Research Funding Opportunities Bulletin
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Office of Research: Updated Guidance on F&A Rates for Federal Grants
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Please see the below update sent to campus on May 19, 2025 from Ramamoorthy Ramesh, Executive Vice President for Research:
Over a stretch of several weeks starting in February, the NIH, DOE, NSF, and DOD each reduced to 15% their F&A rates for grants made to university researchers. After each announcement, coalitions led by the AAU filed suit to prevent the rate reductions.
Since these developments, Rice faculty members have asked three important questions:
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- Should I submit my next federal grant proposal with a 15% F&A rate, or instead with Rice's existing, negotiated rate of 56.5%?
- What will happen if I make the wrong decision?
- Will Rice participate in the legal efforts to stop these reductions to F&A?
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On the first two questions, our guidance is that Rice PIs should continue to request an F&A rate of 56.5% from all federal granting agencies, including the NSF, NIH, DOE, and others.
Here's why:
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- On April 4, a federal judge in Boston granted a permanent injunction against the NIH’s plan to cap F&A rates at 15%.
- On May 15, a different federal judge in Boston granted a preliminary injunction against the DOE’s similar plan.
- The federal courts have not yet ruled on the AAU’s request for a preliminary injunction against the NSF. But on May 14, when asked about new proposals pending a ruling from the court, NSF representatives explained to the AAU that the NSF has “no plans to reject or disregard the proposals after submission to NSF based on the use of the NICRA [Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement - in Rice’s case, an F&A rate of 56.5%] in the proposals. Instead, NSF anticipates that there would be a conversation with the IHE [submitting institution of higher education] regarding the proposal.”
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Based on the outcomes of the NIH and DOE lawsuits, and on the AAU's guidance, we strongly reaffirm Rice’s earlier guidance to continue submitting proposals at the rate specified in Rice's NICRA: 56.5%.
On the last question: yes, Rice is actively collaborating with the AAU in its lawsuits against the NIH, DOE, and NSF. Most recently, on May 5, Rice supported the AAU’s suit against the NSF by submitting this sworn declaration from Provost and Executive Vice President Amy Dittmar. The Provost's declaration joins sworn statements submitted by leaders from UChicago, Caltech, Cornell, MIT, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Yale, and other AAU institutions. Like Rice's similar statement in the NIH lawsuit, this document was filed with the court to support the AAU's lawsuit and explain the tangible impact of the proposed F&A cuts on Rice.
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Explore opportunities and resources by clicking the anchor links below:
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Corporate Funding Opportunities
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IBM Center for the Business of Government | Policy Research + Multidiscipline
Research Report Stipends - The IBM Center for the Business of Government is offering support for reports that offer practical findings and actionable recommendations to improve government effectiveness and address management challenges at the federal, state, local, or international levels. The report should be 10,000 to 12,000 words and provide insights for government leaders and public managers. Individuals from universities, nonprofit organizations, or journalism are eligible to apply online. Funding: $20,000 per report | Applications open June 4; Application Deadline: June 20
Haleon | Natural Sciences + Multidiscipline
Improving delivery and bioavailability of micronutrients in supplements - This opportunity seeks novel delivery technologies to enhance the absorption, stability, release, and bioavailability of key micronutrients in orally delivered vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Solutions of interest include bioengineered systems, various encapsulation and nano-delivery methods, and consumer-friendly formats like gummies or oral films. Proposed approaches should clearly demonstrate how they improve nutrient delivery, be compatible with existing supplement ingredients, and be considered safe for ingestion. Technologies from pharmaceutical applications using GRAS components are also welcome. Funding: $25,000 to $100,000 for a six-month proof-of-concept project | Application Deadline: June 30
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Have questions about federal, corporate, or private funding? Do you want to learn more about Rice's internal submissions process, possible funding opportunities for your research, or how to navigate the Pivot database?
Join us at the Dandelion Café this Friday, June 6, anytime from 9 to 11 a.m. to talk to someone on our staff!
