UW Global is excited to announce the new application cycle for the UW Global Innovation Fund (GIF), which closes on January 31, 2026. This initiative aims to support the university community in advancing interdisciplinary research and innovative approaches to global learning. Through GIF, faculty and staff have the opportunity to pursue funding for projects that cross academic boundaries and foster meaningful global engagement.
We have scheduled four virtual office hours for questions.
- GIF Office Hours 1– Tuesday, DEC 9 at 12:00 pm
- GIF Office Hours 2 – Thursday, DEC 11 at 2:00 pm
- GIF Office Hours 3 – Wednesday, JAN 14 at 5:00 pm
- GIF Office Hours 4 – Friday, JAN 16 at 8:00 am
Award Categories
Research Awards
The UW Global Innovation Fund provides seed funding to initiate innovative research collaborations that connect different disciplines and continents. These awards help teams launch new projects, build international networks, and lay the groundwork for future large-scale research initiatives.
- Tier 1 Research Award: Up to $5,000 for emerging cross-disciplinary, cross-continent research initiatives. Early-career faculty are encouraged to apply for these awards.
- Tier 2 Research Award: Up to $15,000 for established partnerships or projects with significant impact potential.
Matching Funds: Additional funding is available through 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.
Apply to Teaching & Curriculum Awards
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
Virtual Exchange/COIL elements to your curriculum, helping students collaborate virtually with peers worldwide.
For questions or guidance as you prepare your application, please contact the UW Global team at uwgif@uw.edu.
Previously successful proposals:
*This list can only be accessed by logging in with an eligible UW NetID, and connected through a VPN such as Husky OnNet, if off campus.