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

August 1, 2026 (First submission/review deadline for DPS Dependent Care Grant)

Typical maximum grant ~$250 per meeting; 2026 amounts TBD, dependent on requests and available funds.

Supports AAS and Division members by subsidizing extra dependent care costs to enable meeting attendance.

One grant per family per meeting; must be an AAS or Division member and registered for the meeting by the deadline.

--- ## Description The Dependent Care Grants offered by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and its Divisions are designed to help members with caregiving responsibilities—such as child, elder, or other dependent care—attend Society or Division meetings. These grants provide financial assistance to offset additional dependent care expenses incurred as a result of meeting attendance, whether the care is provided at the meeting location or at home. The program particularly supports early career scientists and those at smaller institutions who may otherwise be unable to participate in professional gatherings due to caregiving obligations. --- ## Due Dates - August 1, 2026: First submission/review deadline for the DPS Dependent Care Grant (review of submissions begins in August 2026; further requests may be considered if funding and eligibility permit) --- ## Funding Amount - Typical maximum grant size has been around $250 per meeting in previous years. - The 2026 funding amount is not yet set and will depend on the number and size of requests, as well as available funds. - Grants are intended to reimburse incremental dependent care expenses directly related to meeting attendance. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be current members of the AAS or the relevant Division (e.g., DPS, DDA, HEAD) at the time of award selection. - Meeting registration must be paid on or before the application deadline. - Only one dependent care grant is allowed per family per meeting. - Eligible dependents: - Children 12 years or younger who reside with and are primarily supported by the applicant. - Individuals (any age) spending at least eight hours per day in the applicant’s home for whom the applicant is responsible. - Eligibility for specific Division grants (e.g., DPS) requires membership in that Division. --- ## Application Process - Complete and submit the online application for the specific meeting before the posted deadline. - Provide information on dependent care needs, including the nature and duration of care required. - For DPS grants, use the [DPS Dependent Care Grant Application](https://dps.aas.org/development/dps-dependent-care-grant-application/). - For other AAS or Division meetings, see the relevant meeting or division website for application links. - Reimbursement is provided after travel is completed and upon submission of receipts within one month of the meeting’s end. - Only incremental dependent care expenses (not routine or ongoing care) are reimbursed; see "Additional Information" for details. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include: - Airfare for a caregiver or dependent to attend the meeting - Onsite or local dependent care at the meeting venue - Additional dependent care at home incurred due to the applicant’s absence for the meeting - Ineligible expenses include: - Routine dependent care costs that would normally be incurred (e.g., standard after-school care) - Meals, groceries, or meeting registration fees - Applications are reviewed starting August 2026 for the DPS meeting, but late requests may be considered if funds allow. - Members are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited. --- ## External Links - [AAS Dependent Care Grants Main Page](https://aas.org/grants-and-prizes/childdependent-care-grants) - [DPS Dependent Care Grant Application](https://dps.aas.org/development/dps-dependent-care-grant-application/) - [DDA Meeting Dependent Care Grants Information](https://dda.aas.org/meetings/dependent-care-grants-application) - [AAS General Funding Opportunities](https://aas.org/subjects/general-funding-opportunities) --- ## Contact Information | Division/Program | Contact Email | Additional Info | |------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | AAS Main Grants | [stacey.carson@aas.org](mailto:stacey.carson@aas.org) | For general AAS grant inquiries | | DPS Grants | [DPS.Dependent.Grant@aas.org](mailto:DPS.Dependent.Grant@aas.org) | For DPS-specific dependent care grant questions | | AAS General | [Contact AAS](https://aas.org/contact) | General Society contact page | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 | | ---

Dependent Care Grants

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