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 will be selected and 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 will receive $5,000 each to apply towards their innovation-related projects. Funding will be awarded to the faculty members’ home institutions.  

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

Grant funds are meant 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.   

Proposals due: Friday, January 2nd by 5 pm ET

Award Notices Distributed: January 16, 2026

  • 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)

  • Submit your grant proposal using this link by Friday, January 2nd by 5 pm ET.  

  • 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 grant period is 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.