Global Grants Penn Global Announces 2023-24 Call for Proposals, Begins Accepting Expressions of Interest for Research Grants

Penn Global is delighted to launch our 2023-24 Call for Proposals. Consistent with years past, Penn Global annually welcomes expressions of interest from eligible Penn community members for Research Grants to support activities that focus on issues, trends, or topics related to areas primarily outside of the United States which may be national, regional, transnational or global in nature. Proposed activities should be in alignment with one or more of our four funds, matching the proposed region(s) engaged: the Global Engagement Fund, the China Research and Engagement Fund, the India Research and Engagement Fund, and the Holman Africa Research and Engagement Fund. 

Additionally this year, Penn Global is excited to announce our fourth annual Special Thematic Call: in alignment with Penn Global's strategic goal to advocate for global engagement by rebuilding and strengthening global networks, Penn Global welcomes ideas for projects that examine or relate to trust in political, social, economic, or cultural institutions and/or technologies, including artificial intelligence, in an international or global context. 

Expressions of interest are welcome but not required to engage the Special Thematic Call. Previous annual Special Thematic Call topics have included examining racism and/or racial justice in a global context; examining climate change and/or climate justice in a global context; and advancing of one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Penn Global will accept expressions of interest for Research Grants beginning Monday, August 14, 2023 and continuing through Monday October 9, 2023. Research Grants are open to Penn faculty and senior administrators, as well as Penn affiliates with long-term positions at the University. All disciplines and fields of study are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Research Grants average 1 to 3 years in duration, although Penn Global welcomes proposals for longitudinal research and engagement beyond three years as the proposal’s focus and scope may merit. There is no minimum or maximum award amount for Research Grants; however, awards wards generally range between $15,000 and $150,000.

Depending on the amount requested, Research Grants generally require some form of matching funding or support from another Penn or external source. For larger amounts of requested funding, Penn Global expects matching funds to be equal or greater to those requested from the grant program. Matching funds do not have to be in-hand when proposals are submitted, but the expectation is that the matching funds will be in-hand at the time of award.

To apply, applicants must include the following information in their expressions of interest: a description of the proposed project, including the objectives, design and methodology, and outputs; list of key partners; and basic budget details, along with a description of plans to contribute matching funding. Applicants should also articulate a clear plan for their project's sustainability and impact.

Those interested in applying for a Penn Global Research Grant are strongly encouraged to attend an information session. Each session includes an overview of the grant program and provides attendees with important information about Penn Global Research Grants, such as program priorities, eligibility requirements, types of support available, and budget and matching fund requirements. Information sessions also include an overview of the application process, and attendees will have an opportunity to meet as well as engage in Q&A with Penn Global’s grant program managers. 

In addition to Research Grants, Penn Global also welcomes proposals for Convening Grants on a semesterly basis (fall, spring, and summer), with application deadlines 3 months prior to each semester. Convening Grants are open to faculty and senior administrators, as well as graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and certain other Penn community members. Our next deadline for Convening applications is Oct 1. Visit Penn Global’s website to learn more.

In April 2023, Penn Global awarded 19 new research grants for faculty-led projects at a funding level of $1.7 million. All 19 projects selected for funding from last year's call for proposals are engaging one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established by the United States General Assembly in 2015, and adopted by all U.N Member States, the goals “are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.” As the United Nations approaches the halfway point to achieve these Goals by 2030, Penn Global solicited proposals that sought to reassess the progress of these goals and promote initiatives that would advance their attainment. The latest cohort will engage nearly all 17 SDGs, with many focusing on good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10.) 

Penn Global looks forward to partnering with a new cohort of Penn faculty and researchers to creatively and strategically advance its mission to bring the world to Penn and Penn to the world.

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