Big Opportunity Fund (Maryland Catalyst Fund)
Internal — University of Maryland only
Big Opportunity Fund (Maryland Catalyst Fund) supports UMD faculty in preparing competitive proposals for large, multiyear external research awards to strengthen the university’s research impact and reputation.
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Funder: University of Maryland
Due Dates: October 20, 2026 (Monthly deadline) | Rolling (Applications)
Funding Amounts: Less than $50,000 for proposal preparation
Summary: Supports UMD faculty in preparing competitive proposals for large, high-visibility, multiyear external research awards.
Key Information: Principal investigators must hold a full-time home position at UMD and meet faculty appointment and rank requirements.
Description
The Big Opportunity Fund, part of the University of Maryland’s Maryland Catalyst Fund, supports proposal preparation for large, high-visibility, externally funded research opportunities. It aims to encourage faculty to pursue these opportunities and strengthen their competitiveness for awards that typically provide at least $2 million per year for multiple years. These external awards are intended to increase the university’s research volume, impact, and reputation.
The fund supports developing proposals rather than conducting the research covered by the external awards themselves. Reviewer honoraria are eligible proposal preparation costs. The Maryland Catalyst Fund is overseen by the Vice President for Research and managed by the Research Development Office, in coordination with academic units and the Senior Vice President and Provost.
