HBCU Faculty Mini-Grants

Overview

The HBCU Making & Innovation Initiative, supported by the National Science Foundation and sponsored by VentureWell, is seeking applications for its Faculty Mini-Grants. Two HBCU faculty selected are awarded $5,000 each to advance HBCU capacity in innovation, making, entrepreneurship, or invention.  

Funds may be applied towards the following initiatives: 

  • Conducting research 

  • A student internship 

  • Travel award for the faculty member or a student to participate in an innovation-related conference 

  • Other forms of faculty or student professional development

AWARD INFORMATION 

Awarded faculty receive $5,000 each to apply towards their innovation-related projects. Funding is awarded to the faculty members’ home institutions.  

Grant funds are intended to help launch prospective projects or to supplement resources for existing projects. The project timeline and budget provided in the submitted proposal must align with the grant’s end date and award amount.  

The 2026 grant period spanned from January 16 to May 30. 

  • APPLICATION CHECKLIST

    Please note that each document must be submitted as a PDF, with the exception of the budget. The budget must be submitted as an Excel file. 

    • Project Description, which should include a brief overview, scope of work, and project timeline (up to 2 pages)

    • Budget (Excel sheet) 

    • Budget Justification (up to 2 pages)

  • The submission window has closed.

  • Individuals interested in this program must meet the following criteria: 

    • Current faculty member, project staff at an accredited Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or Predominantly Black institution 

    • Applicants in these areas are encouraged, but are not limited to innovation; technology; education; and social, economic, and behavioral sciences  

    • Early-career scientists are encouraged to apply.  

  • Q: What is the grant period?

    The 2026 grant period spans January 16, 2026 to May 30, 2026.  

    Q: Can multiple faculty members from the same institution submit an application?

    Yes. 

    Q: What is the preferred format for the mini-grant proposal?

    The proposal narrative must be in 11- or 12-point font, Calibri or Times New Roman, single-spaced. 

    Q: Are fringe benefits & indirect costs included?

    Fringe benefits & indirect costs should not be included.   

    Q: Who is responsible for submitting the proposal?

    Faculty can submit the proposal. It does not have to be submitted by the institution’s Office of Sponsored Programs.   

Questions 

For questions, please email the HBCU Maker Team at hbcumaker@aaas.org and add “VentureWell Mini-Grant” to the subject line.