The CIAS Graduate Student Summer Research Mini-Grant Program Call for Proposals is now open for 2026!

The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS) invites UW-Madison graduate student applications for our summer research mini-grant program, which is made possible through a generous donation from the Single Step Foundation. These awards will provide up to $3,000 for graduate student research aligned with the work of CIAS. We are particularly interested in proposals regarding local and regional food systems, soil health, continuous living cover, equity and food sovereignty, and animal health and welfare. Projects may use funding to facilitate stakeholder engagement and partnerships through participatory action research (PAR). See the RFP for detailed descriptions of these priority areas.

Undergraduate research is not eligible for funding through this program. Grant-funded work must be completed by September 4, 2026. The applicant’s faculty advisor must currently be, or willing to become, a faculty associate of CIAS. 

All applicants who submit materials by March 27, 2026, are assured consideration. Learn about previous awards here. If you have questions about the mini-grant program or the application process, contact Regina Hirsch, rmhirsch@wisc.edu.

Highlights celebrating last year’s mini-grant program and recipients can be found here: Another Successful Year for the CIAS Graduate Student Summer Research Mini-Grant Program