EDIT: The application deadline for the program has been extended to Sept. 30, 2026.
On Jan. 20, the University of Michigan shared an overview of a new research funding program designed to support faculty whose federal grant proposals received strong peer-review evaluations but have not yet been funded.
The following FAQ is intended to provide a high-level overview of the funding program and to answer questions top-of-mind for the research community. It will be updated on a regular basis.
What is the new research funding program?
The research funding program is a new University of Michigan initiative designed to support principal investigators (PIs) whose federal grant proposals received strong peer-review evaluations but were ultimately not funded or are still pending. The program provides short-term bridge funding to help faculty maintain research momentum and remain competitive for future external funding.
An existing program for terminated awards announced in early 2025 continues.
How much funding is available through this program?
Eligible PIs may apply for up to 35% of the average annual funding requested in their federal proposal, with a maximum award of $150,000 for one year. Central support would cover up to 50% of eligible research costs for up to one year, with units covering the remaining expenses.
What types of proposals are eligible?
Eligibility is based on evidence that a proposal underwent federal peer review and would likely have been funded in prior funding cycles. Automatic qualification pathways include:
- NIH / HHS proposals
- Unsuccessful R01-equivalent or similar applications with annual direct costs greater than $250,000.
- A priority score within the 15th percentile.
- NSF proposals
- Formal documentation indicating the proposal received strong peer-review evaluations and likely would have been funded in prior funding cycles, or
- An average reviewer rating of “Very Good” or better, converted to a 1–5 scale.
- Other federal agencies
- Comparable documentation showing the proposal underwent peer review and would likely have been awarded absent recent federal changes.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Assistant professors (and other PI-eligible faculty at the assistant rank) within their first three years are automatically eligible if their proposal meets the criteria above.
- Other PIs must:
- Be current University of Michigan faculty with PI-eligible status.
- Have served as a PI on a federal grant within the past five years.
- Not hold more than $250,000 in discretionary funds or $500,000 in externally sponsored support.
Are there any additional requirements?
Applications for support from this program must include a plan for new applications for external grant funding. The subject matter need not be the same.
Are there restrictions on how funds can be used?
Yes. All awarded funds must be spent at the University of Michigan. Subcontracts or similar arrangements with other institutions are not permitted.
How can I access the application?
How will applications be reviewed?
Eligibility is based primarily on documentation from federal agencies demonstrating strong peer-review outcomes. Stakeholders, including deans and research associate deans, may be consulted to ensure criteria are appropriately aligned.
Who should I contact with questions?
For questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].