Funding Programs for Vanderbilt Faculty
Research Development and Support houses multiple internal funding programs for Vanderbilt University faculty: the Rapid-Advancement MicroGrant Program (RAMP); the continuing Seeding Success Program; and the new Scaling Success Program. These programs are available for all full-time, Vanderbilt University (Provost-reporting) faculty. These internal funding programs are designed to support faculty research, scholarship and creative endeavors in all fields across Provost-reporting Vanderbilt schools and colleges from arts and humanities to social sciences and education to STEM, each offering a unique set of resources for faculty to seize new opportunities.
Scaling Success Program
The Scaling Success Program supports faculty as they scale up to more impactful team research and larger awards from federal, foundation, or industry sponsors. Applicants must have documented support or interest from an external sponsor to apply, with concrete plans and a commitment to apply to an external sponsor within 12 months of the initial award. Faculty may propose a course buyout through the Scaling Success Grant with support from their dean. This program reaches across all Provost-reporting schools, departments, and disciplines.
- $5,000 to $60,000 to be used within 12 months of award receipt, with larger amounts considered if the proposal warrants and the program budget allows
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, with requests reviewed monthly from July to May (see program page for dates)
Seeding Success Program
The Seeding Success Grant is designed to support new works or directions with strong potential for impact or funding from federal, foundation, or industry sponsors. This grant program reaches across all Provost-reporting schools, departments, and disciplines.
- $5,000 to $60,000 per year for up to 2 years, with larger amounts considered if the proposal warrants and program budget allows
- Calls for applications for Seeding Success will be released every fall and spring semester
Rapid-Advancement MicroGrant Program (RAMP)
RAMP awards are designed for smaller-scale funding opportunities that require a rapid response, allowing faculty to innovate in the moment and to seize strategic and time-sensitive opportunities as they arise. This grant program reaches across all Provost-reporting schools, departments, and disciplines.
- $500 to $5,000 as the budget allows, with smaller requests encouraged
- Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
- Award funding will be rapidly available, with requests reviewed monthly from July to May (see program page for dates)
Generative AI Seed Grant
The Generative AI Seed Grant supports new work or directions focused on innovating with Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Bard, with strong potential for impact or funding from federal, foundation, or industry sponsors. Proposals can target research, curriculum innovation, and new applications of the technology.
- Project funding is up to $20,000 for one year, with larger amounts considered if proposal warrants and program budget allows.
- The application deadline for the Generative AI Seed Grant has passed. There are no plans for future application cycles at this time.
Internal Awards FAQs
Contact Information
For questions or concerns about these programs, please email ovprfunding@vanderbilt.edu.