Academic Venture Fund
Cornell University's Academic Venture Fund supports collaborative, multidisciplinary research with the Environmental Defense Fund to tackle urgent environmental and sustainability challenges.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Call for proposals opens)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 per project (2-year Impact or Research Track); $25,000–$100,000 for 1-year Research Track; typically 5–10 awards annually
Summary: Supports collaborative, multidisciplinary research and impact projects between Cornell and Environmental Defense Fund teams to address urgent environmental and sustainability challenges.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; dates are projected and subject to confirmation.
Description
This program funds joint projects between Cornell University researchers and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) scientists, economists, and practitioners, focusing on innovative and actionable solutions to pressing environmental and sustainability issues. The grant supports both early-stage research and applied, policy-focused projects, with an emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact. Projects must clearly demonstrate a pathway to influence policy, advance sustainability science, or deliver measurable climate and environmental outcomes. Both research and implementation-focused proposals are welcomed.
