What is the Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant?
The Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant provides targeted programming and funding to support teams from higher education institutions that have completed the Ecosystem Futures Fellowship. The purpose of the grant is to help teams advance activities outlined in their ecosystem growth plans as they begin to put those plans into action.
Who is eligible to apply?
Only teams that have successfully completed the Ecosystem Futures Fellowship are eligible to apply for the catalyst grant.
Why is this grant limited to fellows?
The catalyst grant is designed to build on the work fellows have already completed during the fellowship, including planning, partnership development, and ecosystem readiness. Focusing funding on fellows helps ensure resources support teams that are prepared to advance meaningful, sustained change.
What types of activities can the grant support?
Funding supports early implementation work associated with a fellow’s STEM innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem growth action plan. All activities should focus on social and environmental sustainability and inclusive innovation within the categories of courses, programs, and infrastructure. Examples include launching pilot STEM I&E courses and extra- or co-curricular programs, revising promotion and tenure requirements, developing community-engaged programs, developing infrastructure, and other activities that advance the plan’s objectives.
How much funding is available?
The Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant provides up to $85,000 over a two-year grant period to support implementation of ecosystem-level innovation and entrepreneurship efforts developed through the Ecosystem Futures Fellowship.
What is the timeline for the grant?
Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant Timeline
- Application opens: April 2026
- Deadline for Action Plan and Budget: April 24, 2026
- Deadline for Letters of Support: May 1, 2026
- Interviews with Applicant Teams: June 1-19, 2026
- Award notification: July 2026
- Grant period begins: Fall 2026
- Grant duration: Two years
How are proposals reviewed?
Proposals are evaluated by a review team based on feasibility with the fellow’s ecosystem growth action plan, the strength of the team, support from institutional leaders and community partners, and the potential for lasting impact within the institution or regional ecosystem.
Where can those who are not fellows engage with VentureWell?
Those not participating in the current fellowship cohort are encouraged to engage through VentureWell’s membership program and other offerings that support ecosystem development across higher education.
Who should I contact with questions?
For questions about the Ecosystem Futures Catalyst Grant, contact: Senior Program Officer Jaime Wood-Riley.