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We will not be holding open house in July, and we look forward to reconvening the first Friday in August.
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Private Company | STEM + Natural Sciences
Additive manufacturing for nutritional supplements - This opportunity seeks additive manufacturing technologies to enable the production of personalized vitamins, minerals, and supplements (VMS). The aim is to optimize internal manufacturing and create customized consumer experiences. Solutions of interest include 3D printing systems for tablets/capsules, systems for layered or compartmentalized delivery, and micro-dosing platforms. Proposed technologies must support individual dose customization of multiple active ingredients, be compatible with various VMS raw material forms, enable ingestible formats, and preserve ingredient integrity during manufacturing. Funding: $25,000 to $100,000 for a six-month proof-of-concept project | Application Deadline: June 30
Private Company | STEM + Materials
In-line viscosity monitoring for real-time molecular weight assessment - This opportunity seeks in-line technologies to assess polymer molecular weight in real-time during injection molding, specifically for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The goal is to detect polymer degradation by correlating in-line viscosity measurements to molecular weight or solution intrinsic viscosity. Solutions of interest include in-line rheometers, viscometers, or sensors utilizing pressure differentials or sonic methods. Proposed technologies must provide real-time measurements within the approximately 1.5-second injection window, adjust for temperature fluctuations, operate at high temperatures and pressures, and integrate within a specified nozzle length. Funding: $25,000 – $100,000 | Application Deadline: June 30
Private Company | Chemical Engineering + Materials
Conversion of recycled polyethylene into wax - This opportunity seeks partners to develop an efficient process for converting high-density polyethylene (HDPE) post-consumer resin (PCR) into wax. The goal is to valorize recycled materials by breaking down long polymer chains into shorter ones, producing waxes suitable for various applications. Solutions of interest include catalyst development, solvent-assisted conversion, reactor optimization, and methods for controlling reaction conditions and refining waxes. The process should yield minimal by-products, demonstrate scalability, and be environmentally responsible. Funding: Up to $100,000 | Application Deadline: June 30
NVIDIA | STEM + AI & Advanced Computing
Academic Grant Program - NVIDIA's grant program has an open call for research proposals in three new interest areas: Generative AI Training & Model Development, Generative AI Alignment & Inference, and Simulation & Modeling. Your project must incorporate NVIDIA technology and demonstrate how it will help achieve the desired outcome to be eligible. More details for each CFP can be found in each call's hyperlinked guidelines. Funding: Amount undisclosed; Recipients may also receive NVIDIA hardware, software or services | Application Deadline: June 30
EDGE Group + Wazoku Crowd | STEM + Multidiscipline
Drone in a Box Challenge - This challenge seeks comprehensive "drone in a box" solutions that integrate an autonomous UAV, its docking station for deployment and charging, ground control station for telemetry and operations, and seamless operating software into a single, unified, scalable system. The solution must operate autonomously in harsh environments for various missions, with the UAV having a payload capacity of at least 1kg, a minimum 30-minute flight time under load, and advanced navigation. The docking station should be robust and weatherproof, allowing remote operability and diagnostic capabilities. The ground control system requires a user-friendly interface with AI-driven features. Video evidence of operation is required. Funding: $15,000 (first place) and $5,000 (second place); winners will be invited to discuss potential acquisition of their solutions and IP | Submission Deadline: July 7
Gilead Sciences, Inc. | Natural Sciences + Medical Research
Research Scholars Program in HIV - This program invests in early-career researchers dedicated to making advancements the field of HIV. Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative, impactful research proposals in areas such as basic science, clinical studies, behavioral research, epidemiology, implementation science, community-based participatory research, health inequities, management of comorbidities, HIV prevention, digital models, AI, and health economics. Interested applicants can attend a Q&A session with the review committee on Wednesday, June 11, from 12 to 1 p.m. Click here for more information and to register. Funding: Up to $180,000 for a two-year term ($90,000 per year) | Application Deadline: July 7
Procter & Gamble | STEM + Materials
