Penn Global Research & Engagement Grant Program
Supporting Penn research initiatives around the world since 2011.
As part of its mission to promote global engagement in all its forms between the University of Pennsylvania community and the wider world, Penn Global administers a competitive global engagement grant program that provides resources to help Penn faculty and staff undertake a range of research, teaching, service, and other activities with a country, region, or global focus.
Grant Program Priorities
The grant program supports Penn projects that:
- Generate new insights and/or anchored, actionable solutions addressing key global and regional challenges, leveraging Penn resources and expertise for impact
- Promote collaboration and the integration of knowledge across Penn Schools, disciplines, and centers of excellence
- Strengthen equitable partnerships, promote intellectual exchange, and foster the co-production of knowledge and ideas between Penn and foreign partner scholars, organizations, and institutions
The grant program consists of four funds including the Global Engagement Fund, China and India Research and Engagement Funds, and the Holman Africa Research and Engagement Fund. Each fund maintains its own set of priorities. We encourage you to explore the funds and learn how you can partner with Penn Global to expand your research and teaching impact.
Total amount of funding awarded since 2011
Total number of Penn Global grants awarded
Total number of Penn faculty supported across all 12 Schools
Penn Global Announces 2025 Cohort of Dissertation Grant Recipients
Penn Global is delighted to announce that nine Ph.D. students have been awarded Penn Global Dissertation Grants. The Penn Global Dissertation Grants program is designed to enhance global components of dissertation research for the graduate student community. In partnership with the Vice Provost for Education, this program awards up to $8,000 to selected Ph.D. candidates…
Penn Global Announces 2025 Cohort of Dissertation Grant Recipients
Penn Global is delighted to announce that nine Ph.D. students have been awarded Penn Global Dissertation Grants. The Penn Global Dissertation Grants program is designed to enhance global components of…
Penn Global Accepting Applications for Penn Wharton China Center Grants
Penn Global is pleased to share that it is formally accepting applications for Penn Wharton China Center grants, which offer China-focused research and teaching support. In January, Penn Global announced…
From a desert to an oasis: Penn engages in ambitious greening effort in the Sahel
Students from the Weitzman School of Design journeyed to Senegal to help with an ambitious ecological and infrastructural greening effort as part of their coursework. The Dakar Greenbelt aims to…
Apply for a Penn Global Grant
Timeline for the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Research Grants: Open in August 2025
- Convening Grants: Accepted on a semesterly basis
- Dissertation Grants: Open in October 2025
Apply for a Research Grant
Apply for a Convening Grant
Apply for a Dissertation Grant
For Grantees
If you have an active grant from Penn Global, visit the section of our website dedicated to current grantees. Information includes grantee responsibilities, how to get started, reporting procedures, budget management guidelines, and more. Or proceed to our grant management portal (administered via SurveyMonkey Apply) to manage all grant activities.
Additional Resources for Faculty & Staff
Penn is committed to supporting its faculty and staff as they work across borders and disciplines to advance their research, teaching, and professional engagements. Explore how we can further partner with you on your global activities.
Global Travel
Explore resources available to Penn travelers to prepare for safe and informed travel abroad. Resources include, but are not limited to, outbound travel visa guidance, travel insurance, and 24/7 assistance abroad.
Global Operations
The Office of Global Support Services collaborates with the Penn Community to navigate the complexities of international initiatives. We share knowledge, streamline processes, and provide solutions that adapt to global landscapes.
General Resources
We are dedicated to providing strategic guidance, information, and support to Penn faculty and staff to advance the University’s global initiatives. Explore the number of resources and services Penn Global offers.
Questions? Contact Penn Global
If you have any questions or feedback regarding any of the funding opportunities highlighted above, please let us know. Contact Penn Global at global@upenn.edu with your inquiry and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.