[The Welch Foundation](https://welch1.org)

April 30, 2026 (Catalyst Grants full application, 12:00 PM CST)

Up to $5,000,000 per grant over five years; typically 1–2 awards annually.

Supports Texas-based research teams in fundamental chemical research tackling significant, cutting-edge problems in chemistry.

Applications must be submitted via ProposalCentral; only Texas institutions with substantial chemical research programs are eligible.

--- ## Description The Catalyst Grants program, offered by The Welch Foundation, is designed to accelerate progress in fundamental chemical research by providing substantial, flexible funding to research teams in Texas. The program targets teams addressing major and innovative challenges at the forefront of chemistry, with the goal of reducing barriers to discovery and allowing for creative experimentation with minimal administrative burden. Grants are intended for projects spanning five years and support a wide range of subfields, including all areas of chemistry and allied disciplines such as biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical physics, chemical engineering, materials science, and nanoscience. --- ## Due Dates - April 30, 2026: Catalyst Grants full application submission deadline (applications must be submitted to ProposalCentral by 12:00 PM CST on April 30) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $5,000,000 per grant, awarded over five years ($1,000,000 per year) - One or two grants awarded annually - Budgets may include equipment (up to $500,000 total), faculty salary/benefits (up to $200,000 annually), research personnel, supplies, travel (up to $50,000/year), and publication costs (up to $20,000/year) - No indirect (overhead) costs allowed --- ## Eligibility - Applications are restricted to universities located within Texas, as determined by The Welch Foundation. - Invitations to apply are issued annually to Texas institutions with substantial chemical research programs (criteria include external research funding in chemistry, existing Welch grants, endowed chairs, and PhD programs). - The Program Director must be a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty member at the eligible institution. - Up to four additional tenured or tenure-track faculty members may participate as co-investigators. - Program Directors and co-investigators may hold other Welch Foundation funding concurrently. - Research must focus on fundamental chemical science; clinical, medical, or general biology research is not supported (though relevant techniques from these fields may be used if the focus is on chemistry). --- ## Application Process - Invitations to submit proposals are sent in January; the application portal opens April 1. - Applications must be submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/) by 12:00 PM CST on April 30. - Required materials include: - Online application with project title, institutional and investigator details - Program abstract and detailed project description (up to 18 pages) - NIH-style biosketches for all investigators - Institutional tenure/tenure-track confirmation letters - Five-year budget and justification - The review process includes an initial evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Board, followed by a secondary review (videoconference) for top proposals, and final approval by the Board of Directors. - Award announcements are made in July, with funding commencing August 1. --- ## Additional Information - No indirect costs or institutional overhead are permitted. - Budgets must adhere to specific caps for equipment, salary, travel, and publication expenses. - Annual progress and expenditure reports are required via ProposalCentral. - No-cost extensions may be requested (up to 12 months), subject to approval. - Grants may be terminated for non-compliance or unsatisfactory progress. --- ## External Links - [Catalyst Grants Program Page](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/catalyst-grants) - [Program Guidelines & Application Instructions (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Catalyst-for-Discovery-Guidelines-2025.pdf) - [Program Overview (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Award-Recipients/Catalyst-for-Discovery-Program-Grants-Information-2025.pdf) - [Important Dates and Deadlines](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/important-dates-and-deadlines) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | The Welch Foundation | 1717 West Loop S, Ste 1661, Houston, TX 77027, US | | Phone | +1 (713) 961-9884 | | ProposalCentral Support | 1-800-875-2562 (US/Canada), [pcsupport@altum.com](mailto:pcsupport@altum.com) | ---

Catalyst Grants

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