Tier 1: Spark Funding
Tier 1: Spark Funding proposals are smaller dollar grants designed to assist with shorter-term needs. Please see the details below regarding the various tracks.
Proposal Development Track
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
Projected # of Awards: 10 during the 2023-2024 Academic Year
Deadlines: Proposal Development applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 30, 2024. Awards are generally made around a month after submission to be responsive to researcher needs.
Link to InfoReady Competition for T1: Proposal Development
Pop-Up Initiative Track
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.
Award Period: 1 summer month during Summer 2024
Award Cap: Up to $20,000
Projected # of Awards: Up to 6 awards for Summer 2024
Deadlines: The next cycle for Pop-Up Initiatives will be in Spring of 2025.
If you have any questions about this program, please email researchseedfunding@wustl.edu.