On June 18, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Gulf Research Program unveiled the Gulf Futures Challenge, a $50 million open competition aimed at addressing critical challenges in the Gulf of Mexico region. This initiative seeks to discover and invest in innovative solutions that tackle issues related to energy transition, environmental change, and community resilience.

 
Up to 10 finalists will receive as much as $1 million each in project development support and technical assistance to refine their proposals. Ultimately, two finalists will be awarded $20 million each to implement their transformative solutions. This marks the largest grant opportunity in the 11-year history of the Gulf Research Program.
"The smart application of scientific, engineering, and medical knowledge is essential for ensuring productivity, health, and sustainability for the communities and critical ecosystems of the Gulf Coast," stated Marcia McNutt, president of the National Academy of Sciences. "We are proud to support this challenge, which is tapping into the Gulf's most valuable resource - the knowledge, creativity, and passion of the people who call it home."
The Gulf Futures Challenge encourages participation from nonprofits, local governments, and academic institutions based in the Gulf region, which includes Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Projects must be located within 100 miles of the Gulf coastline and should focus on bridging knowledge to action to create inclusive and transformative solutions.
Lauren Alexander Augustine, executive director of the Gulf Research Program, emphasized the potential impact of this initiative, stating, "Challenges like this provide a unique way to surface and support truly innovative ideas and collaborations. The approach we're taking here is at the cutting edge of philanthropy, and the GRP is looking forward to the creative and transformative solutions that will emerge."
Interested applicants must register by August 20, 2024, and submit their proposals by September 20, 2024.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2024/06/new-50-million-challenge-launched-to-support-a-safer-more-resilient-and-sustainable-future-for-the-u-s-gulf-coast-region