National Space Grant and Fellowship Project
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (Space Grant) was authorized by Congress in response to the need for a coordinated effort to help maintain America's preeminence in aerospace science and technology. Through the establishment of state-based consortia, consisting of universities, university systems, associations, government agencies, industries, and informal education organizations involved in aerospace activities, lead institutions provide leadership and support for program objectives in their state and nationally. Lead
institutions accomplish this by collaborating with other universities, broadening joint activities with NASA and aerospace-related industries, and providing public service functions, such as support to schools (elementary and secondary), and to the public.
These institutions are working to expand opportunities for Americans to understand and participate in NASA's aeronautics and space projects by supporting and enhancing science and engineering education, research and public outreach efforts. The Space Grant national network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, and state and local agencies. These affiliates belong to one of 52 consortia in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Space Grant is a workforce development program.
The 52 consortia fund fellowships, internships and scholarships for students pursuing careers in STEM, as well as curriculum enhancement and faculty development. The Consortia engage students in hands-on experiential projects, which provide invaluable experiences to make these students well positioned workers in a broad array of technological fields. Member colleges and universities also administer pre-college and public service education projects in their states. Space Grant fosters science and engineering training, research, and industry partnerships with the goal of cultivating a skilled, innovative talent pool to advance space exploration and innovations.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Other
- Nonprofit Organization
4 - Year College or University; Non-Profit Research Organization - Applicants should refer to the NOFO for additional eligibility requirements
Beneficiaries
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. State
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
- Interstate Organization
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
- School District Government
- School District
- Local Government Consortium
- Local
- State
- Territorial
- Tribal
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
- Scientist / Researcher
- University Higher Education
- Graduate and Professional Higher Education
How to Apply
Award Procedure
After proposals are submitted, NASA evaluates all applications to determine funding selections, and applicants are notified of the outcome by email. Award selection announcements generally occur 150 to 220 days after the proposal due date, following approval of NASA funding through the federal budget process. Selection timelines may be extended due to budget delays, required final approvals and concurrence, or if additional information is needed from the applicant, such as revised budgets or supporting details required to finalize the award.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
- Renewal interval: From 30 to 60 days
- Appeal: From 30 to 60 days
For information on application review procedures, applicants should refer to the applicable section of Proposal Review and Selection Criteria of the GCAM: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policyand- compliance-team/#Regulations
Program details & compliance
Description
Space Grant is a national network located in all 50 states , plus the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that fosters science and engineering training, research, and industry partnerships with the goal of cultivating a skilled, innovative talent pool to advance space exploration and innovations.
Mission Categories
Primary: STEM Education
Other categories:
Work Education
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Although NASA’s statutory authority extends beyond research awards, the Agency primarily issues grants and cooperative agreements to support research and research-related activities. Such activities include, but are not limited to, education, travel, conferences, and training. Information on both active and closed NASA grants and cooperative agreements is publicly available at USAspending.gov. Applicants and recipients must refer to the applicable Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and award terms and conditions for program-specific requirements and additional details.
Restrictions
Restrictions on the use of assistance for this listing are governed by the limitations and conditions set forth in NASA’s Grant and Cooperative Agreement Manual (GCAM). The GCAM includes a dedicated section on limitations and restrictions, which outlines the circumstances under which funds may not be used. Applicants and recipients should refer to the applicable GCAM limitations provisions, in conjunction with the specific Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), to understand any restrictions that apply. Only restrictions that are unique to this Assistance Listing or organization are identified here; all other standard limitations apply as described in the GCAM.
Required Documentation
The GCAM provides detailed guidance on the prerequisite registrations and credentialing steps that applicants must complete before proposal submission, including active registrations in SAM.gov and NSPIRES where applicable. These systems help establish an organization’s eligibility, ensure accurate entity identification, and support access to NASA’s proposal submission platforms. In addition, GCAM clearly articulates the certifications and assurances that the signing official must understand and affirm on behalf of the organization, including representations related to organizational eligibility, financial integrity, and compliance with federal regulations. Applicants are encouraged to review the most recent GCAM certification language and assurance requirements to confirm they meet all criteria. The current edition of the NASA GCAM, which serves as the authoritative source for these instructions, is available here: https://www.nasa.gov/grants-policy-and-compliance-team/ 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
A cost-sharing percentage is displayed to satisfy a system requirement that necessitates selection of a value. Cost-sharing requirements, including any applicable percentages, may apply under this listing and, if applicable, will be specified in the NOFO. Applicants should refer to the NOFO for detailed cost-sharing requirements.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements