Spark Funding Grants

Spark Funding proposals are smaller dollar grants designed to assist with shorter-term needs, such as proposal and team development. Unless well and explicitly justified, Spark Funding grants are not meant to support research project costs.

Proposal Development Grant

The Proposal Development Track supports cross-school research teams in the preparation and submission of complex, large-scale proposals. Successful external grant proposals require significant advance planning, a compelling research vision, strong preliminary data, buy-in from research partners, and a track record of robust teamwork among collaborating investigators across multiple disciplines. Teams are expected to submit a proposal within 9 months after the proposal development support program ends.

Award Cap: Up to $20,000

Award Period: 9 months from award

Deadlines: Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis for AY 2024-25 as long as funds are available

Pop-Up Initiative Grant

The Pop-Up Initiative Track program allows for dedicated resources, time, and space for researchers across the University to combine their unique perspectives and skill sets in pursuit of a common go for ‘one summer month.’ Each Pop-Up Initiative is expected to produce a research product based on its in-depth preparation for a larger future research initiative. These funds are not intended to provide project support, but rather to allow for teams to lay the foundations for subsequent collaborative work.

Award Period: 1 summer month

Award Cap: Up to $20,000

Deadlines: October 30th at 11:59 PM, 2024


If you have any questions about these program, please email researchseedfunding@wustl.edu.