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

April 30, 2026 (Full application deadline, 12:00 PM CST) | April 1, 2027 (Application portal opens)

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

Supports fundamental chemical research at Texas institutions, enabling innovative, high-impact projects across all subfields of chemistry and allied disciplines.

--- ## Description The Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants, offered by The Welch Foundation, are designed to accelerate progress in fundamental chemical research at Texas institutions. This program provides large-scale, flexible funding to multidisciplinary research teams addressing significant scientific challenges with broad societal impact. The program encompasses all subfields of chemistry and allied areas such as biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical physics, chemical engineering, materials, and nanoscience, but excludes direct medical, clinical, or purely biological research. The aim is to empower researchers by minimizing administrative burdens and allowing for innovative, high-risk, high-reward projects. --- ## Due Dates - April 30, 2026: Full application submission deadline (12:00 PM CST) for Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants (end of annual submission window) - April 1, 2027: Application portal opens / submission window opens for Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants (annual start date) --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is up to $5,000,000 total, distributed as $1,000,000 per year for five years. - Up to two grants are awarded annually. - Funds may be used for personnel, equipment (up to $500,000 per grant), expendables, travel (up to $50,000/year), and publication costs (up to $20,000/year), but may not be used for indirect costs, tuition, general office expenses, or building-related costs. --- ## Eligibility - Only Texas-based universities invited by The Welch Foundation may apply. - Program Director (PD) must be a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty member at an eligible Texas institution. - Up to four additional tenured or tenure-track faculty may participate as Co-Investigators. - The institution must have a substantial chemical research program (e.g., significant external funding, Welch research grants, endowed chairs, and/or PhD programs in chemistry or related fields). - Research must focus on fundamental chemical science; direct medical, clinical, or biological research is not supported. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ProposalCentral portal](https://proposalcentral.com) during the annual window (April 1–April 30). - Required materials include: - Program description (summary and detailed proposal, up to 18 pages) - High-resolution images (if needed) - NIH-style biosketches for PD and all Co-Investigators (up to 5 pages each) - Tenure letters for PD and Co-Investigators - Five-year budget (detailed per year) - Institutional and personnel information - Applications must be validated and electronically signed by both the PD and an authorized institutional representative. - Invitations to submit proposals are issued in January; only invited institutions may apply. - Review includes a scientific advisory board evaluation and possible secondary videoconference review. --- ## Additional Information - Awards are announced in late July, with funding starting August 1. - Annual progress and financial reports are required. - No indirect costs or tuition are allowed. - No-cost extensions may be requested for up to 12 months. - Carryforward of unspent funds is allowed with justification if over $100,000. --- ## External Links - [Program Details and Guidelines (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/Catalyst-for-Discovery-Guidelines-2024.pdf) - [Catalyst Grants Program Page](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/catalyst-grants) - [Important Dates and Deadlines](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/important-dates-and-deadlines) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Welch Foundation | +1 (713) 961-9884 | | ProposalCentral Support | 1-800-875-2562 (US/Canada)
[pcsupport@allum.com](mailto:pcsupport@allum.com) (M–F, 8:30am–5:00pm ET) | ---

Catalyst for Discovery Program Grants

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