The Gund Institute mobilizes scholars and leaders to understand and solve critical, interconnected environmental challenges. We collaborate across academic disciplines and work in partnership with stakeholders from government, business and communities.
Challenge Awards will support Gund community members to advance solutions that provide multiple, synergistic benefits. Proposals may fund cutting-edge ideas; interdisciplinary solutions-oriented research; collaboration with leaders in government, NGOs, and/or the private sector; training of students and future leaders; events; partnership development; or related ideas.
Challenge awards are flexible and can support a wide range of projects through various mechanisms.
2026 Challenge Awards for Biodiversity
From genes to ecosystems, biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. It drives how ecosystems function and the services they generate. Yet many species and ecosystems are endangered by human activities, and we need solutions to help conserve and restore populations of wild plants, animals, and other organisms and the habitats they need. No single approach to the biodiversity crisis will sustain ecosystems or meet societal needs; rather, we need multiple complementary strategies.
The Gund Institute for Environment recently raised funds to empower our community’s scientists and partners to work toward innovative solutions to the biodiversity crisis and deliver measurable results.
Awards can range from $5,000 to $10,000
The Gund Institute intends to fund up to $30,000 through three or more awards.
Proposal deadline: October 6, 2026
Eligibility and Requirements
Proposals must designate one Lead and optionally up to two Co-Leads. Leads must be affiliated with the Gund Institute and can be Gund Faculty Fellows, UVM Faculty Affiliates, Postdoctoral Fellows, or Graduate Student Fellows. Co-Leads can be any of the above, or Gund Global Affiliates or other UVM or external collaborators. Additional collaborators are welcome. See FAQ for more information.
How to Apply
Proposals will be accepted through the InfoReady Review Portal until 11:59 pm EDT on October 6, 2026.
Required files to upload include:
Project narrative (750 words, excluding references).
Budget
Collaborators list
2-page CVs for Lead and Co-Lead(s) (if applicable), and, optionally, collaborators
Signatures page (use appropriate template)
See full details and instructions in InfoReady.
Questions?
Contact Gund Program Specialist Bailey Rowland with questions at any time.