Funding

Discipline(s): All

The Illinois Innovation Network aims to advance collaborative research within the state with its Social Innovation and Impact seed grant program. Social Innovation and Impact grants can be used to pursue a wide variety of projects that directly affect lives, address critical social problems, and build trusted partnerships in a given community.

The University of Illinois System, its Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation (OVPEDI), and Northern Illinois University, are committed to advancing the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) by providing supplemental (operational) funding for several projects. IIN members are guided by the following principles:

• Drive inclusive innovation, equitable workforce development and sustainable economic growth throughout the state of Illinois
• Assess and meet regional needs through a combination of collaborative research, public-private partnerships, and entrepreneurship and training programs
• Collaborate with hubs across the state and share best practices
• Advocate for the value of higher education at the state and national levels

Eligibility:

• Lead PI must be from an IIN Hub in their IIN hub role
• At least two IIN hubs must be involved significantly in the project
• Project must represent a “seed” concept not previously funded by the IIN Sustaining Illinois Program or in later stages of project development, regardless of "seed" funding source
• The project must be completed within one year of funding and begin between August 1 and September 1, 2024.
• Previously submitted but unfunded projects may be submitted a maximum of 3 times in a three-year period

Budget

• Up to $30,000 will be available for each project.
• No more than 30% of the requested funds may pay for full-time researchers’/professors’ salaries and benefits.
• Funding for these projects does not allow for indirect costs.
• Funds will be advanced on a fixed price payment.

Applications are due May 31, 2024. Have questions? Email [email protected]. Interested in applying? Create a proposal in Kuali Research to get started.

For more information, see the full funding opportunity