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

February 28, 2026 (WelchX Retreat application) | June 26, 2026 (WelchX Pilot Grant proposal)

$100,000 per pilot grant for one year; up to 24 participants selected for the retreat.

Supports Texas chemical researchers to collaborate at in-person retreats and develop innovative pilot projects in key areas of chemistry.

Retreat participation is required to be eligible for pilot grant funding.

--- ## Description The WelchX Retreat and Pilot Grants program is designed to foster collaboration among early- and mid-career faculty in the chemical sciences at Texas institutions. The program organizes fully in-person, topically focused retreats to stimulate creative, collaborative research ideas addressing significant challenges in chemistry, including bioorganic, medicinal, analytical, macromolecular, climate-smart chemistry, clean energy, materials, mineral processing, and clean water. Selected retreat participants develop collaborative pilot proposals for $100,000 in one-year funding to pursue the research concepts generated during the retreat. --- ## Due Dates - **February 28, 2026:** WelchX Retreat application deadline (submit required materials via email to conference@welch1.org) - **June 26, 2026:** WelchX Pilot Grant final proposal submission deadline (via ProposalCentral) --- ## Funding Amount - **Pilot Grant:** $100,000 per collaborative project for a one-year period. - **Retreat Participation:** Up to 24 faculty selected to attend the retreat; only retreat participants are eligible to apply for pilot grants. - **Eligible Budget Items:** Direct research costs (personnel—excluding PI/Co-PI salary, postdocs, students, technicians; expendable scientific items; services; equipment maintenance; travel up to $5,000; see guidelines for exclusions). --- ## Eligibility - **Retreat:** Early- to mid-career tenured or tenure-track faculty in chemical science disciplines at Texas institutions. Late-stage Assistant Professors may be considered with strong justification. - **Pilot Grant:** Only collaborative teams formed at the retreat are eligible. Each PI/Co-PI must be a full-time, regular faculty member (tenure or tenure-track) at a Texas institution. - **Other Requirements:** Participants must attend the retreat in its entirety and commit to developing a collaborative proposal. --- ## Application Process ### WelchX Retreat Application - **Deadline:** February 28, 2026 - **Submission:** Email required materials as a single PDF to [conference@welch1.org](mailto:conference@welch1.org) - **Required Materials:** - 1-page statement on vision and interest in the retreat theme ("Chemistry of Life") - 1-page description of a valued research collaboration - NIH-style biosketch (max 3 pages, including grants and 5 relevant publications) ### WelchX Pilot Grant Application - **Eligibility:** Only teams formed at the retreat may apply. - **Deadline:** June 26, 2026 (via [ProposalCentral](https://proposalcentral.com/)) - **Application Components:** - Project description (max 5 pages) - Collaboration summary - Integrated budget ($100,000 for one year) - Biosketches for PI/Co-PI (2 pages) - Institutional and PI information - Electronic signatures from PI(s) and institution officials - **Budget Restrictions:** No PI/Co-PI salary, no overhead, no consultant fees, no student tuition, or general office expenses. --- ## Additional Information - **Retreat Details:** June 8–11, 2026, at The Post Oak Hotel, Houston, TX. No registration fee; hotel and most meals covered (travel costs not covered). - **Selection:** Up to 24 faculty selected based on expertise, institutional and sub-disciplinary balance. - **Project Start:** Funded pilot projects begin August 1, 2026. - **Reporting:** Progress and expenditure reports required annually via ProposalCentral. - **No-cost extensions:** May be requested up to 5 months prior to grant expiration. --- ## External Links - [Program Website](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/welchx-retreat-and-pilot-grants) - [2026 Retreat Call for Applications (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/WelchX-CFA-2026.pdf) - [Pilot Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://welch-main.s3.amazonaws.com/media/WelchX-Pilot-Grant-Guidelines-2025.pdf) - [ProposalCentral Application Portal](https://proposalcentral.com/) - [Important Dates and Deadlines](https://welch1.org/grants-programs/important-dates-and-deadlines) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General/Retreat Inquiries | [conference@welch1.org](mailto:conference@welch1.org) | | ProposalCentral Support | pcsupport@altum.com / 1-800-875-2562 | | Funder Phone | +1 (713) 961-9884 |

WelchX Retreat and Pilot Grants

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