Colorado State University

RAPID RESPONSE FUND 

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

Rapid response funding for urgent, emergent, or time-sensitive sustainability issues 

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. 

This 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. 

Overall, Rapid Response funding is intended to support time-sensitive research or engagement that must occur immediately in response to an unexpected event or emerging condition. To be eligible for RRF funding, there must be:  

1. Atrigger or event creating urgency (e.g., environmental disturbance, policy change, or operational decision). 
2. A limited time window in which the work must occur and where the opportunity would be lost ifdelayedand the activity could not reasonably have been anticipated and incorporated into a standard research grant or seed funding proposal. 

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). Proposals should clearly identify the triggering event and the specific decision window or data-collection opportunity that would be missed if the work does not occur immediately. 

• 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 and justification, and 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 workplan 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 grantmaking based on this funding?  

• Brief budget and justification (separated by fiscal year). Link to budget template here.  

• PI and co-PIs: include 2-page CV(s) and roles. Note that expertise and strength of investigators are an evaluation criterion and that single-PI proposals are welcome, as are proposals from early-career faculty members. CVs are 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 awarded 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 survey in May. 

• Acknowledge SSF in all publications, presentations, reports, or other products fully or partially supported by this funding. 

QUESTIONS: contact [email protected]