Innovation for Impact Fund
Internal — Cornell University only
Innovation for Impact Fund supports Cornell researchers and non-academic partners in co-created basic and applied research that translates scientific knowledge into actionable sustainability outcomes.
Funder: Cornell University
Due Dates: November 13, 2026 (EDF optional LOI) | November 24, 2026 (TNC full proposal) | January 20, 2027 (EDF full proposal) | Rolling (EDF Fast Grants)
Funding Amounts: EDF: $25,000–$100,000 for one year or up to $200,000 for two years; TNC: up to $110,000 for one year; Fast Grants: $5,000–$25,000 for less than 12 months
Summary: Supports Cornell researchers and non-academic partners in co-created research translating scientific knowledge into actionable sustainability outcomes.
Key Information: Cornell PIs and co-PIs must meet Cornell PI eligibility criteria; annual joint-call Cornell co-PIs must be current Atkinson Faculty Fellows.
Description
Cornell Atkinson’s Innovation for Impact Fund connects scientific knowledge with action on pressing sustainability challenges. It supports basic and applied research co-created with non-academic partners, emphasizing clear pathways to impact and actionable, near-term results. Interdisciplinary teams of researchers and practitioners develop insights, demonstrate concepts, design tools, pilot discoveries, and implement practices that can shape policies and environmental outcomes.
Current opportunities include joint research with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), joint research or workshops with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and rolling EDF Fast Grants for urgent opportunities. EDF’s Research and Impact tracks distinguish early-stage discovery from implementation-ready work. TNC projects emphasize policy-relevant research with achievable one-year impact goals. Cornell Atkinson’s Strategic Partnerships team also uses the fund for strategic initiatives and participation in multi-stakeholder consortia.
