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 Coordinators Cara Peters at cara.peters@humboldt.edu or Kumi Nakadate at kumiye.nakadate@humboldt.edu.

Environmental Research & Education Foundation: Research Grants - Previously awarded grants have ranged from $15,000 to over $500,000 with the average grant amount in recent years being $160,000. Pre-proposals accepted beginning November 16, 2026 until December 1, 2026. Projects must relate to sustainable solid waste management practices. They must demonstrate a high perceived impact on the field. Appropriate projects include applied research proposals aligned with EREF's Strategic Research Priorities. Proposals for educational efforts, conferences, or initializing local community programs (like recycling or re-use projects) are typically not funded.

The Teagle Foundation: Knowledge for Freedom - Implementation grants range from $100,000 to $300,000 over 36 months (based on scope), while planning grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 over 6–12 months. Concept papers are accepted three times per year with deadlines on December 1, March 1, and August 1. Projects must invite underserved, low-income high school students to a college campus to study humanity's deepest questions about purpose and civic responsibility. They must demonstrate a clear alignment with institutional priorities and a plan for long-term financial sustainability after the grant ends. 

W. M. Keck Foundation: Research Program - Typical awards range from $1,000,000 to $1,300,000 over 3 years. Applications are accepted twice per year, with the upcoming deadline on December 7, 2026 (for the June grant cycle). Projects must support high-impact basic science research in the physical, life, or biomedical sciences that questions the prevailing paradigm or breaks open new territory. They must demonstrate high-risk, high-reward components and be distinct from existing work. Appropriate projects include novel approaches to fundamental scientific questions, including instrumentation development and engineering in service of basic science. Proposals for medical devices, clinical trials, translational research, drug discovery, or engineering focused solely on efficiency, optimization, or equipment are not funded.

ECMC Foundation: Rural Impact - Funding amounts are flexible and distributed based on scope via an open Letter of Inquiry (LOI) portal, building on a history of awards like 19 grants totaling $8.3 million (averaging roughly $436,000 per project) Letters of Inquiry are accepted on a rolling basis through the Foundation's open portal. Projects must focus on increasing postsecondary completion rates and building organizational capacity to support rural learners. They must demonstrate a clear focus on deepening the field's understanding of rural learners' enrollment, persistence, and alignment with workforce needs. 

Sequoia Park Zoo: Conservation Grants - Awards up to $3,000. Pre-proposals due November 2, 2026. Projects must have a clear, measurable impact on the conservation of wildlife and/or habitats. Appropriate projects include proposals for research and/or the implementation of a conservation management plan (including habitat restoration). Proposals for workshops, public education, or non-applied research are considered to have indirect conservation impacts unless otherwise justified.

American Council of Learned Societies: Digital Justice Seed Grants - Awards between $10,000 and $25,000. Applications due November 3, 2026. Supports digital projects across the humanities and interpretative social sciences that critically engage with the interests and histories of people of color and other historically marginalized communities through the ethical use of digital tools and methods. In this way, the program seeks to address the inequities in the distribution of access to tools and support for digital work among scholars across various fields, those working with under-utilized or understudied source materials, and those in institutions with less support for digital projects.

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.