Reinforcement Grants (Maryland Catalyst Fund)
The University of Maryland's Reinforcement Grants (Maryland Catalyst Fund) support operational needs in large externally funded research projects to strengthen infrastructure and competitiveness.
Funder: University of Maryland
Due Dates: September 20, 2026 (monthly submission deadline; applications due by the 20th of each month via UMD InfoReady)
Funding Amounts: Internal support typically <10% of IDC on the external award; 5+ year option possible; cost-share: 50% unit, 25% VPR, 25% Provost.
Summary: Supports large-scale, externally funded UMD research projects by funding critical operational needs not covered by external awards.
Key Information: Only for UMD full-time faculty (assistant research scientist or above) with large, externally funded center-level awards.
Description
Reinforcement Grants through the Maryland Catalyst Fund provide essential operating support for large-scale, externally funded research awards at the University of Maryland. These internal grants are designed to address critical operational needs that external sponsors do not cover, helping to build and strengthen research infrastructure for new center-level awards, enhance the productivity of major funded research programs, and increase competitiveness for future renewals. The program is overseen by the Vice President for Research and managed by the Research Development Office, with all awards supported by contributions from faculty units, the VPR, and the Provost.
