For Faculty and Researchers

GRI's Next Chapter: Supporting and Accelerating Applied Research

GRI has spent 20 years supporting applied research. In 2026, we’re excited to expand that mission, launching a new research incubator that will facilitate collaborative research at every stage—from good ideas to sustainable research enterprises. This new model will support research with the potential for real-world impact in Virginia, the United States, and the wider world, touching topics from across departments and schools at William & Mary. 

GRI’s four-tiered system of incubation will:     

1. Engage Make available training and resources to all W&M faculty as part of GRI’s ongoing programming.  
2. Explore Catalyze emerging research ideas and/or show proof-of-concept.  
3. Accelerate Support and invest in high-potential projects.  
4. Sustain Ensure continued external funding and a successful transition to permanent homes across William & Mary.

Funding Opportunities

To support these goals, GRI is opening three funding opportunities for researchers for the 2026-2027 academic year, backed by the significant administrative support of GRI’s staff. 

There are three kinds of funding available: Pathfinder Groups and Seed Funding will help faculty and staff explore new and developing research pathways. Accelerate Funding represents GRI’s most significant investment in applied research. This overview of the available pathways (pdf) can help faculty and staff select the program that matches their research and goals.  

• Applications for academic year 2026-2027 are now closed. 

Table with overview of funding opportunities

	Pathfinder Groups	Seed Funding	Accelerate Funding
Best for...	Exploring broad research interests/themes with collaborators	Testing ideas with pilot studies in order to seek external funders	Scaling proven research programs
Award	$1K stipend ($1.5k for facilitators)	Up to $20,000	Up to $300,000
Staff Support	Support from the Director of Research and a dedicated Senior Research Manager	Support from the Director of Research, a dedicated Senior Research Manager, Grants Specialist, Comms & Finance Team	Support from the Director of Research, a dedicated Senior Research Manager, Grants Specialist, Comms & Finance Team
Duration	9 months (one academic year)	1 year	Up to 3 years
Format	Monthly cohort meetings	Early-stage research project with strong potential to attract external funding	Major research program seeking to become a sustainable initiative/project/center
Proposal	2 pages	3 pages	5 pages
Deadline	February 15, 2026	February 15, 2026	February 15, 2026
Start	September 2026	September 2026	September 2026
# of Awards Anticipated	Up to 4 cohorts	Up to 3 projects	Up to 2 projects

Apply

Explore additional application details for each pathway and apply below.

Pathfinder Groups

This program allows teams of researchers and students to spend a year considering “big questions” around a core theme, providing space to explore potential research directions and build relationships with other scholars without the pressure of immediate deliverables. This program provides a stipend ($1,000 for faculty/staff participants and $1,500 for facilitators) to participate in these seminars over the course of an academic year.

Application Instructions  Apply  FAQS

Seed Funding

Seed Funding awards of up to $20,000 support pilot projects to generate preliminary data, test innovative methodologies, and build the foundation for larger external grants. This funding is flexible, and can be used to collect data, fund student researchers, or pay for travel related to the research, among other expenses.

Application Instructions Apply FAQS

Accelerate Funding 

GRI's most significant investment in research, Accelerate Funding provides up to $300,000 over three years to grow research projects into sustainable research enterprises. Researchers can use this funding to support course buyouts, research team salaries, travel, and other expenses.

Application Instructions  ApplyFAQs 

Next Steps

For more specific inquiries, to schedule an individual consultation, or to request a GRI staff member visit your department meeting, please contact GRI Associate Director [[dmtrichler, David Trichler]].