The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The EMBRACE (EMpowering BRoader Academic Capacity and Education) program by NSF GEO supports research and education in geosciences at "non-R1" institutions. It specifically addresses challenges faced by faculty at these institutions by backing initiatives that initiate or expand research and educational activities. The program encompasses two categories of proposals: Seed and Growth. Seed proposals, offering up to $200,000 for up to two years, aim to kickstart research and education programs, foster collaborations within and beyond the institution, including with industry. Growth proposals, providing up to $400,000 for up to four years, focus on establishing independent geoscience research programs and may support various academic and research activities, including student and postdoctoral support, faculty salaries, and other research-related needs.