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 

The Future of Learning, The Future of our Planet : National Geographic- Funding varies by project level. Level I may apply for up to $20k. Level II may apply for up to $100k. The deadline is November 19, 2025. This program supports education projects that:

• Advance knowledge about how to spark curiosity and inspire learners of all ages to care for and protect our world

• Pilot new, or scale proven, educational solutions

•  Enable learners to acquire new knowledge, skills, behaviors, and attitudes that help them care for and protect our world

• Use interdisciplinary approaches 

• Align with at least one of National Geographic’s six focus areas: Ocean, Land, Wildlife, Human Histories and Cultures, Planetary Health, Space

WHALE TAIL Grants: California Coastal Commission- Awards up to $50k. The deadline is December 15, 2025. Funds projects that connect people to the California Coast and its watersheds through education, stewardship, and outdoor experiences. Education and stewardship projects relating to climate change as it impacts the coast and ocean are eligible and encouraged. These grants focus on reaching communities in California that have historically received fewer marine education and stewardship opportunities. 

National & International Environment Program; The New York Community Trust - Average grant is $130k. The next letter of intent  submission window will open in late February of 2026. Supports projects that mitigate climate change, make communities more resilient to climate change, protect public health from the hazards of toxic chemicals and pollutants, and preserve biological diversity. Projects must benefit more than one U.S. state or territory to be considered.

Small Research Grants on Education; Spencer Foundation - Up to $50k. Next deadline is December 15, 2025, 10am. Supports education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, and are “field-initiated” in that proposal submissions are not in response to a specific request for a particular research topic, discipline, design, method, or location. Proposals may span a wide range of topics and disciplines that innovatively investigate questions central to education, including for example education, anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, law, economics, history, or neuroscience.

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.