The UW Global Innovation Fund (GIF) seeks to support global collaborations, pedagogy, and research across campus.
The UW Global Innovation Fund (GIF) Global Research application is set to open mid-September, 2026. The applications for Global Learning will open in January 2027.
There are many ways for a project to qualify as global. Any project that conducts research abroad or collaborates with international colleagues in a sustained and meaningful way is global. But global projects can also be local. For example, if you have a project that involves international diasporas within the US, that fits our requirements. The key for “glocal” projects is that the focus must be on communities with an international background. Additionally, projects that engage with questions of sovereignty of Indigenous Nations in the US are also eligible.
Innovation is not restricted to any one discipline or unit on campus, and can take many forms. Innovation for one person might mean developing or implementing a new method to advance their field; for another, it might mean an interdisciplinary collaboration, or a unique way of incorporating their research into the classroom or through a community engagement project. Generally, projects that have the potential to be high-impact are considered innovative.
This year, while seed grants and development grants projects and large projects remain open to field-defined priorities, UW Global has developed a few strategic priorities to build cohorts across campus in alignment with President Jones’ strategic vision. If your project fits one of these priorities, you will have an opportunity to share that information in an optional application question. In all cases, we seek to fund projects with a strong capacity for impact, not only within one’s field site and discipline, but in UW classrooms, on campus, across the broader public and beyond.
Award Categories
Research Awards
The UW Global Innovation Fund provides seed funding to initiate innovative research. These awards can be used to launch new projects, build international networks, and lay the groundwork for future large-scale research initiatives.
- Seed Grants: Up to $5,000 for emerging global research initiatives. Early-career faculty are encouraged to apply for these awards.
- Development Grants: Up to $15,000 for established partnerships or projects with significant impact potential.
- UW Global Partner Awards: Up to $20,000 for collaborative projects with several partner institutions, including:
- Aalto University
- University of Helsinki
- Tohoku University
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Sheffield
Global Learning
GIF supports global learning opportunities that expand perspectives and foster intercultural understanding. Funding is available for the development and improvement of study programs, curricular innovation, and collaborative online learning.
Study Abroad/Away Awards
Exploratory/Scoping Visits: Support for prospective program directors to investigate locations for new study programs.
- Up to $3,000 for new “study away” programs within the United States
- Up to $5,000 for new “study abroad” international programs
Faculty Development: Funding for an additional faculty member to accompany an existing program, strengthening program sustainability.
- Up to $3,000 for domestic programs
- Up to $5,000 for international programs
Note: All awarded programs must be administered through UW Global Study Abroad.
Apply to Study Abroad/Away Awards
Teaching & Curriculum Awards
Seed funding of up to $2,000 for proposals that infuse courses with new global perspectives, projects, or instructional methods, such as adding a global module or curricular innovation.
For questions or guidance as you prepare your application, please contact the UW Global team at uwgif@uw.edu.
2026 UW Global Innovation Fund Awardees
Project Descriptions
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