Internal Funding Programs

The Office of Research and Graduate Studies (ORGS) has several programs intended to support scholarship, research, and creative activities at Central Michigan University (CMU). These programs range from supporting activities undertaken by undergraduates and graduates to providing matching funds for externally funded projects. 

The internal funding programs are intended to meet the following overarching goals: 

• Provide opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in research or creative projects under the guidance of faculty mentors.
• Provide funding for graduate students.
• Increase the ability of CMU faculty and staff to compete for external funding for their research or creative work.
• Provide support for meritorious scholarly or creative projects where opportunities for external support are either limited or non-existent. 

Funding opportunities are provided for faculty and staff as well as for undergraduate and graduate students. The programs to support research and creative activities are:

Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors (FRCE) The FRCE program is administered by a faculty committee appointed by the Academic Senate, with oversight and grant management provided by the Office of Sponsored Programs.  FRCE provides support for:

• Publications through Publication and Exhibition Cost Funds;
• Presentations at meetings, conferences or exhibitions through Premier Display Funds;
• Research Grants to support research, scholarship, or creative endeavors; there are three types of awards with maximum funding of $3,500 to $8,000.  Research Grants Type B and C offer the opportunity to receive course release (valued at current year replacement rate).

President's and Provost's Awards for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity recognizes the achievements of fauclty for research and creative accomplishments. 

Research Incentive Award (RIA) Guidelines 2023-2024 and CSE ORGS Research Grant Program Guidelines provide course reassignment for faculty who are successful in obtaining large external awards.   

Vice President for Research and Innovation Discretionary Funds are intended to support research and scholarship by allowing faculty and staff to take advantage of unforeseen opportunities or to manage unexpected problems encountered during a project.  

Undergraduate and Graduate Student funding can be found of the Graduate Studies Grants and Awards website.