From all corners of the university and all major disciplines, U-M faculty and staff have stepped up to deliver ambitious ideas that serve the public good.
The opening call for proposals for U-M’s Strategic Initiative Fund attracted strong demand: nearly 465 proposals representing faculty and staff across all 19 schools and colleges on Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, as well as Michigan Medicine.
This is the first university-wide open application period for the Strategic Initiative Fund, rooted in the Look to Michigan vision and established to help turn ambitious and innovative ideas into reality.
President Domenico Grasso in November outlined U-M’s plan to invest $1 billion over 10 years for initiatives that advance the university’s mission and create lasting, transformational changes across society. The fund provides one-time financial resources to pursue high-value, high-impact projects at varying scales. Early SIF investments include Impact Institutes and the Look to Michigan Faculty Expansion Program.
“The response to this initiative is impressive, but not surprising: It reflects the ambition, creativity and knowledge that have fueled generations of Michigan breakthroughs,” Grasso said. “I am eager to see how the ideas evolve into reality.”
One-time funding awards for a portion of the SIF in this application cycle are available in three tiers: up to $500,000, $1 million and $5 million. Proposals ranged from approximately $60,000 to $5 million, with most proposals ranging between $1 million to $5 million. The SIF is designed to accelerate ideas that meet the institution’s vision and create broad or deep impact.
“The SIF is a commitment to our community and a belief in the significance of their ideas in service to society. I am moved at how many faculty and staff responded to the call with their energy and their intellect,” said Provost Laurie McCauley. “While other institutions are limiting financial opportunities, we are investing in our people and the promise of their ideas.”
Applicants have been informed of the next steps. Proposals will be evaluated by review committees involving internal and external subject matter experts and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
Final funding decisions are expected to be communicated in late March.
