The University Research Foundation (URF) is an internal funding program for Penn faculty members, offering Research Grant and Conference Support Grant opportunities.
Applications: Budget Templates
Research Grant
Conference Support Grant
RODG Planning Grant
RODG Phase 2 Grant
See the Frequently Asked Questions for more general information.
Disciplinary areas:
Eligibility:
Evaluation criteria:
Reviewers will evaluate the proposals based on the following criteria:
In addition, please note: Conferences that have been funded in the past will receive low priority.
Submissions:
Undergraduate Participation:
As part of the University’s commitment to providing research opportunities to scholars across our campus community, URF applicants are encouraged to include undergraduate student participants within the framework of their proposals. URF Review Panels will take undergraduate participation under strong consideration when evaluating and scoring proposals. Should applicants require assistance in identifying interested and qualified undergraduates, the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF) will be glad to provide support: curf@upenn.edu.
Note to Business Administrators:
Only PIs can submit proposals. For BAs who develop budgets on behalf of the PI, to the left are links to the budget forms for the five URF funding opportunities. BAs should download the budget form using the link provided within the instructions for the applicable funding opportunity. When the budget has been completed, please forward it to the PI for inclusion in the proposal submission (PI will need to upload the budget as PDF file).
Revised for Fall 2022
The Research support program will provide awards up to $75,000 to help faculty secure external sources of funding. URF aims to promote diversity, inclusion and equity in the research community.
Program Description: The objectives of these programs are to:
Additional Notes:
Budget:
Grant Term:
Application Guidelines: Uploads should be a single PDF document in 11-point Arial font, single spaced with .5″ margins.
Revised for Fall 2022
The conference support program will provide awards of up to $3,000 for meetings to enhance existing and scholarly programs, particularly in disciplines where external funding is difficult to obtain.
Program Description: The conference support program is designed for scholarly meetings that will be convened on Penn’s campus, thereby providing enrichment opportunities to interested faculty, students, and staff, most frequently in the format of a 1-2 day colloquium. The intent is to support meetings that are designed to enhance existing research and scholarly programs, particularly in disciplines where external funding is difficult to obtain. It should highlight the scholarship of Penn faculty and bring distinguished scholars to Penn’s campus. Please describe what you expect to accomplish with this conference/workshop for the relevant field of study.
Proposals must include faculty from applicant’s department and/or school. Funding for this award can be used to augment an already scheduled University event. The event should include the participation of Penn graduate or undergraduate students in both organization and delivery. A final report must be submitted that outlines the accomplishments of the event, which could include new collaborative endeavors, the outreach, publications, and grants.
Budget: Applications can request up to $3,000. Funds are to be used for speakers, travel, and accommodations. Funds are not to be used for meals and entertainment. Applications are required to have documented additional financial support.
Grant Term:
Additional Note on Eligibility:
Conference Application Guidelines: Uploads should be a single PDF document in 11-point Arial font, single-spaced with .5″ margins.