August 6, 2026

UPCOMING OSP PRESENTATION

Please join OSP during August Professional Development to learn about our new grant management database: Kuali. This session, "Transitioning to Kuali: Understanding New Processes for Sponsored Programs on Campus," will be held in the Falcon Center Board Room from 10:00-10:50 a.m. on August 11, 2026.

We highly encourage all active Principal Investigators (PIs) and any employees interested in pursuing grant funding in the future to attend this training to become familiar with Kuali prior to our anticipated launch date of August 17, 2026.

GRANT AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

For Faculty and Staff

FEATURED OPPORTUNITIES

West Virginia Science, Technology, & Research (STaR), a division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), provides strategic leadership for the development of competitive research opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The office directs the National Science Foundation's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) in West Virginia, coordinates scientific research grants to academic institutions from federal and state agencies, and conducts outreach activities to broaden the public's understanding of science and technology.

WVHEPC STaR: E-CORE White Paper Request

Posted: August 6, 2026

The STaR Division is soliciting non-binding, exploratory white papers to inform the development of a statewide proposal to the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR Collaborations for Optimizing Research Ecosystems (E-CORE) program. Following the solicitation of white papers, STaR will coordinate the submission of a proposal for a Planning Grant to the NSF to support subsequent proposal development. E-CORE awards support jurisdiction-wide efforts to build research capacity and infrastructure, strengthen STEM ecosystems, and translate research into economic and societal impact. STaR encourages the submission of white papers representing a range of conceptual maturity, including early-stage exploratory ideas, emerging concepts, and more fully developed plans.

Proposals Due: October 15, 2026

Click here for more information on the White Paper Request.

Click here for more information on the E-CORE program.

Other featured opportunities from WVHEPC's STaR Division include the following:

Innovation Grant — This program supports the purchase of modern instruments and supplies and provides for minor renovations of advanced undergraduate laboratories. Curriculum enhancements and innovations in classroom instruction, delivery, and pedagogy are central interests of Innovation awards. Equipment and materials should be used primarily for instructional purposes but may also be used to enhance faculty research programs that actively include undergraduates as primary participants. Proposals are due October 1, 2026, and applicants may request up to $40,000. Click here for more information on application guidelines.
Instrumentation Grant — This program provides for the purchase of modern instruments for advanced undergraduate laboratories and encourages the submission of related proposals to NSF and other federal agencies. The instruments should be used primarily for instructional purposes but may also be used to enhance faculty research programs that actively include undergraduates as primary participants. Faculty are strongly encouraged to utilize STaR support as a foundation for more advanced and competitive proposals. Proposals are due October 1, 2026, and applicants may request up to $20,000. Click here for more information on application guidelines.
Summer/Semester Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) Grant — This program helps colleges and universities provide Summer/Semester Research Experience to undergraduate students in STEM fields. Block grants to four-year institutions are awarded for the purpose of providing small research stipends to undergraduate students. Proposals are due October 16, 2026, and applicants may request up to $75,000. Click here for more information on application guidelines.
Opportunity Grants & Sponsorships Program - This program supports STEM education such as initiatives demonstrating the value of STEM in West Virginia and those in STEM careers. Projects typically funded include, but are not limited to: camps or workshops for WV residents, increasing STEM participation initiatives, out of state travel to scientific conferences or for research purposes, and sponsorship of state-wide scientific or technical events. Proposals are due on a rolling basis, and applicants may request up to $5,000. Click here for more information on application guidelines.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Office Hours: Q&A Session about Current Opportunities offered by STaR

The STaR Division of the WVHEPC will hold two separate information and Q&A sessions to field questions about current opportunities. These one-hour sessions will be held on August 11, 2026 at 12 p.m. and August 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. Current Opportunities include the SURE Grant, the Innovation Grant, the Instrumentation Grant, the Opportunity Grant, and the E-CORE (NSF) White Paper Solicitation.

Click here to register.

NEW NOTICES

Community Development

Target: Community Engagement Funds
Posted: August 6, 2026

Target Community Engagement Funds (CEF) is a community grant program that empowers Target stores and distribution center leaders to make meaningful, localized giving decisions that meet the needs of the communities where team members and guests live, work, and thrive. CEF will prioritize nonprofit programs and initiatives aligned to its focus areas:

Thriving families: Basic needs and youth development.
Vibrant Neighborhoods: Community vitalization; Community and green spaces.
Emerging Creative & Culture: Cultural Partnerships and creative programming.
Economic Opportunity: Workforce Development

Proposals Due: September 3, 2026

Funding Range: $1,000 to $15,000