2025 Civic Science Media Collaborations Program

The Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, with support from the Rita Allen Foundation, is offering a funding opportunity for civic science media projects. The awards aim to accelerate civic science media collaborations across the United States with funding and coaching.

This is the second open call for pilot awards in support of projects that can bridge the gap between scientists, media, and communities, with a focus on increasing public participation in science, expanding public deliberation about emerging science and creating opportunities for science to be informed by diverse communities.

A total of 10 awards up to $15,000 each are available. This opportunity is not meant to fund long-term, multi-year partnerships, but rather short-term pilots that:

  • Foster ongoing, multidirectional dialogue between media organizations, scientists, and local communities.
  • Include direct community participation in the scientific and/or media-creation process, ensuring that local concerns and perspectives substantially influence the conversation.
  • Enhance science literacy by making complex scientific topics more accessible and engaging.

Priority areas include artificial intelligence, climate science, and neuroscience, which align with the broader goals of the Foundation’s overall civic science program.

Opportunity offered by:

Center for Cooperative Media

The Center was founded in 2012 in response to the downsizing of New Jersey news organizations and the changes in the ownership of regional public media.  The Center coordinates statewide…
Online application form
Contact for application information
Opportunity type

Grant

Location(s) where available

United States (all)

Areas of focus

Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Media
Neuroscience
Science

Applications accepted starting:
June 2, 2025
Application deadline:
August 31, 2025
This is a recurring opportunity