Contact the Grants Program
Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to learn more about EarthLab grants, we’d love to hear from you. Building trust and working together starts with a conversation. You can contact our Innovation Grants Program Lead at elgrants@uw.edu.
Current Grant Opportunities
We’re thrilled to offer two grant opportunities in 2026. Each grant type is designed to support different kinds of work, but are united by a shared commitment to climate and environmental justice.
Application Deadline for Both Grants: March 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific
Awards Announced: April 2, 2026
Project Period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027
Incubator Grants
Up to $10,000 | 12 months
Great ideas often start with a conversation. Incubator Grants nurture early-stage concepts and help launch meaningful partnerships across disciplines, sectors, and communities. These grants are a great fit for projects still taking shape, especially those rooted in collaboration and community connection. They’re also designed to help teams build toward larger funding opportunities.
This grant can support:
- Developing a research agenda (literature reviews, data synthesis, convenings)
- Hosting workshops, meetings, or community gatherings
- Attending and presenting at conferences
View Full RFA (PDF) | Apply Now
Rapid Response Grants
Up to $10,000 | 12 months
When urgent questions arise, timely data matters. Rapid Response Grants support faculty, staff, and research scientists in collecting critical data to address emerging climate and environmental justice issues before the moment passes. These grants are also designed to help position you for future funding opportunities.
This grant can support:
- Fieldwork, lab work, and archival research
- Quantitative and/or qualitative data collection and analysis
View Full RFA (PDF) | Apply Now
Who Can Apply?
Both grants are open to PI-eligible faculty, staff, and research scientists from all three UW campuses—Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma. Preference is given to projects based in Washington State with the potential for broader impact.
Please note: Individuals may apply to only one EarthLab grant per application cycle.
Common Questions
I’m not sure which grant fits my project—can I ask?
Of course! Reach out to us at elgrants@uw.edu and we’ll be happy to help you find the right fit.
What can’t these grants fund?
Neither grant supports curriculum development, program evaluation, technology commercialization, or bridge funding.
I’m new to this—can I still apply?
Absolutely. We welcome applicants at all stages. If you’re unsure whether your idea is ready, we’d love to talk it through with you.
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