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BOOST (Building Opportunity Out of Science and Technology) Grant Opportunity FAQs

What is the BOOST grant opportunity?

Building Opportunity Out of Science and Technology (BOOST) is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity administered by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), through its Office of Science and Technology Cooperation. It supports projects that strengthen the ability of young scientists in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to do high-level, practical science that improves quality of life and supports economic growth.

What is the main goal of BOOST?

The main goal is to help early-career researchers become more effective, better connected, and more competitive members of the global scientific community. While technical instruction may be included, the emphasis is on practical skills and real-world experiences that traditional science education often does not provide.

Who is the primary target audience for BOOST-funded activities?

Projects are aimed primarily at young scientists ages 18 to 30 in MENA.

What types of activities does the program encourage?

The announcement highlights activities such as grant writing and research funding readiness, finding and using data and learning how to share it responsibly, and science communication for both expert and non-expert audiences. It also emphasizes broader competencies related to how science is planned, managed, and carried out in professional settings.

Is BOOST focused on teaching scientific content or something else?

BOOST is not limited to science content instruction. The program prioritizes skills and experiences that strengthen researchers professionally, including the ability to compete for funding, communicate science effectively, and operate within modern research environments.

What does it mean that proposals should be "practical and gap-driven"?

Proposals are expected to demonstrate a clear understanding of current science education and research capacity in the country or countries where activities will occur, identify specific weaknesses or gaps, and present concrete methods and activities to address those gaps.

How many awards does this opportunity expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates one award to a single grantee to deliver a coordinated suite of projects.

What is the CFDA number for this grant program?

Funding is offered as a discretionary grant under CFDA 19.017 (Environmental and Scientific Partnerships and Programs).

How much funding is available?

The estimated total funding amount is $247,500. The award floor is $240,000 and the award ceiling is $247,500.

Is there a required budget set-aside for a specific event?

Yes. A specific program requirement is that up to $20,000 of the grant must be used to assist and support participation by U.S. and developing-nation representatives in the Eye on Earth Summit in Abu Dhabi in 2011. This convening is a defined component of the overall project budget and plan.

Does the announcement express preferences about scale and reach?

Yes. OES indicates a preference for proposals that can reach national or regional scale, especially through tools and formats that expand access.

What kinds of approaches are suggested for scaling impact?

Examples mentioned include digital platforms, exchange programs, and other scalable approaches that connect participants across institutions and borders.

Are partnerships encouraged?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with partner organizations and institutions to broaden impact and bring added resources.

Is cost sharing required?

No. Cost sharing is encouraged as a way to bring added resources, but it is not required.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to organizations (not individuals). Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, institutions of higher education, foreign nonprofits, and public international organizations.

Can individuals apply directly for BOOST funding?

No. The opportunity is limited to organizations rather than individuals.

Does the Department of State indicate any preference for applicant experience?

Yes. The Department of State signals that applicants should already have significant experience delivering science capacity-building programs outside the United States.

Is regional experience in MENA important for competitiveness?

Yes. The announcement states a clear preference for organizations that have an established footprint and extensive activity in MENA countries.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity is identified as S-OES-11-RFA-0008.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on May 5, 2011, and had a closing date of June 23, 2011.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The announcement was later archived on July 23, 2011.

Which office within OES runs this opportunity?

The program is run through OES, specifically its Office of Science and Technology Cooperation.

What are the program's broader outcomes it aims to support?

Proposals are expected to align with OES goals of building a globally connected scientific workforce capable of producing solutions to shared challenges and contributing to development, including improvements in quality of life and support for economic growth.

Who are the listed points of contact for administrative questions?

The announcement lists points of contact within OES/STC, including Dr. Jeffrey Margolis and Program Analyst Barbara Jones.