This NSF program funds planning grants for teams of K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers who co-design tools and practices for K-12 learning and early AI education. Only nonprofits, state and local governments, higher education institutions, and tribal nations may apply, so for-profit businesses and unaffiliated individuals should not bother. If you are a small business owner, this is not your grant; your only path is partnering with an eligible applicant.
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Education & TrainingMatches your industry (education, workforce, learning) | 87 |
| Social Services & NonprofitMatches your industry (nonprofit) | 67 |
| Arts & CultureLimit: Nothing in this notice points to arts & culture | 54 |
| Environment & ConservationLimit: Nothing in this notice points to environment & conservation | 54 |
| Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
| Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —… | 0 |
These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.
NSF Planning and Development grants for teams of K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to co-design and scale evidence-based tools, practices, and technologies—especially early AI education—that improve K-12 learning and workforce readiness. Proposals must come through nonprofits, state/local governments, higher ed institutions, or tribal nations; individuals and businesses may not apply.
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, and researchers to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.
A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships across sectors - schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits - to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions.
NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas.
The program aligns with national priorities, including the Executive Order 14277, “Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth ” (April 23, 2025), and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Public Law 117-167 , Sections 10381-10383 and 10395.
Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.
Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities.
State and Local Governments
Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs): Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of sub-awards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.
Tribal Nations: An American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges as a federally recognized tribe pursuant to the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, 25 U.S.C. §§ 5130-5131.
Who May Serve as PI:
Each NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY leadership team must have at least one member from each of three stakeholder groups: (1) K-12 educators, (2) technologists, and (3) researchers. One of these individuals must act as the Principal Investigator (PI) through an eligible organization described above. Co-PIs and additional Senior Personnel, (sub)contractors, consultants, etc., are also allowed.
Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to submit proposals in response to this solicitation.
There are no PI degree requirements (i.e., the PI is not required to hold a Ph.D. nor any other degree).
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