In a message to the University community this week, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher opened year three of the Pitt Seed Project with a call for letters of intent for projects that “fuel the University’s continued evolution as a world leader in learning, teaching and research.”

The Pitt Seed initiative offers faculty and staff members across all five Pitt campuses an opportunity to directly and actively contribute toward achieving the University’s strategic goals. Proposals must support one or more of the six goals outlined in the The Plan for Pitt; chosen applicants can receive up to $50,000 to advance their project. View projects that were funded in 2018 and 2019.

Pitt Seed criteria and selection

Proposed projects can focus on: research ideas, academic programs, enhancing the student experience, process improvement, diversity, community and industry partnership development, outreach, methods of teaching and learning, workshops and lectures.

While all proposed projects will be considered, preference will be given to those that address priorities of the chancellor and provost, including access and affordability, diversity and inclusion, personalizing education and improving teaching and learning.

Additionally, a distinct advantage will be given to proposals that can demonstrate long-term sustainability as well as institutional support (e.g., matching funds) from other units within or external to the University.

Letters of intent

Any person who is interested in applying for a Pitt Seed grant must first submit a letter of intent. Through the online submission management tool, users will provide an overview of their proposed project, the primary investigator’s CV or resume, a list of project team members, the project’s desired outcome(s) and metrics for success, the resources needed to execute the project and the primary goals in The Plan for Pitt and/or provost’s priorities with which the project aligns. 

After letters of intent are received, applications will open and will be due one month later. While letters of intent will not be adjudicated, they are required in order to complete an application for proposal funding.

Upcoming information sessions

All faculty and staff are invited to learn more about the initiative’s process and attend information sessions beginning this week:

Friday, Dec. 13, 2019
Noon-1 p.m.
817 Cathedral of Learning
RSVP

Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019
4-5 p.m.
826 Cathedral of Learning
RSVP

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020
9-10 a.m.
817 Cathedral of Learning
RSVP

Deadlines and more information

Anyone who is interested in applying for Pitt Seed Project funding is required to submit a letter of intent by Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at noon.

The application period will open after Feb. 7, with all supporting documents due Tuesday, March 10, at noon.

Visit the Pitt Seed Project webpage for additional details about this opportunity, including information on eligibility and the selection process. 

Answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, institutional support, timelines and more are also available.

Questions about the Pitt Seed initiative and call for letters of intent can be emailed to pittseed@pitt.edu.