[American Astronomical Society](https://aas.org)

June 2026 (mini-grant cycle) | August 2026 (Cycle A) | December 2026 (Cycle B)

$1,000–$10,000 per award; typical award ~$4,000; reimbursable direct costs only.

Supports AAS members to develop and deliver education-related mentoring and professional-development activities that advance astronomy education and outreach.

Forecasted dates—verify on program site; no indirect/overhead costs allowed.

--- ## Description The AAS-EPD Mini-Grant Program, administered by the American Astronomical Society's Education Committee, funds US-based AAS members to create and deliver professional development and mentoring initiatives for the astronomy community. Activities supported include workshops, training sessions, and other professional development experiences focused on inclusive teaching, mentoring practices, and effective astronomy education and outreach. The program aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of AAS members, foster best practices, and promote community engagement, with a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. --- ## Due Dates - **June 2026:** Complete proposals deadline for the AAS-EPD mini-grant 2025–2026 cycle (anticipated) - **August 2026:** Cycle A proposal deadline (anticipated, early August) - **December 2026:** Cycle B proposal deadline (anticipated, early December) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $1,000–$10,000 per grant - **Typical Award:** Approximately $4,000 - **Allowable Costs:** Direct costs only (e.g., travel, materials, student stipends, event logistics) - **Restrictions:** No indirect or overhead costs; all expenses must be documented with original receipts for reimbursement (no per diem allowed). --- ## Eligibility - The Principal Investigator (PI) must be a current AAS member in good standing. - PI must be based at a US organization or institution. - The proposed activity must be open and well-publicized to all AAS members. - Only direct costs are eligible; no support for indirect costs, faculty/postdoc salaries, or general public/K-12 outreach. --- ## Application Process - Submit proposals via the [online application form](https://aas.org/content/aas-epd-mini-grant-program-application). - Download and complete the [budget calculation form](https://aas.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/budget_form_epd_minigrants_2024.xlsx). - Required proposal components include: - Program justification (max 3 pages) - Evaluation/feedback/dissemination plan (max 1 page) - Description of previous related activities (if applicable) - PI CV (max 2 pages) - Team member bios (1–2 pages) - Letters of support (if collaborating with AAS committees) - Proposals are reviewed by the AAS Education Committee using published [evaluation criteria](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-appendix-iii). - Notification of funding decisions occurs within ~1.5 months of the cycle deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Funded activities must collect and report participant feedback and demographic data. - Previously funded projects can be reviewed for inspiration and guidance. - Honoraria/stipends for non-AAS speakers or student assistants are permitted but must be modest (≤$500). - No reimbursement for undocumented expenses; all receipts are required. - For recurring or similar workshops, proposals should discuss lessons learned and improvements. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Instructions](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-mini-grant-program) - [Application Form](https://aas.org/content/aas-epd-mini-grant-program-application) - [Budget Example (PDF)](https://aas.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/budget_example_epd_minigrants_2019_final.pdf) - [Budget Worksheet (Excel)](https://aas.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/budget_form_epd_minigrants_2024.xlsx) - [Rubric for Proposal Grading](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-appendix-iii) - [Program Background](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-appendix-i) - [Previously Funded Activities](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-mini-grant-program#:~:text=CANNOT%20be%20reimbursed.-,Previously,-Funded%20Activities) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact AAS](https://aas.org/contact) | | Program Email | [tom.rice@aas.org](mailto:tom.rice@aas.org) | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | Program Webpage | [AAS-EPD Mini-Grant Program](https://aas.org/education/aas-epd-mini-grant-program) | ---

AAS-EPD Mini-Grant Program

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