UEF has been an instrumental partner of DiscoverE helping us reach millions of students, educators, and volunteers every year with engineering resources and programs.”
Kathy Renzetti, CAE, Executive Director, Discover Engineering
Grants Program Overview
If it is Good for the Engineering Profession, Good for Collaboration, and Good for the Public, the UEF Grants Program is Good for You.
All funding for the grants comes from endowment earnings. The UEF gives between 5 – 10 grants per year totaling nearly $800,000.
We invite you to explore the sections below to learn more about the UEF Grant Program.
Background
The United Engineering Foundation advances the engineering arts and sciences for the welfare of humanity. It supports engineering and education by, among other means, making grants.
Scope
Grants should be consistent with advancing engineering.
Preferences
The UEF Board of Trustees evaluates and judges proposals in view of the UEF mission, the perceived ability of the proposal and proposer(s) to further that mission, and the available funding. Proposals are accepted only from U.S. based organizations classified by the Internal Revenue Service as having 501(c)(3) status. While all proposals meeting the requirements for
- U.S. based organizations having 501(c)(3) status,
- established deadlines, and
- page limitations
will be considered, certain UEF preferences should be understood by proposers:
- Broad-based, interdisciplinary proposals that further the engineering profession as a whole are preferred.
- Multiple-year proposals are welcome, but funding is awarded for a single year only. Proposals for subsequent years follow procedures identical to that of single-year proposals. No commitment for funding of subsequent years of a multiple-year project should be inferred from funding of a prior year.
- Projects must be performed ONLY between January and December of the specific “Grant Year.”
- Projects that are outside “business as usual” of the proposing organization are preferred.
- Technical research proposals and proposals by individuals are seldom accepted.
Process
Proposals are accepted from not-for-profit organizations, individuals, and groups of such entities, once per year. UEF’s 2026 grant process (for 2027 grants) consists of two stages:
- Submission of a short 2-page concept paper will be due by 6:00 p.m. EDT on May 1, 2026. Please make sure to complete the online Concept Paper application with all information when submitting your request. Concept papers more than 2 pages will be automatically rejected.
- Selected concept papers will be invited to submit a detailed proposal by 6:00 p.m. EDT August 1, 2026.
Concept Paper
Any 501(c)3 organization may present multiple concept papers for consideration by the UEF Grants Committee. The submitting organization must prioritize its top two concept papers in the grant cycle.
Email: grants@unitedengineeringfnd.org with any questions or issues.
Proposal (Stage 2)
If invited, the proposal should provide more detail, including detailed objectives, detailed schedule, business plan, and reporting. Proposals must be submitted as a PDF document via the link provided in the invitation notification.
Report
Reports are required at the end of the project period.
Questions/Contacts
We have created a list of Frequently Asked Questions for your convenience. If you still need assistance, please contact us at director@unitedengineeringfnd.org
