Call for Pilot Project Proposals on Weather and Health Research
Pre-proposals due September 14, 2026
The Mni Sota Center for Weather and Health (MCWH) is requesting applications for small grants ranging from $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000 to develop new initiatives and partnerships to understand the emerging and persistent challenges related to the health implications of extreme and variable weather affecting populations/communities from the Upper Midwest.
The MCWH is particularly interested in proposals that will:
- Lay the foundation for innovative and impactful research that address emerging and persistent challenges related to the health impacts of weather-related factors.
- Facilitate the development of multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral partnerships to build capacity for research related to weather and health utilizing novel data and community resources.
- Engage regional community partners in the research with a priority on American Indian and rural communities.
- Respond to rapidly evolving emerging and re-emerging issues related to the health impacts of weather patterns.
- Develop cutting edge research pilot projects that have high probability of obtaining additional and substantial funding.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
This is a two-step application process. The initial request is for pre-proposals. Full proposals will be accepted by invitation only.
To submit a pre-proposal, interested investigators should send a one-page summary of their proposed idea to [email protected] no later than September 14, 2026, addressing the following points:
- Summary of the problem, including who is affected and how it relates to extreme weather and health
- Specific hypothesis/objective of the project
- Population or community that is the focus of the project • How this research would advance the understanding of the health implications of extreme weather and weather patterns. Projects that focus on American Indian and rural communities are a priority
- The individuals, institutions, and organizations involved, and if this is a new collaboration
- Expected outcomes
- Potential for future funding to extend this work and potential funding sources
- Approximate cost (this is non-binding)
- Contact information of Principal Investigator
REVIEW PROCESS AND TIMELINE
Pre-proposals due: September 14, 2026
Full application invitations sent: September 25, 2026
Full applications due: October 30, 2026 (by invitation only)
QUESTIONS
Email [email protected] with questions.
