Global, Together Seed Grants

As part of the launch of Global, Together—the campus internationalization framework—the International Division is pleased to announce the Global, Together Seed Grant (GTSG) program. The goal is to spark innovative international collaborations by faculty and academic staff who seek to build or expand international research, teaching, or creative endeavors that address global challenges with local resonance. Proposed activities should lead to the development or advancement of a funded or self-sustaining project.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must be a UW–Madison faculty or academic staff member with a 50% or greater appointment. Applications must include a letter of support from the institution or organization in the country where the proposed activity will occur or a letter of support from the individual(s) at the international institution or organization who would come to UW–Madison if the grant proposal is funded. Preference will be given to applications that propose partnerships in support of the Global, Together Featured Country Initiative, which, for 2026-2028, includes Germany, India, Mexico, Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Thailand.

Description of Awards

Global, Together Seed Grants will be awarded to support:

• New partnerships (up to $5,000)
• Existing collaborations (up to $10,000)

Application Process

Please use the GTSG form to submit the following parts of the application. The proposal should include the following categories:

• Abstract/brief project description in plain language (150 words).
• Project overview explaining:
  • Project objectives (up to 250 words).
  • How the proposed activities will advance understanding of a global challenge with local resonance through research, teaching, or a creative endeavor with the international partner(s) (up to 500 words).
• Proposed activities with the international partner(s) and timeline for completion (up to 500 words).
• Deliverables and intended outcomes (up to 250 words).
• If the submission is to develop an existing project, describe:
  • The progress made to date (up to 150 words).
  • How additional funding would take the work to the next level or in a new direction (up to 100 words).
• A brief budget not to exceed $5,000 or $10,000 and documenting any additional sources of funding for the activities (no more than one page).
• A brief description of the collaborators:
  • At UW-Madison (up to 100 words).
  • At the partner institution or organization, including their role and expertise (up to 500 words).
• A two-page (maximum) CV for the UW–Madison project lead.
• A two-page (maximum) letter of support or interest from the international partner(s).
• A two-page (maximum) letter of support from unit head, department chair, or direct supervisor of the UW-Madison project lead.

Timeline and Process

Deadline for submission of applications is October 26, 2026, at 12 PM CST. The selection decision will be announced in late November 2026 with funds disbursed to recipients’ home unit in December 2026. All expenditures are subject to applicable Universities of Wisconsin and divisional travel and procurement policies. There is no mandatory cost-share requirement. The funds must be used for the proposed activities by December 31, 2027.

All award recipients will be required to submit a project report by December 31, 2027, summarizing the activities carried out during the grant period and the next steps for the funded partnership activities. A detailed financial summary documenting how the funds were spent should be included in the report along with an explanation for any remaining fund balances.

Supported Activities

Grant funds should directly support the development and/or advancement of international partnerships. Examples of such activities include but are not limited to:

• Research/outreach/education project development or implementation (e.g., development of an innovative student exchange or study abroad program; internship cultivation; work on a joint publication, research project, or art installation; Collaborative Online International Learning [COIL] course development).
• Travel to an established international partner institution to collaborate on project development or a grant proposal.
• Travel to an institution or organization to develop a new institutional partnership, based on mutual interest in student educational opportunities and/or collaborative faculty research.
• Hosting an international partner at UW–Madison to develop a research project or proposal, conduct joint research, or participate in a campus-based symposium or other event to benefit the public.
• Engagement with international alumni and/or participation in events that may enhance student recruitment from one of the featured countries.
• Student hourly appointments to support project development and research, alumni engagement, and conference participation, etc.

Selection Process

The selection committee will use criteria based on the goals and actions described in Global, Together and as outlined below:

First Priority Criteria

• Proposed activity will enhance the UW–Madison student experience through globally-informed teaching and learning; spark innovative international collaborations; expand international opportunities across the state of Wisconsin; and/or advance international alumni engagement.
• Proposal demonstrates the potential for sustainability of the activity beyond the seed grant funding period through a larger research grant, permanent course offering, or other sustainable mechanism.
• Activity takes place in one of the 2026-2028 featured countries: Germany, India, Mexico, Republic of Korea, South Africa, or Thailand.

Second Priority Criteria

• Connection to the Wisconsin Idea and impact on rural Wisconsin.
• Collaboration across more than one UW–Madison department, unit, school, college, or division.
• Engagement with the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub.

Process

Each fall, the Vice Provost and Dean of the International Division will convene a subcommittee of faculty and academic staff to review the Global, Together Seed Grant applications. The committee will evaluate applications based only on the submitted materials, compiling ranked lists of applicants based on the first and second priority criteria described above. Selection decisions will be submitted to the International Division Dean’s Office by mid-November for announcement in late November.

The names of awardees, unit affiliation, a brief project description, and other details related to the awards will be shared in an announcement produced by the International Division. The International Division and/or associated units may also contact awardees to produce articles and other content related to the project and associated international engagement for use in campus newsletters, websites, and social media.