OSPR Funding Opportunities

The Office of Sponsored Programs and Research is eager to support faculty members who wish to enhance the competitiveness of their grants through incentive programs.

Seed Funding for Grantseekers

Application cycle is closed.

The Office of Sponsored Programs & Research (OSPR) is revising the Seed Funding for Grantseekers Program. Updated application and guidelines will be posted ahead of the 2025 deadline. 

Please contact with any questions.

Peer Review Incentive Program

Faculty members who serve on review panels gain knowledge of the breadth and most current scholarship in their field and insight into what makes a grant proposal succeed (or fail) during peer review. They also begin to develop professional relationships with agency personnel.

The program intends to support participation in a review panel for a program faculty plan to apply for in the future. Participation in review panels for a student program; for example, would not be eligible. Generally, a faculty member is eligible to receive $750 once, although a subsequent award will be considered after the applicant has submitted a proposal to a funding agency.

  • A $750 stipend will be provided to a faculty member who serves on a federal review panel. This will be in addition to any compensation that is provided by the federal agency.
  • To apply, submit a completed application to . The application must be submitted four weeks prior to serving on the panel. These activities are subject to the availability of funds and the OSPR will not provide support for any activities that were not pre-approved.
  • PRIP Application (PDF)

How to Apply to be a Peer Reviewer

agency instructions

National Endowment for the Arts

Complete and submit a .
National Endowment for the Humanities Complete and submit a .
National Institute of Health Send an email to the Enhancing Peer Review mailbox with a brief description of your area of expertise in the body of the email (1-2 sentences) and a copy of your biosketch as an attachment. For more information, visit the .
National Science Foundation Send an email to the NSF program officer(s) of the program(s) that fit your expertise. Introduce yourself and identify your area of expertise, and let them know that you are interested in becoming a peer reviewer. It is most helpful if you also attach a 2-page CV with current contact information. For more information, visit the .
Department of Education The Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) often seeks Peer Reviewers. You must create or login to a in order to apply. For more information, visit the