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

July 2026 (Full application/proposal deadline)

Typical awards range from $5,000 to $12,000 per grant.

Supports amateur and underfunded professional astronomers worldwide to advance Near Earth Object (NEO) research and observation capabilities.

Priority for improving or automating large-telescope facilities; matching contributions encouraged.

--- ## Description The Shoemaker NEO Grant program, administered by The Planetary Society and promoted by the American Astronomical Society, funds amateur and underfunded professional astronomers—as well as those in developing countries—who make significant contributions to Near Earth Object (NEO) research. The program honors Gene Shoemaker’s legacy and aims to enhance global efforts in tracking, studying, and following up on potentially hazardous asteroids. While the program originally focused on expanding telescope and camera capabilities for NEO discovery, it now emphasizes physical studies and astrometric follow-up of newly discovered objects. Grants are intended to help observers upgrade or automate their facilities, enabling more efficient and fainter object observations. --- ## Due Dates - July 2026 (anticipated/projection for full application/proposal deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from **$5,000 to $12,000**. - Funding may be used for equipment upgrades, automation, or other improvements directly supporting NEO research and observation. --- ## Eligibility - Open to **amateur astronomers**, **underfunded professional astronomers**, and **astronomers in developing countries**. - Applicants should have existing telescope facilities and prior observing experience. - Priority is given to: - Those seeking to improve or automate large-telescope facilities (apertures larger than 60 cm/24 inches). - Projects that can leverage Shoemaker NEO grant funds with matching contributions from other sources. - Global applicants are encouraged. --- ## Application Process - Prepare a proposal detailing: - Your current observing capabilities and experience. - The specific upgrades or automation sought. - How the improvements will enhance NEO research or follow-up. - Any matching funds or additional support. - Review information on [past winners](http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/neo-grants/grant-recipients) and [project updates](http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/neo-grants/) for guidance. - Monitor the [opportunity page](https://aas.org/posts/opportunity/2019/04/apply-shoemaker-neo-grant-planetary-society) for the official call for proposals and application instructions. --- ## Additional Information - The grant program is highly competitive, with priority for projects that address the most urgent needs in NEO physical studies and astrometric follow-up. - Automation and the ability to observe fainter objects are specifically valued. - Matching contributions from other funding sources strengthen applications. --- ## External Links - [Shoemaker NEO Grant Opportunity Page](https://aas.org/posts/opportunity/2019/04/apply-shoemaker-neo-grant-planetary-society) - [American Astronomical Society Grants & Opportunities](https://aas.org/subjects/general-funding-opportunities) - [Past Grant Recipients](http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/neo-grants/grant-recipients) - [Project Updates and Background](http://www.planetary.org/explore/projects/neo-grants/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Contact | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact AAS](https://aas.org/contact) | | Email | [email protected] | | Phone | +1 202-328-2010 |

Shoemaker NEO Grant - American Astronomical Society

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