Science for Public Good Fund

Science for Public Good Fund is sponsored by Union of Concerned Scientists. The Science for Public Good Fund provides financial support to Science Network members for advocacy actions or related events that promote the role of science in public policy, with an emphasis on understanding and addressing local impacts.

Science for Public Good Fund | Union of Concerned Scientists Reports & Multimedia / Activist Resource 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 up to $1,500 of 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.

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

Commitments of grant recipients 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.) We are now accepting applications until January 6, 2026. Please complete the application form .

For any questions regarding your application, please contact Tosin Fadeyi at tfadeyi@ucsusa. org. The Science for Public Good Fund can support individuals, informal (unincorporated), and formal (incorporated or 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. 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. August Congressional Recess 2026 Introducing Generations of Science, a community-based effort working together to defend scientific integrity in the US.

Advocating for Science During the August 2026 Congressional Recess Tools to tell your legislators that anti-science actions are dangerous for you and your community. UCS vs Anti-Science Actions We're suing the Trump administration on a wide range of issues—and winning. Disappearing data.

Silenced scientists. We've tracked threats to the federal scientific enterprise for decades. Quadruple Your Impact Until 12/31!

We need you to hold the line against Trump’s dangerous anti-science agenda in 2026. Renew your support before 12/31 to count your gift toward the 4X Together For Science Match! 87% of funds go directly to programs