RAISE (Research Across Institutions for Scientific Empowerment)
Funds collaborative natural science research involving multiple undergraduate institutions in the Pacific Northwest, emphasizing student participation and building capacity for future federal research funding.
Funder: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Due Dates: April 1, 2026 (SR-LOI) | July 31, 2026 (Invited SR application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $300,000 total per alliance over three years (up to $200,000 from the Trust with a 33.3% alliance cost share).
Summary: Supports collaborative, multi-institutional natural science research projects at undergraduate institutions, emphasizing student involvement and competitiveness for federal research funding.
Key Information: Projects must involve alliances of 3–4 institutions with strong institutional support and a clear plan for federal grant submission.
Description
This program funds collaborative natural science research projects conducted by alliances of faculty at predominantly private undergraduate institutions (and select public undergraduate universities) in the Pacific Northwest. The initiative is designed to empower research-active faculty to engage in advanced, synergistic research that would not be possible individually, while providing meaningful undergraduate research experiences and producing impactful, peer-reviewed publications. A core goal is to help alliances build capacity to secure ongoing federal research funding (e.g., NSF, NIH). Projects must demonstrate strong institutional support, clear collaborative structure, and a plan for federal grant submission.
