Informal science education supports people of all ages and walks of life in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Science centers, museums and other nonprofits are eligible for funding under NSF's Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program. This program "seeks to improve the quality and expand the scope of research and research training in science and engineering, by providing shared instrumentation that fosters the integration of research and education in research-intensive learning environments."
The full proposal deadline is August 10, 2009. For more information about NSF solicitation 09-561, click here.