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Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program Grants

Funding and Networking in Decarbonization Research Workshop

  • Funding information from DOE, NSF and Sloan program officers
  • Campus research resources
  • CNAP grant Q&A

Recordings and Slides Available

February 2023 Update: Grants at both levels have been awarded, and these opportunities are closed. The following is available for information purposes only. A new round of CNAP funding will provide up to $50,000 or up to $200,000 over one or two years for high-impact faculty research that will dramatically reduce net carbon emissions. $1.25 million will be awarded this funding cycle.

This exciting funding opportunity for U-M faculty from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses targets research, scholarship, and engagement efforts that will create critical knowledge and propel innovations to accelerate the transition to carbon neutrality. Projects should explore and advance big ideas with the potential to radically reduce emissions.

  • Eligibility: All PI-eligible faculty from the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses are eligible to apply. An individual may be listed as a PI on only ONE proposal, but there is no limit to the number or type of proposals on which an individual may be listed as a Co-I.
  • Objectives: Grants may be used for discrete research projects or for research efforts that would position PIs/teams to be more competitive for future external funding.
  • Research topics & characteristics: Projects may span the physical, natural, engineering, and social sciences, as well as arts and humanities, and are open to a wide range of topics. Projects that span technical and social sciences and substantively include junior faculty on the PI leadership team are prioritized. Engagement with external partners is encouraged.

Funding is available at two distinct levels designed to meet the needs of projects from different disciplines, of different scales, and at different stages of development. Key differences are described below. See the RFPs for complete details for each opportunity.

 Level 1Level 2
Award range
  • $25-$50k total for up to 12 months
  • $100-$200k total for up to 24 months
Team Requirements
  • Interdisciplinary teams PRIORITIZED
  • Sole PI and more narrowly collaborative projects eligible
  • Interdisciplinary with at least two U-M units REQUIRED
Project readiness
  • Shorter application and review timeline for projects that are “ready to go”
  • Longer two-stage application and review process provide time and feedback to refine and strengthen proposals

How to Apply: Applications have closed. The following information is available for reference.

Level 1 Grant (up to $50k, 1 year) - Opportunity closed

Key Dates

  • May 11, 2022 – LOI deadline (required)
  • June 3, 2022 - Proposal deadline

RFP

Forms and Templates

Level 2 Grant (up to $200k, 2 years) - Opportunity closed

Key Dates

  • June 3, 2022 – Pre-proposal deadline (required)
  • October 3, 2022 - Proposal deadline (by invitation)

RFP

Forms, Templates & Guidance

Resources

Contact

Questions about this funding opportunity can be directed to:  
Email: graham-cnap@umich.edu  
Phone: Maggie Allan ((775) 293-0134 cell)


The Graham Sustainability Institute’s Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program offers support for faculty across the University of Michigan (U-M) to pursue innovative and actionable carbon neutrality research. Through novel collaborations across disciplines and with partners poised to advance net zero strategies, we seek to amplify and expand the university’s research impact and fuel the breakthroughs needed to combat climate change.