SUMMER RESEARCH MINI-GRANT PROGRAM
Program History
The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) supports UW-Madison graduate students through a summer research mini-grant program, made possible through generous donations from the Single Step Foundation since 2013. These awards support cutting edge graduate student research that aligns with the work of CIAS, using participatory action research, systems and transdisciplinary approaches.
Award Information
Grant proposals may be awarded up to $3,000. Funds may be used for student salary, travel required to conduct research, farmer & community honoraria and supplies. Funds cannot be used for travel to conferences and meetings. Funds must be spent before the start of the subsequent fall semester.
To Apply
Prerequisites:
- Applicants must be current graduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (While previous awardees may apply to fund new projects, priority will be given to first-time applicants).
- Grant funded work must not extend beyond August 31st of that year.
- Faculty advisor must currently be, or must be willing to become, a faculty associate of CIAS.
Application timeline:
- February – Application opens
- Late March/early April – Application deadline
- Late April/early May – Award decisions released
Applications require:
- A project narrative
- A budget with justification
- Your resume or CV
- A letter of support from a faculty associate advising the project
Summer researchers at a leadership workshop at the Leopold Shack.
Dantrell Cotton conducted summer research in the Allied Drive neighborhood in 2018.
Post-award
Students accepting summer research awards must agree to provide a summary of their research findings, a public presentation of their research, and participate in a leadership workshop with their cohort. Other requirements will be detailed in the call for proposals.
Contact information
For any questions or for further information, please contact Frankie Anderson, Regina Hirsch or Center Director Erin Silva.
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Frankie Anderson
Administrative Specialist
Frankie Anderson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012 with her BS in psychology…
Application Deadline
Applications are due March 27, 2026 at 5:00pm CT. The call for proposals is available below.
2026 Call for Proposals
2026 CIAS Student Summer Research Mini-Grant Program recipients present their projects to CIAS staff at a reception held November 7, 2025