Penn Global Opens 2025-26 Call for Proposals for Research and Engagement Grants
Penn Global is delighted to launch our 2025-2026 Call for Proposals for Research and Engagement Grants. Consistent with years past, Penn Global annually welcomes applications from eligible Penn community members for Research and Engagement 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.
Penn Global will accept applications for Research and Engagement Grants beginning October 1, 2025 and continuing through December 1, 2025. Research and Engagement Grants are open to Penn faculty and senior administrators, as well as Penn affiliates with long-term positions based at the University. All disciplines and fields of study are welcome and encouraged to apply.
Research and Engagement Grants average 1 to 3 years in duration. Awards this year will generally range between $15,000 and $70,000.
Depending on the amount requested, Research and Engagement 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 application: a description of the proposed project, including the objectives, design and methodology, and outputs; list of key partners; and proposed 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 and Engagement 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 and Engagement Grants, such as program priorities, eligibility requirements, types of support available, application and review process details including an overview of the rubric used in peer review, and budget and matching fund requirements. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in Q&A with Penn Global’s grant program managers.
In addition to Research and Engagement Grants, Penn Global also welcomes proposals for Convening Grants on a bi-annual basis (fall and spring), 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 April 1. Visit Penn Global’s website to learn more.
In April 2025, Penn Global awarded 16 new research grants for faculty-led projects at a funding level of nearly $1 million. Last year’s projects focused on a wide range of topics including global medicine, climate, economics, human rights, emerging technologies, childhood development, and education.
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.
Penn Global Research and Engagement Grant Program
The Penn Global Research and Engagement Grant Program aims to support projects that bring together leading scholars and practitioners across the University community and beyond to develop new insight on significant global issues in key countries and regions around the world.