Office of Research

Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks to Develop Emergent and Responsive Solutions Foundry (NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY)

Limited Submissions

The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program supports collaboration among K-12 educators, technologists, parents or guardians, and researchers, to develop innovative solutions to persistent challenges in learning and workforce development. These challenges are identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program aims to create and scale evidence-based practices, tools, and technologies that improve learning outcomes and prepare students for a digital, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven future.

A key focus is early exposure to AI to build curiosity, understanding, and readiness for future careers. The program encourages partnerships to co-design responsive, technology-based solutions between key sectors – schools, universities, industry, government, and nonprofits – and our nation’s families.

NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program includes two phases: Planning and Development. Planning proposals help teams explore one of several focus areas. Only teams awarded Planning grants may submit Development proposals, which support the growth and implementation of promising ideas.

Application Instructions

Please submit as one combined pdf labeled with PI’s Lastname, Firstname:

  1. A one‐page letter of intent with a description of proposed aims and approach.
  2. If the final application requires a statement of broader impacts, please summarize your plans to address the specific requirements on an additional page.
  3. CV (not biosketch) of the PI including past grant funding.

to limitedsubs@uw.edu by 5:00 PM Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Late pre-proposals will not be considered. Proposals are due to the sponsor 5/27/2026 so you will need to have your materials in to the Office of Sponsored Programs by 5/15/2026 if given the go‐ahead by the Limited Submissions review committee.

Opportunity Details

Program web page

Program Announcement No.

NSF 26-507

Deadlines
04/22/2026 UW Internal Deadline Closed
05/15/2026 OSP Deadline
05/27/2026 Sponsor Deadline
Sponsor

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Funding amount

$50,000 (for planning awards)

Maximum Number of Applications

1 (An organization may submit only one Planning proposal and, if awarded a Planning award, one Development proposal.)

Eligible groups
  • All campus

Inquiries and Contact Information

Investigators who identify a grant, award or fellowship program that restricts the number of applications that can be submitted from an Institution should immediately contact their Chairperson, Associate Dean for Research (or Dean, if no ADR) and the Office of Research (see below) if they intend to prepare a response. Failure to do so, or to meet the deadlines for submission of pre-proposal, will preclude submission of the application through the Office of Sponsored Programs.

For general inquiries, or to request a listing of a limited submission opportunity that should be but is not already listed, please email us at limitedsubs@uw.edu.