Civic Innovation Challenge
The Civic Innovation Challenge funds US-based community-university partnerships to pilot research-driven solutions for local challenges related to climate/environment and essential resource access.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
U.S. National Science Foundation has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Science Foundation
Due Dates: May 1, 2024 (Stage 1 Planning Grant) | March 3, 2025 (Stage 2 Full Award)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 for 6-month planning grants; up to $1,000,000 for 12-month full awards.
Summary: Supports US-based community-university partnerships to pilot research-driven solutions addressing local challenges in climate resilience and essential resource access through a two-stage competition.
Key Information: Only Stage 1 awardees may apply for Stage 2; projects must involve civic partners and demonstrate potential for scalable, sustainable community impact.
Description
The Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC) is a research and action competition designed to accelerate the transition of foundational research and emerging technologies into practical community applications through civic-engaged research. It fosters equal partnerships between communities and researchers to jointly identify and address local civic priorities with national relevance.
CIVIC funds projects that pilot innovative, research-centered solutions to community challenges over a 12-month period, following a 6-month planning phase. Projects must demonstrate potential for lasting impact in the partnering community and scalability to other communities across the United States.
The program emphasizes:
- Flipping the traditional community-university dynamic by empowering communities as equal partners.
- Rapid piloting and evaluation of solutions within a 12-month timeframe.
- Multi-disciplinary, multi-sector coalitions including civic partners (local, state, tribal officials, non-profits, community advocates, service providers) and researchers.
- Nationwide "communities of practice" to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Tracks
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Track A: Climate and Environmental Instability
Focuses on building resilient communities through co-design, adaptation, and mitigation of climate-related risks such as extreme heat, flooding, and wildfires. Projects may address infrastructure, public health, transportation, food security, ecosystem services, and more, incorporating cyber, physical, environmental, biological, and social components. -
Track B: Bridging the Gap Between Essential Resources and Services & Community Needs
Targets improving access to essential resources and services (e.g., food, water, housing, healthcare, education, digital inclusion) by addressing systemic inequities and inefficiencies. Projects should leverage community anchor institutions and focus on inclusive, equitable outcomes.
Program Structure
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Stage 1: Planning Grants
Approximately 35-40 awards of up to $75,000 for 6 months to develop teams, refine project plans, and prepare for Stage 2 submission. Only Stage 1 awardees may apply for Stage 2. -
Stage 2: Full Awards
Approximately 15-20 awards of up to $1,000,000 for 12 months to execute and evaluate research-centered pilot projects.
Community-of-Practice
The MetroLab Network (NSF award 2223449) facilitates cohort activities including workshops, showcases, and networking events to build capacity and share best practices. Awardees must participate in these activities, typically held in the Washington, DC area.
