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Bridging the Future: Call for Proposals

The Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation solicits proposals to support broadening participation activities in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Activities can be geared toward any age group or educational level, from grade school to senior faculty.

We particularly encourage innovative and novel approaches that have not been widely implemented in AI/ML education and outreach. Examples include workshops, programs, and web-based materials designed to enhance the training of young researchers, particularly those that employ innovative methods or reach underserved populations in novel ways.

Activities will be prioritized based on:

  • Novelty and innovation in approach or methodology
  • Potential for broadening representation and inclusion in the field
  • Demonstrated or anticipated high impact and reach
  • Alignment with the goals of the Neural Information Processing Systems Foundation

While we welcome proposals that build upon successful existing models, preference will be given to programs that pioneer new strategies or adapt approaches from other fields in original ways.

Funding: Target maximum of $50,000 (amounts may vary based on goals and impact).

Timeline: Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis, with a target deadline of Feb 15, 2026.

Indirect Cost Policy

It is the policy of Neural Information Processing Systems to provide an indirect cost recovery of 10 percent of project costs on all project grants. Neural Information Processing Systems aims to be explicit, transparent and equitable across fields and organizations. The goals of this policy include:

  • Supporting grantees to accomplish the purposes of the project
  • Structuring awards according to financial need and costs associated with a project
  • Paying the direct costs of grant projects plus a fair share of associated indirect costs
  • Promoting effective and efficient allocation of resources
  • Acting with consistency and fairness across grantees

Application: This indirect cost policy applies only to project grants to nonprofit organizations. The 10 percent indirect cost policy does not apply to:

  • General operating support grants
  • Endowment grants
  • Flexible support project grants, such as grants made to large, well-established organizations for the purposes of supporting the general operations of a separately managed center
  • Other grants as described in the Indirect Cost Policy FAQs
  • Grants where an exception is approved on a case-by-case basis by an authorized committee at the Foundation

This policy is effective January 1, 2026.

Contact:  bridging-the-future@neurips.cc

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