Biodegradable Cationic Polymers - This call seeks highly biodegradable cationic polymers that can effectively deliver active ingredients and provide conditioning in cleansing products. Proposed materials should enable deposition on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces and be available in gram-scale quantities with a pathway to larger-scale production. Preliminary biodegradability data or a clear rationale for high biodegradability is required. Proposals for innovative production processes for these polymers are also welcome. Funding: Award amount varies by proposal | Application Deadline: July 31
Kraft Heinz | Natural Sciences + AI & Advanced Computing
Predictive Shelf-Life Modeling for Food Products - This call seeks experts in predictive shelf-life modeling for packaged food products, particularly those with experience leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence. The aim is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of shelf-life prediction for various food categories by applying advanced modeling techniques grounded in food science, microbiology, sensory, and packaging fundamentals. Expertise in data requirements and integration with existing shelf-life testing protocols is desired. Funding: Competitive rates for a set duration, plus potential pilot project funding | Application Deadline: July 31
Carlisle | STEM + Engineering
Surface Tack Reduction in Uncured Rubber Sheet Processing - This call seeks innovative solutions to eliminate the need for powder-based dusting during the manufacturing of uncured EPDM rubber sheets, which currently prevents self-sticking but poses environmental and aesthetic challenges. Solutions may include functional additives, roll-handling innovations, environmentally friendly spray-coatings/anti-tack agents, or chemical additives that migrate to the surface. Proposed technologies should be production-ready or have a clear path to industrial implementation, particularly within the tire and rubber manufacturing sector, without compromising the physical properties of the EPDM. Funding: Up to $100,000 for the first year, with potential for extension | Application Deadline: July 31
Johnson & Johnson | Natural Sciences + Medical Research
Unlocking Urologic Oncology Innovation QuickFire Challenge - This challenge seeks transformative solutions to improve the treatment and care of patients with bladder and prostate cancers. Innovations are sought in areas such as therapeutics that limit toxicities and provide organ-sparing options, and surgical technologies that improve endoscopic procedures or offer focal therapies. Proposed solutions will be evaluated based on their alignment with the challenge, potential impact on bladder and prostate cancer treatment and patient care, accessibility across healthcare settings, feasibility, differentiation, and team quality. In addition to grant funding, selected innovators will receive virtual access to JLABS and mentorship from experts. Funding: Awarded from a total pool of $300,000 | Application Deadline: October 3
Comcast | STEM + Multidiscipline
Comcast Innovation Fund - This fund supports technology and public policy research that benefits the Internet and the evolution of connectivity. For 2025, priority areas include end-user application quality, Wi-Fi performance, routing security, live video streaming, edge computing/caching, policy issues, quantum computing-related cybersecurity and privacy, and wireless & mobility. The fund offers Open-Source Development Grants, General Research Grants, Targeted Research Grants, and "Useful & Interesting Things Grants" for novel contributions to the Internet. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting in January, until the year's fund is exhausted. Interested applicants must first submit a pre-qualification form for high-level review; if approved, applicant(s) will be invited to complete the full application. Funding: $3,000 - $150,000 for one-year projects | Application Deadline: Continuous/Rolling
CooperVision | Natural Sciences + Medical Research
Science and Technology Award - This award supports ambitious, forward-thinking projects that challenge conventional wisdom in myopia treatment. Proposals are sought for projects exploring new technologies and approaches to revolutionize myopia prevention and control, identify biomarkers for treatment response, understand underlying mechanisms of myopia, investigate structural and optical changes in young myopes, and analyze factors influencing therapy selection. Funding: Up to $100,000 for one-year projects | Application Deadline: Continuous/Rolling
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Federal Funding Opportunities
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National Endowment for Humanities | Humanities
