Applications are OPEN for Cohort 3 of the Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) project!
For full application guidelines, CLICK HERE.

DEADLINE: June 24, 2026, 11:59PM PST

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Overview

This is the third cohort of the Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) Initiative. The project provides grants to theological education institutions to engage forefront climate-related science with the goal of equipping current and future religious leaders to lead their communities in understanding climate change and addressing associated challenges at the local level. 

For this cohort, schools will be awarded up to $15,000 for a 16-month grant. Proposed project activities should be implemented between August 2026 and December 2027. Grant consideration consists of a single application accompanied by required supporting documents. The application will be evaluated by an external review committee with final decisions made by AAAS. To start your application, CLICK HERE.  

Dates to Remember

Grant Requirements 

Participants in the Climate Science in Theological Education project will: 

• Meaningfully engage climate-related science within theological education. This can include capacity building, course engagements, ministry/leadership-focused activities, or other programs tailored to your community. 
• Host at least one enrichment activity or campus event on the grant topic that engages your students, faculty, alumni network, and/or the broader public. 
• Participate in a two-hour kickoff meeting and two-day virtual workshop.

Selection Criteria

Selections for funding will be based primarily on your proposal’s articulation of the following:

• The positive, substantial impact this project would make on your institution, with new engagement with climate science
• How this project will equip and empower future and/or current religious leaders to actively engage climate science in their ministerial or leadership contexts
• How this project is uniquely suited to the context of your educational institution and community
• The experience and ability of the personnel on this project (project leader, faculty, etc.)
• The commitment of your institution to engagement and completion of all project goals
• The impact of this project beyond your institution and its sustainability beyond the length of the project

Instructions

Applications should be completed and submitted with all required documents by the application close date, June 24, 11:59pm PDT.

CLICK HERE to read the application instructions.

CLICK HERE to go to the application portal.  

The application will:   

• include contact information and CVs for the proposed project leader(s);  
• highlight potential impact of the project on students, faculty, pastors, and larger community;  
• be concise and compelling;  
• include preliminary ideas on engaging with climate science in the areas of (a) capacity building, (b) course engagement, and/or (c) ministry-focused activities, and at least one enrichment activity; and  
• include a budget outline and narrative for the proposed project of up to $15,000.  

For an example of how to outline your proposed budget, CLICK HERE. For more details on the application and instructions, CLICK HERE. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Read the Climate Science in Theological Education FAQ

We will host two FAQ sessions during the open application window on May 18 and June 11 at 1:00pm EDT. If you would like a copy of the slides shared during the FAQ, please email LCastren@aaas.org or DoSER@aaas.org. 

Read the Q&A Transcript from the June 11 FAQ Session here

Watch the record of the May 18 FAQ session below

What is the Climate Science in Theological Education Grant project? 

The Climate Science in Theological Education (CSTE) initiative provides grants to theological education institutions to engage forefront climate-related science with the goal of equipping current and future religious leaders to lead their communities in understanding climate change and addressing associated challenges at the local level. The project’s ultimate goals are to create an atmosphere in places of worship in which climate science is relevant, complementary, and important to faith/religious worldviews, and to promote faithful and meaningful action on climate change in the broader society. 

The CSTE project builds upon the success of the Science for Seminaries: Integrating Science into Core Theological Education (Science for Seminaries) project, as well as a pilot project in incorporating climate science into seminary curricula. Science for Seminaries was an initiative designed to promote positive and respectful dialogue between scientists and faith/religious communities by supporting science appreciation among future religious leaders. AAAS DoSER offered 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 encouraged interest within seminaries and surrounding communities about the relevance of science to theological education and produced a growing number of pastors equipped to help their congregants find answers to science-related questions.  

For project proposal ideas and information on the Climate Science in Theological Education pilot project, visit the project page HERE.