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

April 1, 2026 (application portal opens) | April 30, 2026 (full application deadline, 12:00 PM CST)

Up to $5,000,000 per award over five years; up to two awards annually.

Supports fundamental chemical research at Texas institutions to advance scientific discovery and benefit society.

Only Texas institutions with substantial chemical research programs and tenured/tenure-track faculty are eligible.

--- ## Description This program funds ambitious, fundamental research in chemistry and allied fields at Texas institutions, aiming to accelerate scientific discovery with significant societal benefit. The Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants are designed to reduce barriers to innovation, providing large-scale, flexible support to research teams led by tenured or tenure-track faculty. The scope includes all subfields of chemistry and allied disciplines (such as biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical physics, chemical engineering, materials, and nanoscience), but excludes medical and clinical research. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches that illuminate fundamental chemical principles, with an emphasis on scientific innovation and institutional responsibility. --- ## Due Dates - April 1, 2026: Application portal opens (start of annual submission window) - April 30, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 12:00 PM CST; end of annual submission window) All applicants will be notified of award decisions by August, and the grant year begins August 1. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to two grants awarded annually. - Each award: Up to $5,000,000 total ($1,000,000 per year for five years). - Funds may be used for direct research costs, personnel, equipment (up to $500,000 total), publication expenses (up to $20,000/year), and travel (up to $50,000/year). No indirect costs or institutional overhead are allowed. --- ## Eligibility - Applications are limited to eligible universities in Texas as determined by The Welch Foundation. - Invitations to apply are sent annually to institutions with substantial chemical research programs (criteria include external research funding in chemistry, existing Welch research grants, Welch endowed chairs, and PhD programs in chemistry or related fields). - The Program Director (PD) must be a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty member. - Up to four additional tenured or tenure-track faculty may participate as Co-Investigators. - Each institution may submit a limited number of applications as specified in the annual invitation. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/). - Submission window: April 1–April 30 each year; deadline is April 30, 12:00 PM CST. - Required application materials: - Title page and project summary - Program description (up to 18 pages, plus references) - NIH-style biosketches for PD and all Co-Investigators - Budget for five years ($1,000,000/year) - Tenure letter(s) from institution(s) - High-resolution images (if applicable) - Information on active and pending support - Applications must be validated and electronically signed by the PD and an authorized institutional official. - Annual progress and expenditure reports are required if funded. --- ## Additional Information - The grant supports research in all chemistry subfields and allied areas, but does not fund medical, clinical, or general biological research. - Equipment purchases are capped at $500,000 per grant term. - No indirect costs, tuition, construction, or administrative overhead are permitted. - Award decisions are based on review by the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Directors. - Award notifications are made by August, with the grant period beginning August 1. - No-cost extensions may be requested prior to grant expiration, subject to approval. --- ## External Links - [Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants Overview](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/catalyst-grants) - [Application & Post-Award Guidelines (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Catalyst-for-Discovery-Guidelines-2024.pdf) - [Important Dates and Deadlines](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/important-dates-and-deadlines) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [Current Catalyst Grant Recipients](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/catalyst-grants/catalyst-grants-list) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General Foundation Inquiries | +1 (713) 961-9884 | | Application Portal Support | pcsupport@altum.com (ProposalCentral) | | ProposalCentral Support Phone | 1-800-875-2562 (US & Canada) | Normal ProposalCentral support hours: 8:30am–5:00pm Eastern Time, Monday–Friday. ---

Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants

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