Preservation and Access Education and Training - This program supports projects that develop and implement educational programs for professionals who preserve and provide access to humanities collections. Such materials include but are not limited to moving image and sound recordings, archaeological artifacts, born-digital and digitized collections, rare books and manuscripts, archival records, material culture, and art. Advancing long-term access to these materials for scholars, students, and the public requires skilled professionals from varied backgrounds and communities working in organizations large and small. Funding: Up to $350,000 | Application Deadline: June 17
National Science Foundation | STEM
NSF 24-587: Research on the Science and Technology Enterprise: Indicators, Statistics, and Methods (NCSES S&T) - The National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) is one of the thirteen principal federal statistical agencies within the United States. It is responsible for the collection, acquisition, analysis, reporting and dissemination of objective, statistical data related to the science and technology (S&T) enterprise in the United States and other nations that is relevant and useful to practitioners, researchers, policymakers and the public. NCSES uses this information to prepare a number of statistical data reports including Women, Minorities and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering and the National Science Board's biennial report, Science and Engineering (S&E) Indicators. Funding: Unspecified | Application Deadline: June 17
National Institutes of Health | STEM
Cancer Grand Challenges - Cancer Grand Challenges supports a global community of world-class, interdisciplinary research teams to come together, think differently and take on some of cancer’s toughest challenges, with the ultimate aim of transforming outcomes for people affected by cancer. On 5 March 2025, we launched a new set of challenges:
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- AI-human collaborations in cancer
- Cancer avoidance
- The dark proteome
- Mechanisms driving mutational signatures
- The nervous system and cancer
- Rewiring cancer cells
- TME dynamics
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Funding: Up to $25,000,000 | Expression of Interest: June 18; Full Application: October 23
Department of Defense - DARPA | Natural Sciences
Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE) - The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals that leverage emerging neuromodulation technologies to enhance sleep efficiency and performance under sleep-restricted conditions. The Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE) program aims to develop multimodal, multitarget, noninvasive neuromodulation methods to repair disrupted sleep architectures caused by sleep restriction, with the ultimate goal of improving cognitive performance. Proposed research should investigate innovative approaches that enable revolutionary advances in the mechanisms of sleep related to performance psychology. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice. Funding: Unspecified | Application Deadline: June 18
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Foundation Funding Opportunities
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American Association for Cancer Research | STEM
Trailblazer Cancer Research Grants - These grants aim to empower and support early-career cancer researchers by providing resources to launch their careers and establish innovative, emerging, exploratory, developmental, or proof-of-concept research projects. The goal is to advance the understanding of cancer biology, drive groundbreaking translational discoveries, and/or improve patient outcomes. Funding: $1,000,000 over a three-year term | LOI Deadline: June 12
Arnold Ventures | Policy Research
Building Evidence: Support for QEDs to Evaluate Social Programs and Policies - Funding supports rigorous research aimed at identifying effective programs and policies to improve the lives of Americans. This initiative includes two RFPs: the "Strengthening Evidence" RFP, which will fund randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating innovative programs and policies, and the "Building Evidence" RFP, which will support rigorous, causal research using quasi-experimental methods aligned with key Arnold Ventures policy areas such as higher education, career education and training, infrastructure, contraceptive choice and access, and public finance. The goal is to build a body of proven interventions for policymakers. Funding: ~$300,000 | LOI Deadline: June 13
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Foundation Funding Highlight
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This international award is presented annually for outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social sciences, law, and theology. The prize recognizes scholars who have had a decisive influence on international research. Anyone holding an academic position at a university, academy, or other research institution may nominate candidates.
