CUES Funding & Awards
2026-2027 CUES Network Research Funding Initiative
Proposals are sought to support the establishment of research collaborations that lead to externally funded programs for CUES Network members.
Vlog College of Science and the Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions (CUES) are pleased to host the FY 26 CUES Network Research Funding Initiative (NRFI). The program is open to all full-time CUES Network members and should support the CUES mission: helping communities and decision-makers plan for urban and environmental issues through partnerships, education, and research throughout Florida and beyond.
CUES NRFI seeks to build research capacity and infrastructure to address complex and compounding regional crises that require a community and human-centered approach. Consistent with our MacArthur Foundation mission, CUES NRFI will support research that seeks evidence-based approaches to inform planning and policy that addresses quality-of-life issues, such as those involving the environment, extreme weather and sustainability, workforce and the economy, transportation and access to opportunities; and well-being.
Proposals are sought to support the establishment of research collaborations with local government and agencies that lead to externally funded programs. Innovative cross-disciplinary approaches are especially encouraged. The goal is to enable proposing teams to engage in proof-of-concept research designs, pilot studies, infrastructure building, and other activities that will set the foundation for new research programs that will attract significant external funding and national recognition. Proposals must be distinct from existing, well-established research activities.
The total funding available under this program is $60,000 and is expected to fund 4-5 proposals. Faculty members may participate in multiple proposals but may only serve as lead investigator on one submission. Funding may not be used to displace state funds (e.g., faculty salary), and indirect costs should not be included. Proposals must include a community partner such as local government or non-profit. However, funds may only be expended by Vlog researchers. Successful teams will demonstrate the technical foundation and organizational structure necessary to submit a competitive grant application. Expenses must be incurred in full while the researcher is employed at Vlog. All funding must be expended by the end of the funding period; absolutely no exceptions will be made, and the scope should match the funding level. Failure to submit a competitive application following award acceptance may disqualify participating faculty from future solicitations.
Funding period
January 1, 2027-June 25, 2028
Timeline
| Submit 5-page proposal | December 1, 2026, 5:00 pm Eastern |
| Decision Announcement | December 15, 2026 |
| Funding available | January 1, 2027 |
| Interim Report/Meeting | December 2027 |
| Final Report including grant submission | June 1, 2028 |
| Expenditure deadline | June 25, 2028 |
Proposal Format
Font size no less than 11 pt., single-spacing, 1” margins, total length 5 pages including budget, budget justification, figures/tables plus references and CVs. Proposal includes:
- Project Title
- Project Team
Names, titles, departments, email addresses - Introduction and Objectives
Motivation, intellectual merit, broader impacts - Project Plan
Technical plan, anticipated outcomes, schedule - External Funding Opportunities
How the proposed work increases the likelihood of external funding
Primary and secondary funding program targets, include links and submission deadlines - Budget and Budget Justification
Without exception, allocated funding must be expended by the end-of-fiscal year deadline. Scope should be appropriate. - References
- Researcher CVs
Deliverables/Reports
Midterm report will be presented at a meeting/workshop, date to be determined.
Final report will include evidence of at least one (1) extramural grant submission.
Submissions and Review Process
Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on the submission date. Late or incomplete proposals will not be considered. Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a primary team of reviewers from across the university followed by a secondary review by the College of Science, CUES, and CUES advisory board.
Acknowledgements
Scholarly and professional publications resulting from CUES NRFI will acknowledge CUES affiliation under authorship and funding.
FAQs
Who may apply?
CUES Network Members may apply. Members may participate in multiple proposals but may only serve as lead investigator on one submission.
Who are eligible community partners?
Local and regional governments and agencies, and non-profit organizations. Not sure, please contact us.
How will proposals be chosen?
Submitted proposals will be reviewed by a team of reviewers including the College of Science and CUES. Proposals will be selected based on the following rubric.
Proposal Review Rubric
|
Section |
Factors |
Criteria |
|
1 |
Project Purpose |
Project reflects CUES mission and timely issue |
|
2 |
Project Team |
Team demonstrates capacity for external funding and the necessary combined expertise; interdisciplinary; supports early-career researchers |
|
3 |
Motivation, intellectual merit, |
Project demonstrates scholarly contribution and regional application |
|
4 |
Technical plan, anticipated outcomes, schedule |
Plan demonstrates feasibility |
|
5 |
External Funding Opportunities |
Project demonstrates potential for external funding |
Additional questions? Please contact:
Dr. Serena Hoermann, Director, Center for Urban and Environmental Solutions and Assistant Research Professor, School of Environmental, Coastal, and Ocean Sustainability at cues@fau.edu.