As the federal grant funding landscape undergoes changes, it’s more important than ever to stay proactive in seeking funding opportunities. Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation will be sharing a regular round-up of non-federal grants for those looking to diversify their funding sources. As a reminder, SPF offers funding search assistance! Please visit our website to explore some of our funding resources, or contact Research Development Support & Marketing Coordinator Cara Peters at cara.peters@humboldt.edu 

California Humanities: Connecting California Grants - Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and require a 1:1 match using non-federal funds and/or in-kind support. Applications due July 13, 2026. Supports publicly accessible activities and events that strengthen social connection and cohesion across California’s diverse communities. Funded projects help foster understanding, empathy, and trust by creating opportunities for people to come together across differences and discover shared values, experiences, and aspirations.

The Harris Foundation: General Grants- Awards $10k. Letters of inquiry accepted on a rolling basis. The Harris Foundation envisions making the world a better place for the well-being and safety of plants, animals and human beings. Its Directors support projects that address root causes and develop innovative solutions, with a focus on initiatives that have far-reaching impact and deliver lasting benefits.

The Explorers Club & Fjällräven: Fjällräven Field Grant - Award amount TBD. The next application will open in August 2026. Aims to promote excellence in field exploration through scientific research. This grant supports early-career scientists conducting fieldwork in the natural sciences, enabling exploration and inquiry that deepen understanding of our environment, a changing climate, and the interconnectedness of wildlife and human societies around the world.

Russell Sage Foundation: Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context: - Awards up to $200k. Letters of Intent due July 15, 2026. Encourages perspectives from multiple disciplines, including economics, psychology, political science, sociology, law, public policy, and other social sciences, to further our understanding of economic, social, political, and psychological decision-making processes, attitudes, behaviors, and institutional practices in public and private contexts such as policing/criminal legal systems, employment, housing, politics, racial/ethnic relations, and immigration.

JM Kaplan Fund: Furthermore Grants in Publishing- Grants range from $1,500 - $12k. Applications for the fall cycle will open in June, with a deadline of September 1, 2026. Furthermore supports publication of nonfiction books having to do with art, architecture, and design; cultural history, the city, and related public issues; and conservation and preservation. It seeks work that appeals to an informed general audience, demonstrates high standards in writing, design, and production, and offers lasting relevance. 

NOTE: If you are interested in applying or have any questions, please contact our Pre-Award Specialists Pia Gabriel at pg12@humboldt.edu, Kaz Wegmuller at kaz.wegmuller@humboldt.edu, or Jocelyne Takatsuno at jt366@humboldt.edu 

While exploring alternative funding is valuable, continued engagement with federal grants remains critical - consistent applications help demonstrate the demand for these programs and ensure their ongoing availability. We’re here to help you navigate these funding opportunities and keep research thriving at Cal Poly Humboldt.