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- Funding: NOK 6M (~$590k)
- Nomination Deadline: June 15
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Cures Within Reach | STEM
Meniere’s Disease Grants - CWR is seeking collaborative, multisite clinical repurposing trials to address Meniere's disease and related vertigo and hearing loss diagnoses (BPPV, tinnitus, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis). They may also accept translational preclinical repurposing studies or combination preclinical/clinical studies. The focus is on testing approved therapies (drugs, devices, nutraceuticals) for new indications to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Budgets require an institutional match. Funding: Up to $350,000 | LOI Deadline: June 13
Wyeth Foundation for American Art | Humanities
Grant - Funding supports projects that encourage the study, appreciation, and recognition of excellence in all aspects of historic American art (generally excluding art of the last three decades). They provide funding to non-profit institutions for innovative exhibitions exploring new research, important museum catalogues and books, and the conservation/restoration of American masterpieces. Funding: Up to $25,000 | Application Deadline: June 15
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research | STEM
Target Grants - This initiative funds research pushing the boundaries of biomedical science to achieve sustained HIV remission or complete viral eradication, ultimately benefiting the 40 million people living with HIV. Priority is given to clinical or pre-clinical applications studying pragmatic and scalable interventions with global implementation potential. Proposed research must be conducted and validated in vivo or ex vivo using samples from PLWH or infected animals. The focus should be on interventions, not solely on describing the HIV reservoir. Funding: Up to $480,000 over a two-year term | Application Deadline: June 18
Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) | STEM
AI Accelerator Grant - OCRA, in partnership with Ovarian Cancer Action, Ovarian Cancer Canada, and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, is launching the AI Accelerator Grant, focused on utilizing AI technologies, such as machine learning, to improve outcomes for ovarian cancer survivors. This collaborative grant aims to foster international research teams to share expertise and accelerate breakthroughs in prevention, early detection, treatments, and survival. Teams have the option to partner with Microsoft AI For Good Lab for in-kind Azure computing credits. Collaboration across the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, significant AI application, and patient involvement are required. Funding: Up to $1,000,000 over a three-year term | LOI Deadline: June 18
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) | Early Career + Multidiscipline
Gulf Research Program Early-Career Research Fellowship - This fellowship supports emerging scientific leaders pursuing innovative research ideas related to offshore energy system safety and the well-being of coastal communities and ecosystems in the Gulf region. The Human Health and Community Resilience track specifically focuses on understanding the role of resilience-based interventions in addressing the effects of climate, disaster, and/or health disparities in Gulf communities. Fellows receive funding for research expenses and a mentor honorarium, along with opportunities for professional development and networking. Funding: $75,000 | Application Deadline: June 18
Human Immunome Project | STEM + Multidiscipline
Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants - This award supports early-career investigators advancing human immunology, vaccine discovery, and immunotherapy research for major global diseases. The prize supports innovative projects that challenge existing ideas and demonstrate the potential for significant impact in these fields. Applications from a wide range of scientific disciplines related to immunology are encouraged. Researchers 35 years and younger are eligible to apply. Funding: $150,000 | Application Deadline: June 22
Greenwall Foundation | Policy Research
Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas - This program supports research aimed at resolving important emerging or unanswered bioethics problems in clinical, biomedical, or public health decision-making, policy, or practice. They are particularly interested in proposals addressing ethical issues related to trust in science/medicine/public health, bias/discrimination in healthcare, public health crises, healthcare access/costs/resource allocation, and recent changes in federal health/biomedical science policy. Projects should promote the integration of bioethics into relevant decisions and have a real-world, practical impact. Funding: ~$48,000 | LOI Deadline: June 23
National Geographic Society | Humanities + Social Sciences
The Big Questions - This program invites storytelling proposals (photography, short film, writing, data visualization, etc.) that delve into "The Big Questions" to spark curiosity and disseminate knowledge. The initiative aims to counter sensationalized media by exploring profound questions about human flourishing, structures of reality, and the origins of life. Projects should address one of three themes: "What does it mean to be human?", "Curiosity: What are the boundaries of Earth, or limits to what we can understand?", and "Human/Nature: What is the relationship between the human and natural worlds?". Funding: Up to $100,000 | Application Deadline: June 24
Russell Sage Foundation (RSF) | Social Sciences
