Funder: University of Maryland
Due Dates: November 20, 2026 (Monthly deadline) | Rolling (Applications accepted)
Funding Amounts: Less than $50,000 for proposal preparation; faculty unit, VPR, and Provost each contribute 33.3%
Summary: Supports UMD faculty preparing proposals for large, high-visibility external research awards, typically providing at least $2 million annually over multiple years.
Key Information: PIs must hold a full-time UMD home position and an eligible faculty appointment.
Description
The University of Maryland’s Big Opportunity Fund provides proposal-preparation support to help faculty pursue and compete for large, high-visibility external research opportunities. The targeted external awards typically provide at least $2 million per year over multiple years and contribute to the university’s research volume, impact, and reputation. This fund supports developing proposals rather than conducting the research itself.
The program is part of the Maryland Catalyst Fund, 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. Awards draw on Designated Research Initiative Fund contributions from faculty units and central university resources.
