s capacity to address them. NSF STRIVE’s mission is to expand STEM workforce opportunities for Vermonters, therefore projects tackling these issues are strongly encouraged.
Landmark College, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, Bennington College, and the Community College of Vermont. Landmark College is the lead institution and hosts the NSF STRIVE program on its campus.
The Principal Investigator (PI)—the project lead who submits the proposal—cannot receive funds directly. All awards must be issued through an approved host institution or organization, and institutional approval is required before funding can be administered. While awardees serve as the PI responsible for the project’s administration and management, the financial oversight must be handled by their institution or fiscal sponsor.
If limiting your project to $2,500 would diminish its quality or impact, you are encouraged to submit for the $2,500 as part of a larger funding pool. In this case, clearly indicate in your proposal how the STEAD funds will be used within the broader project budget and identify additional confirmed or potential funding sources. Demonstrating that you’ve researched and planned for the full financial picture will strengthen your application.
At this time, STEAD funds are intended to support projects serving K–12 students. Projects should expose students to STEM careers and introduce them to the skills and experiences necessary to pursue those pathways.
NSF STRIVE funds must directly support Vermont students. However, if your host or funding organization is based in another state that also participates in EPSCoR, and all awarded funds are used to benefit Vermont students, your project remains eligible for funding.