Visiting Scholars Program - This program offers a residential fellowship for scholars in the social, economic, political, and behavioral sciences to pursue data analysis and writing projects related to RSF's core programs: Behavioral Science and Decision Making in Context; Future of Work; Race, Ethnicity and Immigration; and Social, Political and Economic Inequality, as well as its special initiatives. The 10-month fellowship (September 1st through June 30th), with the possibility of half-year visits, includes an office, computer resources, access to research materials, and salary support. Scholars are expected to actively participate in the intellectual life of the Foundation. Partially subsidized housing is also provided for scholars from outside the New York City area, along with childcare subsidies. Funding: Up to $150,000 | Application Deadline: June 25
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) | Education + Multidiscipline
Workforce Development for the Energy Transition - This program aims to develop a prepared workforce for the evolving energy sector in the U.S. Gulf States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida). This funding opportunity supports sustainable, data-driven, industry-engaged projects that provide education and training to individuals aged 16-25, preparing them for careers in new and emerging energy technologies. Eligible applicants include educational institutions, non-profits, state/local governments, and tribal entities in the Gulf States who partner with local employers to address skill gaps and labor market needs. Funding: $100,000 - $750,000 over a three-year term | Application Deadline: June 25
Vilcek Foundation | Multidiscipline + Immigrant Communities
General Grants Program - The Foundation invites applications to support organizations that work with immigrant artists and communities, and that promote diversity in the arts, sciences, education, and humanities. They aim to raise awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and foster appreciation of the arts and sciences. Funding: Up to $200,000 | Application Deadline: June 30
Nathan Cummings Foundation | Social Sciences + Multidiscipline
Social Justice Grants - NCF is accepting proposals for partnerships that advance racial, economic, and environmental justice (REEJ). They offer both grants and Program Related Investments (PRIs) to innovative partners and proximate change makers working within these interconnected focus areas, with a particular interest in initiatives in the U.S. South for the current cycle. This is a competitive process with limited resources. Funding: Up to $750,000 | LOI Deadline: June 30
Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation | STEM
DRWF Grants - Funding supports research focused on finding the cause, prevention, treatment, and cure of diabetes and its complications. The Foundation's current primary interest lies in islet cell transplantation, macrovascular disease, and neuropathy. Proposals outside these specific areas will not be reviewed. Research proposals are evaluated based on relevance to the DRWF mission, scientific merit, and investigator qualifications. Ethical approval and informed consent for human subjects are required. Apply here. Funding: $100,000 over a two-year term | Application Deadline: June 30
The Hope Foundation | STEM
SWOG Early Exploration & Development (Seed) Fund - The foundation encourages preliminary research with the potential to translate into future clinical trials or trial-associated projects (translational medicine studies) within SWOG and the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). The fund supports projects such as pre-clinical data generation, secondary data analysis from clinical trials, pilot and feasibility studies (including early-stage clinical trials), small self-contained research projects, and the development of research methodology/technology. A key objective is for this preliminary work to directly lead to larger-scale SWOG research and/or secure extramural funding. Funding: Up to $62,500 | Application Deadline: July 1
William T. Grant Foundation | Social Sciences + Multidiscipline
Scholars Program - This five-year award supports early-career researchers aiming to expand their expertise in new disciplines, methods, or content areas. Projects must align with the foundation’s focus areas: reducing inequality in youth outcomes or improving the use of research evidence in policy and practice. The award includes a mentoring component and an academic community to support career development. Funding: $425,000 | Application Deadline: July 1
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation | Medical Research + Multidiscipline
Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award - This award supports exceptionally creative early-career researchers with high-risk/high-reward ideas that have the potential to significantly impact cancer prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. It funds novel, innovative research projects that lack sufficient preliminary data for traditional funding. Applicants must be independent researchers within the first five years of their tenure-track assistant professorship or hold equivalent positions. Funding: Up to $800,000 | Application Deadline: July 1
Kids Beating Cancer | STEM
Research Grants - Kids Beating Cancer supports innovative research in pediatric cancer and leukemia through various grant mechanisms, encompassing both translational and basic science approaches. Opportunities are available for faculty-level investigators focusing on leukemia and broader pediatric cancers, as well as grants aimed at developing the next generation of researchers through support for graduate students and early post-doctoral fellows working with mentors. All research must be conducted at U.S.-based non-profit or academic institutions and contribute novel insights to the field. Funding: Up to $300,000 over a three-year term | Application Deadline: July 1
Decolonizing Wealth Project (DWP) | Social Sciences
