Application Process
To apply for a CBL grant, interested institutions must first submit an initial application through our online portal. After review, the CBL Selection Committee will invite standout candidates to submit a full proposal. Only potential grantees explicitly invited by the Selection Committee may submit a detailed proposal.
Program Requirements and Guidelines
- Grants are made to four-year degree-granting institutions, not directly to individuals. Only those with the authority to apply on behalf of the institution are eligible to submit.
- Institutions may request up to $750,000 to use over five years.
- Applicants must have conducted or plan to conduct research (climate surveys, sexual harassment surveys, diversity studies, or equivalent research efforts) that demonstrates a clear understanding of the barriers its particular communities of women encounter. The use of national data alone is not sufficient evidence of expertise. CBL funding can be part of the proposed research plans.
- Catholic institutions with strong science programs are especially encouraged to apply. According to the terms of Ambassador Luce’s bequest, at least 50% of the Program’s awards go to Roman Catholic colleges or universities.
- Minority-Serving institutions and institutions with high percentages of Pell Grant-eligible students whose institutional mission and/or strategic plan aligns with CBL Program goals are encouraged to apply.
Program Restrictions
- We do not accept applications related to medical, behavioral, and social science fields.
- Funds may not be used for international study or travel abroad programs.
- CBL grantees may not apply for another grant until three years after the submission of their final narrative and budget report.
2025 Application Calendar
Monday, December 16, 2024
CBL 2025 application period begins
March 3, 2025Â
Deadline for all initial applications
Mid to Late May
The Selection Committee notifies institutions of the results
Tuesday, September 2nd
Deadline for full proposals
Mid to Late October
The Selection Committee notifies grant winners
March 2026
The first payment is delivered
Upcoming Webinars & Recordings
The Clare Boothe Luce Program for Women in STEM will host a series of webinars in early January to discuss the program and competition. The webinars are intended only for higher education institutions applying to the program. You may sign up to attend one of our webinars through the Survey Monkey Link below, and a link to the webinar will be emailed closer to the webinar date. For those who cannot attend these meetings, a recording will be available later by request only.
Sign up for one of our sessions here.
Competition Forms
Below is the CBL 2025 Application Form to fill out and upload to our portal, a copy of the 2025 CBL Invited Guidelines, and a step-by-step guide about uploading your application to our portal.