Apply for a Grant

The submission period for Letters of Interest for the 2021 Cohort is now closed. 

Submission Process

This is the fourth and final cohort of the Science for Seminaries Project (See all participating schools here).  For this cohort, a maximum of 8 schools will be awarded 18-month grants in the amount $75,000.  Proposed project activities should be implemented between the June 2021 and October 2022.  Every grant consideration consists of two parts: an initial Letter of Interest (LOI) and, if invited, a detailed Full Proposal.  The LOIs and proposals will be evaluated by an external review committee with final decisions made by AAAS, in consultation with ATS.

Dates to Remember

Selection Criteria*

• ATS accreditation
• Demonstrated institutional commitment to cultural engagement
• Ability to integrate science into at least two core required courses
• Institutional capacity to implement the grant
• Commitment to sustainability beyond the length of the project
• Name at least two faculty members teaching core courses who are committed to achieving the project’s goals and participating in AAAS-led activities
• Commitment to supporting at least one campus-wide event during the course of the project

*Please note that this project cannot fund work that is primarily focused on bioethics or environmental issues due to the guidelines of the supporting foundation.*

Instructions

Letters of Interest should be at least one but no more than two pages. Please submit letters and questions by email to doser@aaas.org with “Letter of Interest” as the subject heading.

Successful letters of interest will briefly address each of the selection criteria above.  They will also (1) include brief biographies and contact information for the proposed project leader(s); (2) highlight potential impact of the project on students, faculty, and larger community; (3) be concise and compelling; and (4) include preliminary ideas on integrating science into at least two core required courses and a campus-wide event.  Budget information is not needed at this stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the grant and/or the application process? Watch our recorded FAQ session:

What is Science for Seminaries?

Science for Seminaries: Integrating Science into Core Theological Education is an initiative designed to promote positive and respectful dialogue between scientists and religious communities by supporting science appreciation among future religious leaders. ATS and AAAS|DoSER will offer grants to a select group of seminaries to support them in their efforts to integrate science into at least two core courses and produce at least one campus-wide science-themed event. This effort encourages interest within seminaries about the relevance of science to theological education and produce a growing number of pastors equipped to help their congregants find answers to science-related questions. The project’s ultimate goal is to create an atmosphere in places of worship in which science is relevant, complementary, and important to religious worldviews and ultimately promote the appreciation for science in the broader society. For project proposal ideas and information on the Science for Seminaries pilot project, please visit the resource page.