Youth Mental Health Fund - This funding expands culturally responsive mental health care for youth in the U.S., prioritizing LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color. The aim is to support community-based programs, culturally-based healing, and awareness/advocacy, addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by marginalized youth. Proposals demonstrating youth engagement and voice in strategy and program development will be prioritized. Funding: Up to $250,000 | Application Deadline: July 10
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) | STEM
Molecular MRI Biomarker Program - Funding supports the development, validation, and clinical translation of molecular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mMRI) biomarkers. This program aims to advance innovative mMRI techniques that directly quantify molecular and cellular events implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD) pathophysiology, such as endolysosomal dysfunction, mitochondrial impairment, and neuroinflammation/immune system dysregulation. MJFF prioritizes proposals focused on novel probe/sequence development and preclinical optimization/validation. Applications from diverse investigators and teams are encouraged. Funding: Up to $400,000 over a two-year term | Application Deadline: July 14
Glaucoma Research Foundation | STEM
Shaffer Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research - Grants support high-impact clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory research aligned with the foundation's strategic goals in glaucoma. Areas of focus include the physiology of glaucoma (such as optic nerve protection and IOP regulation) and the genetics of glaucoma (including gene identification and therapy). Applicants must hold a graduate degree and not have received this grant recently. Funding: $55,000 | Application Deadline: July 15
The Leakey Foundation | Social Sciences
Research Grants - Funding supports research related to human origins, evolution, and behavior, funding both PhD dissertation and post-PhD research across various disciplines including archaeology, biological anthropology, paleoanthropology, primate behavior, genetics, and more. They prioritize exploratory phases of new research and innovative, multidisciplinary approaches. Funding: Up to $30,000 | Application Deadline: July 15
Jeffrey Modell Foundation | STEM
Translational Research - Grants support innovative translational research in Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) with the goal of achieving meaningful clinical applications. The program aims to advance the understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations, underlying mechanisms of immune dysfunction, and to support research leading to improved clinical recognition, diagnostics, and innovative therapies for PI. The foundation encourages applications from both experienced and young investigators, including international researchers, particularly those not currently funded by the NIH. Funding: Up to $250,000 over a two-year term | LOI Deadline: July 23
Concern Foundation | STEM
CONquer canCER Now Award - Funding supports early-career independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent, within 1-7 years of independence) pursuing hypothesis-driven research in cancer genetics, cancer biology, or cancer immunology. Priority is given to investigators with strong institutional support who have not yet secured significant external funding (no existing R01 or equivalent). This award aims to provide critical seed funding for innovative projects, fostering the development of the next generation of cancer researchers. Funding: $200,000 over a two-year term | LOI Deadline: July 25
The Cure JM Foundation (Cure JM) | STEM
Research Grants - Funding supports research aimed at improving treatments and finding a cure for Juvenile Myositis (JM). The foundation encourages collaborations across institutions and seeks projects in basic research, clinical trials, translational studies, diagnosis, and clinical care of JM. Areas of interest include analyses of existing clinical study samples/data, collaborations for new therapies, repurposed drug protocols, in vitro/in vivo JM models, novel diagnostics/biomarkers, and all aspects of clinical care. Funding: Up to $150,000 over a two-year term | Application Deadline: July 31
The Cure JM Foundation (Cure JM) | STEM + Social Sciences
Mental Health Grants - Funding aims to advance mental health research for children and families affected by Juvenile Myositis (JM). Areas of interest include clinical protocols for mental health assessment and interventions for patients and caregivers, as well as novel diagnostic strategies. If the application includes disease populations beyond JM, additional funding from other sources is required. Funding: Up to $90,000 over a two-year term | Application Deadline: July 31
The Courage Project | Social Sciences + Humanities
This new initiative celebrates and honors everyday acts of civic bravery—the quiet, often unseen actions that strengthen communities and uphold American values. Supported by a national coalition of foundations and organizations, it aims to spotlight individuals and nonprofit organizations who take principled stands in the face of adversity. This can include defending free speech, championing equality, bridging divides, preserving heritage, supporting vulnerable populations, or fostering community resilience. Funding: Up to $50,000 | There is no nomination deadline
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Internal Funding Opportunities
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Funding Opportunities Bulletin Archive
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Here, you'll find a collection of past bulletins, each highlighting various corporate, federal, and private foundation funding opportunities. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the distribution list for future bulletins, please email ocfr@rice.edu.
