CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit
The CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit assists with identifying and securing extramural funding that supports the research, instruction and public service missions of the College during the pre-award process.
Our Services
We can assist with:
- Securing College Support (Cost Share etc.)
- Launching your research program
- Early Career Proposal Guidance
- Center, Project, and Collaborative Grants
- Discussing long-term research strategy or a specific funding opportunity
- Pre-award administrative guidance
- Team assembly
- Comprehensive editing, formatting, and strategic proposal review
Drop in during office hours Wednesdays at 11 am Olmsted Hall 2301 and on Zoom, or email cnasgrants[at]ucr[dot]edu for a meeting.
Helpful resources for federal sponsors
Below are some standard guidelines, outlines, and resources for federal agencies. Not all sponsors offer standard guidelines. Contact the Grant Facilitation Unit if your sponsor is not listed below or if you have a detailed solicitation.
SciENcv
Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae (SciENcv) is a new electronic system that helps researchers assemble the professional information (for the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support needed to participate in federally funded research. Adoption of a single, common researcher profile system for federal grants reduces the researcher’s administrative burden.
SciENcv is required for NSF and DOE Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending Support; NIH will require SciENcv starting May 25, 2025.
ORCID iD
Register for an ORCID iD and add it to your SciENcv. It makes it easy to keep track of your (and your collaborators’) publications.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Updated NSF Priorities
For updated guidance on the priorities of the U.S. National Science Foundation please visit the Updates on NSF Priorities page.
NSF Senior/Key Personnel Documents
- Biographical Sketch
- Synergistic Activities
- Current and Pending Support
- Collaborators and Other Affiliations
The Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) is the source for all information about the NSF's proposal and award process. Be sure to use the current version.
Outlines and Checklists - Please contact the CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit for customized Outlines and Checklists for specific solicitations.
- Standard NSF 24-1 Outline
- Standard NSF 24-1 Checklist
- NSF Data Management and Sharing Plan Template
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
How to Apply – Application Guide (Forms I used for Due dates ON/AFTER January 25, 2025)
Standard Due Dates Please check the solicitation for specific due dates.
New Applications
R01: February 5, June 5, October 5
R03/R21: February 16, June 16, October 16
Outlines and Checklists - Please contact the CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit for customized Outlines and Checklists for specific solicitations.
NIH Research Project Grant - PA-25-301 (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant - PA-25-304 (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
US Department of Agriculture - NIFA
The NIFA Grants Application Guide provides guidance for the preparation and submission of NIFA grant applications via the Grants.gov system. This guide provides general information and references pertaining to the grant application process as well as NIFA-specific instructions and requirements.
When applying for a NIFA award, it is important to reference the version of the guide that is included in the specific funding opportunity application package.
Outlines and Checklists - Please contact the CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit for customized Outlines and Checklists for specific solicitations.
Department of Energy (DOE)
Office of Science funding opportunities page
Find open funding opportunities here
Biographical Sketch
Use SciENcv for DOE Biographical sketches.
Outlines and Checklists - Please contact the CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit for customized Outlines and Checklists for specific solicitations.
Early Career Research Program
See Slides and FAQs for the FY 2025 DOE Early Career Research Program on the Office of Science funding opportunities page
DOE Early Career Research Program Outline
DOE Early Career Research Program Checklist
NSF CAREER
Updated NSF Priorities
For updated guidance on the priorities of the U.S. National Science Foundation please visit the Updates on NSF Priorities page.
The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization. Activities pursued by early-career faculty should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research.
Below are some resources to help with an NSF CAREER application.
UCR Resources
- Proposal Development Materials Developed by UCR (Login Required)
- Sample CAREER proposals
- Proposal Sections and Components
CNAS Resources
- CNAS 2025 CAREER Kickoff Slide Deck
- Suggested Writing Timeline (2025)
- CAREER Outline
- CAREER Checklist
- Sample Chair Letter Template
- Sample Chair Letter Outline
NSF CAREER Resources
Visit the NSF CAREER Program Page for NSF Specific Resources including:
- Current Solicitation (NSF 22-586)
- 2024 NSF CAREER Webinar
- FAQs: Years 2022-2026
Foundations
UCR's Corporate and Foundation Relations Team connects corporations and foundations to the excellent faculty, students, and leaders who make up America’s Fastest Rising University. Partner with the University of California, Riverside, today.
Foundations specializes in connecting foundations with visionary academic leaders and the faculty driving innovation across campus. Our role involves helping foundations in recognizing potential research, programs, and initiatives. They collaborate with you to create and promote strategic funding opportunities, competitions, awards, prizes, and calls for proposals.
Some recurring foundation opportunities are listed below.
Foundation Opportunities
Please check to see if there is a UCR Limited Submission
Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program (Limited Submission)
The Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program supports the research and teaching careers of talented early career faculty in the chemical sciences. The Award, which requires an institutional nomination,
is based on an independent body of scholarship attained in the early years of their appointment (see below), and a demonstrated commitment to education, signaling the promise of continuing outstanding contributions to both research and teaching.
G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation Grant (Limited Submission)
The Mathers Foundation supports basic research with translational potential in areas such as immunology, microbiome, structural biology, cancer, genetics, stem cells, and neuroscience. We fund work that can lead to major advances in scientific understanding and human health.
Immunology, microbiome, genomics, structural biology, cellular physiology, neuroscience, etc., are some noteworthy examples of current research support.
Covid-19 related research projects (aims or sub-aims); Medical imaging technology related projects and/or electrical engineering technology development projects; and Plant Biology Research, Oceanography, Space Exploration, and Global Warming related research will not be considered for support.
Searle Scholars Program (Limited Submission)
The Searle Scholars Program makes grants to selected universities and research institutes to support the independent research of exceptional young faculty in the biomedical sciences and chemistry.
Simons Foundation grantmaking efforts focus on mathematical and physical sciences, life sciences, neuroscience and autism research.
Centrally Managed Foundations
At the request of the funder, approaches to the below should be coordinated by UCR Corporate and Foundation Relations.
These are foundations that expect funding discussions to center on institutional priorities and that in most cases have explicitly asked that funding requests carry the endorsement of the Chancellor and be conveyed through Foundation Relations.
Thus, please contact cfr@ucr.edu prior to submitting a letter of inquiry or proposal:
California Wellness Foundation
Our vision is for every resident of California to enjoy good health and experience wellness. Our mission is to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California by increasing access to health care, quality education, good jobs, healthy environments and safe neighborhoods.
Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation
Gordon and Betty Moore established the foundation to create positive outcomes for future generations. In pursuit of that vision, we advance scientific discovery, environmental conservation, and the special character of the San Francisco Bay Area.
We make grants across a number of program areas, many of which we have supported for decades, as well as limited-time initiatives focused on specific problems. Education; Environment; Performing Arts
The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides funding to young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health.
The W. M. Keck Foundation strives to create far-reaching benefits for humanity by supporting both outstanding science, engineering & medical research, and organizations that enrich the lives of children, youth and families.
Other Sponsors
If the sponsor you are looking for is not listed here, contact the CNAS Grant Facilitation Unit for more information.