Updated 8:00 a.m., July 1, 2026.

Purpose

The University of Arizona’s departments and units frequently organize activities, such as conferences, symposia, speaker series, workshops, and poster sessions, at the local, national, or international level to share scholarly work and research with the broader community. This funding is intended to support units in hosting these types of activities and is not intended for professional development or for individuals attending external conferences. 

To be considered for funding, the proposed activity must align with at least three of the following criteria:

• Advances the University’s strategic imperatives
• Demonstrates positive institutional impact and enhances the University’s reputation
• Engages multiple departments, programs, colleges, or schools
• Articulates clear, feasible, and measurable outcomes
• Enriches academic or research activity
• Supports student success and satisfaction
• Addresses critical or timely institutional issues or needs
• Fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, or global engagement

FY2026–2027 Submissions Are Now Open

Funding

• Funding requests are accepted for amounts up to $5,000.
• The award amount depends on the merit of the proposal and available funds.
• This funding is intended to provide one-time support only; it is not intended to become a continuing source of support for on-going activities.
• Funding must be spent by June 30, 2027.
• The funding source for this initiative is the Provost’s Investment Fund. All events receiving contributions from the fund that wish to acknowledge sponsorship may reflect a contribution from the Provost’s Investment Fund.
   

Eligibility

All University of Arizona faculty and staff are eligible to apply on behalf of their unit or as event organizers. Requests must be endorsed by the appropriate department head, chair, director, and the relevant dean or vice president. Collaboration between units is encouraged when appropriate

Process and Timeline

All requests must be submitted through Arizona Cultivate, with the required letter of support from the dean/vice president and budget sheet attached to the online request.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but must be received by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on the deadlines below. Funding decisions will be communicated shortly after. Once all available funds have been allocated for the year, no additional awards will be made.
 

Restrictions

• Funding will not be provided for political or charitable fundraising events, events where anticipated revenue will cover 50% or more of the total cost, or events limited to a small segment of the campus community.
• Preference will be given to events that advance the university’s strategic imperatives.
• This fund may not be used to support faculty publications. The Provost’s Author Support Fund is available for that purpose.
• Units or individuals may only receive funding once every three years (e.g., if awarded in 2025, the next eligible year would be 2028).
• Prohibited expenses include, but are not limited to:
  • Food and beverages
  • Student scholarships and stipends (note: students may be hired as student employees to assist with the event)

Reporting

To ensure transparent reporting to campus constituents on the funding allocation from the Provost’s Investment Fund, each funded activity will require a post-activity follow-up. The format of this follow-up will depend on the nature of the proposal, and could include a report, presentation, or assessment.

Past Awardees