The Science for Public Good Fund

The Science for Public Good Fund is a grant program for members of the Science Network  at the Union of Concerned Scientists to apply for financial support for online advocacy actions, digital community building, or other efforts to advance equitable science-based policy, with an emphasis on addressing local impacts.

For 10 years, the UCS Science for Public Good Fund has helped Science Network members put their ideas into action—supporting scientists and technical experts as they work with communities, build advocacy skills, and advance equitable, science-based policy.

This year, we’re building on that history with something new.

Introducing the Science for Public Good Fund Cohort

The 2027 Science for Public Good Fund will bring together a cohort of Science Network members working on advocacy projects across the country.

Selected participants will receive up to $1,500 to support their advocacy project, plus $500 for participating in the cohort.

The cohort is designed to create a learning community where participants can strengthen their advocacy skills, learn from one another, connect with UCS staff and other experts, and share what they learn along the way.

The cohort will kick off in early 2027 and will include:

• Monthly one-hour virtual meetings for peer learning and skills building
• Short workshops focused on advocacy skills and strategies
• Opportunities to share project updates, challenges, and lessons with fellow participants
• Opportunities to inform UCS programming
• At least two individual coaching conversations with UCS staff
• Optional office hours and opportunities to connect with UCS staff
• A virtual showcase highlighting participants' projects and lessons learned

Participants will receive $250 midway through the cohort and $250 upon completion in recognition of the time and effort involved in participating in the learning community. This $500 is separate from project funding.

Who is eligible?

Applicants must be active UCS Science Network experts (or must be willing to join) at time of application. Join the UCS Science Network.

The Science Network embraces the full diversity of scientists and their perspectives. Read more about diversity, inclusion, and equity in the Science Network, and the Science Network Code of Conduct.

What kind of projects and activities are eligible?

All funded projects will either advocate for equitable science-based policy, build science advocacy skills, and/or address inequities in existing policies and regulations.

Projects that support community groups and environmental justice organizations will be prioritized.

We are looking to support creative and collaborative approaches for reaching people (online and/or safely in person) and ensuring they have the information and resources they need to engage in science advocacy. Dream big! We can’t wait to see your ideas.

Examples for use of funds:

• Resources and tools for in-person events, such as venues, printing, and vendors
• Online tools and/or  support for virtual meetings, events, and activities
• Support for advertising, promotion, or recruitment of online efforts (including digital or print advertising)
• Honoraria for trainers, speakers, or community voices

We strongly encourage proposals that: 

• are designed to reach diverse audiences that are historically underrepresented;
• incorporate equity-informed science advocacy from the beginning, as expressed in goals and purpose;
• work with impacted communities or justice-based groups;
• engage scientists and experts at minority serving institutions such as historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions (AANAPISIs);
• feature opportunities for project organizers to grow their advocacy skills and leadership; and/or
• come from applicants with a demonstrated financial need.

If you have previously received a Science for Public Good grant, you are still encouraged to apply, although we are prioritizing new applicants. Applicants who have received the Fund twice already will not be considered.

For resources on building community and taking action online, see our Scientist Advocacy Toolkit.

Read more about previous Science for Public Good Fund grant recipients.

Commitments of grant recipients

All actions and events need to be completed and reported on within 6 months of receiving the grant. Activities should be documented through a write-up, with the addition of photos, video, web links, and/or social media.

Recipients will report back on the use of the funds and will share lessons learned with fellow scientists through avenues such as guest blog posts, online trainings, or other platforms.

All recipients will remain an active expert with the UCS Science Network for two years (an active expert is one who has taken an action online or offline within the last year,  or attended a training or event, and has not opted out from UCS Science Network emails.) 

Expectations for cohort participants

The Science for Public Good Fund is more than a grant this year. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the cohort and contribute to a supportive learning community.
Selected participants will be expected to:

• Participate regularly in monthly cohort workshops and project-sharing sessions
• Share project updates, challenges, ideas, and lessons with other cohort members
• Complete their funded advocacy project during the grant period
• Participate in a final virtual showcase
• Submit a brief report documenting the project, use of funds, outcomes, and lessons learned
• Be willing to participate in opportunities to take action with UCS, inform UCS programming, or connect with a UCS campaign as they arise

We know schedules and circumstances change, and we will work with participants to make cohort activities as accessible as possible.

Participants may also have opportunities to share their experiences more broadly through UCS communications, trainings, blogs, or other platforms.

All recipients are expected to remain active experts with the UCS Science Network for two years. An active expert is someone who has taken an online or offline action, attended a training or event within the previous year, and has not opted out of UCS Science Network emails.

How does the funding work?

Selected applicants can receive:

Up to $1,500 in project funding
This funding is intended for expenses directly related to carrying out the advocacy project described in the application.

$500 for cohort participation
Participants can receive an additional $500 in recognition of their participation in the cohort, with $250 distributed midway through the program and $250 upon completion.

The Science for Public Good Fund can support individuals as well as informal, unincorporated, incorporated, and 501(c)(3) groups. If applying for funds exceeding $599 on behalf of a group, we recommend using a checking account in the group’s name or having a fiscal agent. If the grant is sent to you directly, it may be considered personal income for the recipient and become taxable. Individuals may apply (without tax liability) for funds in the amount of $599 or less. Applications for funds in the amount of $600 or more will require submission of a W9.

How to apply

We are now accepting applications until January 5, 2027. Please complete the application form.

For any questions regarding your application, please contact Tosin Fadeyi at tfadeyi@ucs.org.

In order to open a bank account to deposit funds, the bank may request an Employee Identification Number (EIN) be assigned for identification purposes. A Community Volunteer Group can request an EIN number online by following the instructions at this IRS website.

The UCS Science Network wants to spotlight and support the valuable science advocacy work you are undertaking. Let us help you put your science into action.

We're excited to see what we can make possible together in the next 10 years.