Rapid Response Fund for urgent, emergent, or time-sensitive sustainability issues

Apply HERE

Requests accepted on a rolling basis, as funds allow, with priority given to proposals for work in the same fiscal year; any proposal s submitted after April 1 must be for the following fiscal year.

SUMMARY:

The Rapid Response Fund is designed to support CSU faculty in responding quickly to emergent sustainability challenges and issues that present an opportunity for immediate action.

We fund work that cannot wait for a typical grant cycle, including research on natural disasters, emerging environmental or social crises, sudden policy windows, timely community needs, or other emergent opportunities to advance sustainability research, scholarship, or creative artistry.

The flexible mechanism supports both teams and individuals. Most awards will be up to $10,000, but proposals up to $25,000 will be considered for more extensive, high-impact efforts.

EVALUATION CRITERIA. Strong proposals will:

  • Address a meaningful and relevant climate change or sustainability issue.
  • Clearly articulate the urgency or time-sensitivity (i.e. why there is an immediate opportunity and need).
  • Present a well-developed methodological approach and feasible plan of work. 
  • Demonstrate strong potential for meaningful outcomes and impact, as well as promise for scholarly contributions, public relevance, or future funding opportunities.

TO APPLY:

Submit a one- to two-page proposal, single-spaced PDF file using 12-point Calibri font (excluding references, budget justification, or CV) HERE. Your proposal must include:

  • Title and short description (2-3 sentences for public use).
  • Topic and background: What is the issue, why is it important, and what is the research, learning, or impact opportunity? Please include some background information and literature. Please include research questions or objectives (one or more).
  • Urgency: explain the urgency or time-sensitivity (why is there an opportunity and need right now?)
  • Methodological approach: How do you plan on conducting the research or project?
  • Timeline and Deliverables: Please include a timeline that includes a description of your workplace and expected deliverables.
  • Expected outcomes: How will the proposed work lead to applied and scholarly impact, and is there potential for follow-on research or grant making based on this funding?
  • Brief budget and justification (separated by fiscal year).
  • PI and co-PI’s: include 2-page CV(s) and roles. Note that expertise and strength of investigators is an evaluation criterion and that single-PI proposals are welcome, as are proposals from early-career faculty members. CVs not included in page limit.

REVIEW AND FUNDING AVAILABILITY:

Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis. We will aim to communicate funding decisions within three weeks of submission. We have a limited amount of funding that we will be awarding on a rolling basis each fiscal year. We anticipate funding 2-5 awards annually.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

  • Submit a final report within 30 days of project close.
  • Complete an end-of-year SoGES survey in May.
  • Acknowledge SoGES in all publications, presentations, reports, and other products fully or partially supported by this funding.

Questions: contact [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive this funding if I’m already involved in another SoGES-funded project (e.g. GCRT, Collaboratory, curriculum grant, etc)?

Yes.

No, but they may be involved in projects. The PI must be a CSU faculty member (tenure or non-tenure track). 

Not as a primary purpose. The purpose of these funds is to address an emergent and immediate research needs in the field, not to address emergency funding needs due to projects being cancelled or ending.

Yes. While funds cannot be transferred to external partners except for honoraria (please check on limits with your college business staff if this is of interest), cross-organizational partnerships are encouraged.

Not by design. New teams or spin off groups could theoretically apply, but this is not meant to be a GCRT-incubating program.

No. This is an internal funding opportunity and the only submission necessary is the one linked via SmarterSelect. Do not submit a budget in Kuali Research to your department.

2025-2026 Funded Rapid Response Funded Team

ICEd Out examines the rapid expansion of immigrant detention as a sustainability crisis that sacrifices both people and ecosystems. As detention facilities multiply under rushed political directives and weakened oversight, human rights violations and environmental harms are unfolding simultaneously, often in communities already burdened by racialized inequities. This project analyzes how immigration narratives, policy decisions, and on-the-ground conditions fuse to justify unsustainable carceral growth while exposing detainees and surrounding communities to disproportionate risks. By capturing these narratives and impacts as they emerge, the research provides urgently needed insight into how carceral expansion reshapes social and environmental futures

PI’s : Josh Sbicca, Associate Professor, Sociology

Tara Opsal, Chair and Professor, Sociology

Stephanie Malin, Professor, Sociology

Carrie Chennault, Assistant Professor, Anthropology and Geography