Cal Poly Internal Funding Grant Program
Background
Cal Poly is committed to the teacher-scholar model in which faculty integrate excellence in teaching with excellence in research, scholarly and creative activities. The teacher-scholar model enables faculty to fulfill Cal Poly’s mission as an institution committed to quality undergraduate and graduate education, to the advancement of knowledge through basic and applied research, to the enrichment of society through creative activities in the arts and humanities, and to serving our community. The Cal Poly Internal Funding Grant Program, supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor’s Office and the Cal Poly Office of the Provost, is intended to help faculty remain engaged in their disciplines beyond the classroom and to contribute new knowledge through robust programs of scholarship focused on strengthening California socially, culturally, and economically. The annual funding from the program is intended to provide internal resources to help faculty pursue a broader array of professional activities.
Synopsis of the Program
The Internal Funding Program aims to support faculty engagement through three separate funding options. The program solicits proposals that articulate with any area of the teacher-scholar model.
1. New Initiatives - Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities (RSCA):
The primary focus of this track is to provide “seed” funding for all types of research, scholarly, and creative activities. This includes but is not limited to empirical and theoretical research, applied design and development, scholarship of teaching and learning, writing of books, and the production of art and other creative activities. Proposed projects must be related to the generation of new knowledge, and it is incumbent upon the PI to clarify these potential contributions.
2. Continuing Initiatives / Teacher-Scholar Mini Grant (TSMG):
The primary focus of this track is to provide “bridge” and/or “closure” funding for all types of research, scholarly, and creative activities. Fundable areas include but are not limited to basic or applied research; artistic, archival, creative, or design products; peer reviewed publications; professional workshop convenings; operational bridge funding for ongoing projects; develop or institute curricular or co-curricular programs; program assessment; innovative practice; collaborative engagement; or community engaged teaching and learning.
3. Proposal Development Program (PDP):
The primary focus of this track is to support faculty in the preparation and submission of external funding proposals.
Please view the Internal Funding_2027-28 RFP for full details.
Proposals are due Thursday, October 8, 2026 @ NOON PDT via InfoReady.
No late submissions will be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their proposals early. (Standard practice is 24 hours ahead of deadline).
Note that this program does NOT require any processing through the Office of Research pre-award offices for proposals to external funders.
Applicants will be notified whether their proposals have been awarded by February 2027.
The Office of Research thanks you for your participation! If you need assistance, please e-mail research@calpoly.edu.
