Strategic Initiative Fund proposals due Feb. 9

January 26, 2026

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Faculty and staff are encouraged to apply by Feb. 9 for a share of the $1 billion Strategic Initiative Fund, established to help turn ambitious and innovative ideas into reality.

Proposals for the first annual university-wide open application period will be evaluated by a review committee including internal and external subject matter experts. Final funding decisions will be communicated in March 2026.

During his State of the University address in November, President Domenico Grasso 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. Those funds are now available through the Strategic Initiative Fund, which provides one-time financial resources to pursue high-value, high-impact projects at varying scales.

Faculty and staff across all three campuses and Michigan Medicine are invited to submit proposals that demonstrate institutional value, social impact, holistic problem-solving and groundbreaking solutions. The SIF is designed to accelerate ideas that meet the institution’s vision and create broad or deep impact.

One-time funding awards for this application cycle are available in three tiers: up to $500,000, $1 million and $5 million.

The Look to Michigan Vision office and Strategic Initiative Fund Implementation team have implemented several ways to help faculty and staff with their proposals. An updated FAQ section on the SIF website answers most questions the offices have received.

And faculty and staff are reminded of virtual information sessions to outline the fund and the application process. These sessions are designed to support individuals and teams at any stage of idea development, from early exploration to proposal preparation.

Each Zoom session will include a brief presentation outlining the purpose of the Strategic Initiative Fund, funding priorities, eligibility criteria, and application requirements. The presentation will be followed by an open question-and-answer segment for U-M faculty and staff. At the conclusion of each session, participants will have the option to transition to a separate Zoom room for a one-on-one conversation.

In addition to the group sessions, office hours will be available by phone and may be booked directly through the Strategic Initiative Fund webpage, providing another opportunity for individualized discussion.