Faculty and staff have until Feb. 9 to apply for part of the $1 billion Strategic Initiative Fund, created to transform groundbreaking ideas into actionable projects. This fund aims to facilitate high-value, high-impact projects at different scales by providing one-time financial resources. The proposals will be reviewed by a committee of internal and external experts, with funding decisions announced in March 2026.
In a recent address, President Domenico Grasso announced the $1 billion investment over 10 years to advance the university’s mission and drive societal transformation. The Strategic Initiative Fund is open to faculty and staff from all three campuses, including Michigan Medicine. Proposals should demonstrate institutional value, social impact, and innovative solutions to complex problems.
The funding awards for this cycle are categorized into three tiers: up to $500,000, $1 million, and $5 million. The Look to Michigan Vision office and Strategic Initiative Fund Implementation team provide various resources to assist in proposal development, including an updated FAQ section on the SIF website.
Virtual information sessions are available to guide applicants through the fund and application process. These sessions support idea development, from early stages to final proposal preparation. Each Zoom session features a presentation on the fund’s purpose, priorities, eligibility, and application requirements, followed by a Q&A segment. Participants can join a separate Zoom room for one-on-one discussions.
Additionally, office hours can be booked by phone via the Strategic Initiative Fund webpage for personalized support.
Strategic Initiative Fund information session schedule
All sessions will be held via Zoom. Preregistration is not required.
Tuesday, Jan. 27 | noon-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 28 | 1-2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 | 3-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 5 | 10-11:30 a.m.
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