Access the Funding Opportunities Bulletin Archive here.
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Limited Submission Funding Opportunities | Private Foundations
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Limited submission opportunities, while highly competitive, offer significant potential for research funding. The Office of Research and OCFR utilize a Faculty Review Committee to select applicants that have the best opportunity of being awarded external funding. The committee evaluates pre-proposals against a set of review criteria, provides feedback to applicants, and recommends a selection to be approved by the Executive Vice President for Research. Discover opportunities, submit pre-proposals, and manage your internal applications at rice.infoready4.com.
For planning purposes, a year-at-a-glance calendar of foundation limited submission opportunities is available from OCFR. To receive email announcements when internal competitions are launched, please contact ocfr@rice.edu.
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This presentation equips researchers with the skills to effectively manage their research data. Throughout the session, explore the importance of data management and creating a data management plan, and delve into best practices for organizing, documenting, storing, sharing, and archiving your data. The presentation was curated by the Fondren Library and draws on best practices and resources from the University of Minnesota Libraries, the New England Collaborative Data Management Curriculum, and MIT Libraries.
Access the Research Data Management Presentation here.
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When developing your fundraising strategy, it can be advantageous to see what opportunities are posted by sponsors, including private foundations and government agencies. To enable you to do so effectively, Rice subscribes to Pivot-RP, a global database of open research funding opportunities available for faculty and staff..
To learn more about Pivot-RP, how to successfully access the database, or receive technical support from an OCFR partner visit our internal website.
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Rice University is a member of the University-Industry Demonstration Project (UIDP), a professional organization dedicated to connecting universities and industry partners around opportunities to develop innovative approaches to collaboration. UIDP has a wealth of resources on their website, hosts conferences and regional meetings, gives updates on federal legislation and state of the union as it relates to companies and research institutions, and hosts webinars and meetings around funding opportunities and best practices.
This is a resource available to anyone working at Rice, and we strongly encourage you to make an account and receive updates.
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Halo is a platform developed specifically to connect companies to university researchers to work on answers to urgent needs. These projects are specific and range from $25K - $200K generally, but ultimately these projects can lead to broader relationships and continued partnership. Halo releases RFPs monthly. You can sign up for regular updates and access is free and open to anyone who creates an account.
If you have questions about Halo or how to navigate it, please contact OCFR at ocfr@rice.edu.
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The Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations (OCFR) and The Office of Research Development (ORD) have partnered to host joint open houses to discuss private funding (OCFR) and public funding (ORD) with faculty and staff. The opportunity is designed to provide interested faculty and staff the chance to drop in anytime during the morning to chat with our staff and to share their work.
We encourage attendees to bring a written summary of their research projects and budgets so that our teams can provide targeted advice and feedback. As always, coffee is on us!
Join us at Dandelion Café on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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This email was sent by the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations
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OCFR works with faculty to develop proposals, navigate the proposal process, coordinate campus visits, research potential funders, and analyze data to inform strategy.
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P.O. Box 1892 MS-84 | Houston, Texas 77251-1892 | 713-348-4637
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