Overview

The MSU IoE seeks to support faculty individuals or teams preparing competitive external funding proposals related to environmental and socioecological challenges in Montana and the region. These awards provide dedicated time for proposal development. This award amount is for up to one month of total summer salary divided among participants, capped at $10,000 (including applicable fringe and a 6% direct costs fee). This is a one-time award for the project period of June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027, with the funds to be fully utilized during this cycle. Supported activities may include but are not limited to: intensive proposal writing and coordination, team planning and synthesis meetings, consultation with partners and stakeholders, development of broader impacts and engagement plans, and external proposal review and revision.

The Montana State University Institute on Ecosystems (IoE) connects researchers tackling environmental challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration that bridges science, education, and community perspectives. Our work spans Montana’s diverse socio-ecological systems—from working lands and community health to climate resilience, biodiversity, and water systems—grounded in place-based research and a commitment to collaboration and training.

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Eligibility

  • Full-time MSU faculty (including tenure track and non-tenure track research, Extension, and teaching faculty)
  • Interdisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged
  • Applicants must identify a specific external funding opportunity

Proposal Requirements

  • Budget and Justification
  • CV(s) (2 pages)
  • Proposal Development Narrative:
    • Target funding agency and program
    • Project concept and significance
    • Team members and roles
    • Plan for proposal development
    • Timeline

Review Criteria

  • Strength and readiness of the proposed external funding target, demonstrated by the individual or team’s preparedness (e.g., partnerships, background data, defined scope, and capacity) to submit a competitive proposal after completion of the proposed activities
  • Interdisciplinary integration
  • Potential for long-term research and engagement impact
  • Alignment with IoE mission

Awardee agrees to

  • Submit the targeted proposal within the project period (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027)
  • Submit the proposal through the IoE and acknowledge IoE support in submitted proposal
  • Provide IoE with submission confirmation and the proposal outcome

Materials should be submitted on InfoReady by April 30, 2026 at 5 PM MST.