Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: May 27, 2026 (Planning proposals) | November 18, 2026 (Development proposals)
Funding Amounts: Planning: up to $50,000 for up to 2 months; Development: up to $300,000 for 1 year; $8.5 million total anticipated funding
Summary: Supports interdisciplinary teams co-designing evidence-based, technology-driven solutions to improve K–12 learning and workforce readiness, particularly through AI.
Key Information: Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals.
Description
NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY supports collaboration among K–12 educators, technologists, researchers, and families to address persistent learning and workforce-development challenges identified by students, families, and educators. It funds scalable, evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, AI-driven future. Projects incorporating AI as a subject of learning or a tool for instruction are especially encouraged.
The program is led by NSF’s Directorates for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships and STEM Education, with philanthropic co-funding. Planning awards support early collaboration, challenge selection, and wireframe design. Development awards support prototype refinement, pilot testing, and minimum viable product deployment. Supported research includes design-based implementation research, efficacy studies, and translational research, with continuous feedback from K–12 learners, educators, and parents or guardians.
