Research Funding Opportunities: September 5, 2025

Category: All

First Opportunity

• Sponsor: UF Gulf Scholars
• Funding Opportunity Title: Call for Proposals: Experiential Learning Opportunity for Students, Course Development and Enhancement Grants, Place-Based Learning Experiences in Gulf Communities
• Key words: Gulf Research, storytelling, public health
• Link to RFP:  https://gulfscholars.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/call-for-proposals-experiential-learning-opportunities-for-students/   
• Deadline: Deadline for submitting proposals is 10/12/25 for experiential learning 
• Funding available: $750-5,000 for experiential learning 
• Period of performance: Proposals should be for Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 experiential learning opportunities
• Program Background: In 2023, UF was selected as one of five universities to host the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot initiative funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This program prepares undergraduate students to address environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges facing Gulf communities. Additionally, the program was awarded $414,000 in presidential strategic funds to supplement the initial $475,000 grant.
• Program Objective: All projects should include a Gulf Impact Project component, satisfying the experiential learning requirement of the UF Gulf Scholars medallion program.
  • The experience and related Gulf Impact Project must relate to the Gulf or its communities.  
  • The experience should address one or more Gulf Scholars learning outcomes through hands-on work and mentorship. Proposals must include a plan for evaluating the targeted learning outcomes.  
  • The experience must include regular meetings and mentorship of participating students.  
  • Collaboration among faculty members and community partners is encouraged and preferred.  
  • A report and feedback on the experience are required at the end of the project.  

Second Opportunity

• Sponsor: UF Gulf Scholars
• Funding Opportunity Title: Call for Proposals: Course Development and Enhancement Grants, Place-Based Learning Experiences in Gulf Communities
• Key words: Gulf Research, storytelling, public health
• Link to RFP: https://gulfscholars.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/fall-2025-course-development-amp-enhancement-grants/
• Deadline: Deadline for submitting proposals is 11/2/25 for course development
• Funding available: $2,000-$4,000 for course development 
• Period of performance: Proposals should be completed by February 2027
• Program Background: In 2023, UF was selected as one of five universities to host the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot initiative funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This program prepares undergraduate students to address environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges facing Gulf communities. Additionally, the program was awarded $414,000 in presidential strategic funds to supplement the initial $475,000 grant.
• Program Objective: The Gulf is a vital ecosystem, economic engine, and source of cultural and spiritual significance. However, many UF undergraduates, even those from nearby areas, have had little exposure to the diverse challenges and opportunities the Gulf presents. So far, UF Gulf Scholars has supported the development or revision of 15 courses related to the Gulf and the complex environmental, health, and social challenges facing the region. We are looking to fund several more to round out our curriculum.
  1. Recipients will receive:  $4,000 for developing new undergraduate courses related to the Gulf, $2,000 for enhancing existing undergraduate courses related to the Gulf. 
• NOTE: taxes and fringe will be deducted from these payments

Third Opportunity

• Sponsor: UF Gulf Scholars
• Funding Opportunity Title: Call for Proposals: Place-Based Learning Experiences in Gulf Communities
• Key words: Gulf Research, storytelling, public health
• Link to RFP:  https://gulfscholars.bobgrahamcenter.ufl.edu/new-funding-opportunities-open-to-faculty-staff-community-partners/
• Deadline: Deadline for submitting proposals is 11/16 for place-based learning 
• Funding available: $10,000-$14,000 for place-based learning 
• Period of performance: Projects should take place during Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Spring 2027 and result in student deliverables by the end of the semester. 
• Program Background: In 2023, UF was selected as one of five universities to host the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot initiative funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This program prepares undergraduate students to address environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges facing Gulf communities. Additionally, the program was awarded $414,000 in presidential strategic funds to supplement the initial $475,000 grant. 
• Program Objective: UF Gulf Scholars invites proposals for cohort-based student research or community-engaged learning experiences focused on challenges facing Gulf communities. Projects should support a team of 5 undergraduate students and include dedicated mentorship and instruction, travel to a Gulf community, active collaboration with a trusted community partner, and a clearly defined Gulf Impact Project component. Recipients will receive $10,000-$14,000 to support their experiences as well as $1,200 stipends for each of the five students.
• NOTE: This funding opportunity is open to UF faculty and staff and is designed to advance place-based, interdisciplinary student experiences aligned with the goals of Quest 3 and the Gulf Scholars Program. One project will be selected for each of our student learning pathways, or Gulf Streams:

Category: Research Funding Opportunities
Tagged: Gulf Research Public Health Storytelling
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