Proposals are now being accepted for the Pitt Seed Projects grant program.

Now in its fourth year, the Pitt Seed initiative from the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost provides funding for well-defined projects that directly reflect the goals of the Plan for Pitt and will play an instrumental role in transforming the University as a whole.

“Since its inception, this funding opportunity has brought forth significant efforts that have advanced the priorities of the Plan for Pitt and realized some truly impressive outcomes,” Provost Ann Cudd said in Pittwire.

The provost’s office will host a series of virtual information sessions for potential applicants; attendance is not required. Applicants also can email questions to pittseed@pitt.edu. Register here for any of the sessions listed below. Letters of intent are due by noon, Feb. 5:

• Noon-1 p.m. Dec. 16

• 10-11 a.m. Jan. 12, 2021

• 4-5 p.m. Jan. 21

Proposed projects can include research ideas, academic programs, process improvement, diversity, community and industry partnership development, outreach, methods of teaching and learning, workshops, lectures, and enhancing the student experience.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and Cudd have said projects that address two key priorities — diversity and inclusion, and institutional resilience — will be given preference.

“This year — a year filled with both deep challenges and broad opportunities — we are particularly interested in proposed projects that promise to propel our efforts forward in these areas,” Cudd said in Pittwire.

All projects must adhere to University policies, and this year those include policies that Pitt developed in light of COVID-19. The application has a new question that asks applicants to briefly describes how funded projects will adapt in response to potential changes in the University’s operational posture.

Completed application with supporting documents are due by March 5, 2021.