2019 Keck Foundation Limited Submission

The Office of Research and Innovation and the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations announce a limited submission funding opportunity from the William M. Keck Foundation.

The W.M. Keck Foundation has been supporting pioneering discoveries in science, engineering and medical research for a half-century. The foundation awards research grants twice each year, in the form of a limited submission, to several universities. The focus areas are medical research and science and engineering research. According to their website, the Keck Foundation research program supports projects that are "distinctive and novel in their approach" or "have the potential to break open new territory in their field." Grants range from $500,000 to $5 million, but are typically $2 million or less.

Keck also awards grants for undergraduate education. Grants range from $200,000 to $1 million, and are typically under $500,000.

You may review previously awarded grant abstracts for more information.

Because this is a limited submission, the University of Arkansas may submit only one proposal to each grant area. During the concept paper phase, up to four proposals in each area will be discussed during a consultation call that will include the Keck Foundation, the U of A Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, and the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations. The two proposals that most align with the Keck Foundation will be selected.  

Internal Submission Guidelines:

• Submit the one page concept paper to rbeitle@uark.edu and copy the Research Dean of your unit. Use the subject line: "Keck Foundation concept paper."
• A single-paged concept for the Research and Undergraduate Program areas should be in 12 point font with 1-inch margins and should include:
  • an overview of the proposed project emphasizing any unique aspects and pilot studies (for Research Program concepts, indicate area of emphasis for project — medical research or science and engineering research)
  • a description of the methodologies and key personnel
  • a brief justification of the need for Keck support
  • an estimated budget broken down, if possible, by major areas, e.g., personnel, equipment, consumable supplies, etc. (budgets can be rough approximations at this stage)
• Deadline for submission: Nov. 1, 2018

Interested applicants are encouraged to read the foundation's funding priorities before submitting.

Concept papers will be reviewed and up to 8 will be discussed with Keck on a pre-application counseling call to be held prior to February 15, 2019. The phase I application deadline is May 1, 2019, for any proposals selected for final submission.