Opportunity Grant Application Guidelines
Note: Opportunity Grant awards are not common. The Partnership Education and Research Committee (PERC) anticipates funding one or two projects each calendar year depending on the availability of funds.
Background
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) is home to the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP), a grantmaking program within SMPH established as the result of a generous endowment gift from Blue Cross Blue Shield United of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Partnership Program is committed to improving health and advancing health equity through investments in community partnerships, education and research.
A true embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea, WPP awards grants to innovative projects and initiatives that propel medical research, enhance health education and workforce development, support community health partnerships, advance health equity and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The work of WPP and its grantees touches all corners of the state, across a wide range of health challenges, communities, populations and geographic areas.
The Wisconsin Partnership Program’s vision, mission and values as well as its goals and grantmaking strategies are described in the 2024–2029 Five-Year Plan.
Goal and Description
Through the Opportunity Grant Program — designed to be strategic, flexible and timely — the Partnership Education and Research Committee (PERC) provides essential one-time start-up funding to rapidly establish time-critical, high-profile, high-impact, state-of-the art education and research projects to address Wisconsin’s most pressing and complex health challenges.
Opportunity Grants support groundbreaking research and education projects that fulfill one or more of five criteria:
- Have the potential to transform a field of study
- Represent a novel application of an established idea or approach
- Challenge traditional thought and practice
- Engage perspectives and approaches from nontraditional partners such as disproportionately impacted communities
- Benefit from an influx of funds to quickly advance the area in significant ways
Proposals must be highly innovative with a clear path to secure additional funding from other sources to sustain the program long-term. The project team must describe how the project will improve health or advance health equity in alignment with the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s 2024–2029 Five-Year Plan framework. Proposals must address specific knowledge gaps or scientific opportunities, advance novel research methods, or enhance the education of the future health workforce while paving the way to create healthier communities and advancing health equity. The proposal must include clear and measurable benchmarks to track progress toward the overall objectives and the specific aims. Proposals must describe the need for a rapid influx of funds to support the project. Applicants must address why submission of the proposal through the New Investigator Program or Collaborative Health Sciences Program is not feasible.
Funding Scope and Duration
Awards are up to $200,000 over up to two years and are non-renewable. Opportunity awards are not common. PERC anticipates funding one or two projects each calendar year depending on the availability of funds.
PIs and Co-PIs must dedicate and maintain at the minimum five percent of full-time equivalent (FTE) professional effort to the project. An individual’s level of effort must be described in the budget justification.
Eligibility
A Principal Investigator (PI) is required with a salaried appointment in a UW School of Medicine and Public Health department of at least 50 percent as:
- Professor or associate professor on the clinical health sciences, clinician-teacher, education professor, research professor or tenure track
- Academic staff with permanent PI status — documentation of permanent PI status by the UW–Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (VCRGE) is required
- Individuals that have campus approval are listed on the VCRGE website
SMPH assistant professors are eligible if they are three or more years past their appointment start date.
Individuals with appointments in SMPH auxiliary units that report to SMPH (e.g. Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene) must have a salaried appointment of at least 50 percent as professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or academic staff with permanent PI status in an SMPH department as outlined.
It is recommended that individuals confirm their appointments before applying, to ensure they are in line with the eligibility guidelines. Individuals must have the appointments finalized before the start of the grant period to be eligible. If a change in appointment takes place after the grant start date, the individual will not be eligible until the next grant period.
The PI must have expertise and experience leading a research or educational project as demonstrated through independent extramural grant funding, such as an NIH R01. The PI is responsible and accountable for leading and advancing the project as specified in the Memorandum of Understanding.
Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) are not required; however, the project may have one or two Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PI). The Co-PIs will be considered key personnel who are expected to contribute to project oversight as well as drafting of manuscripts and progress reports. Co-PIs must each dedicate and maintain a minimum five percent full-time equivalent (FTE) professional effort to the project.
The project may include up to five Collaborators consistent with the scope of the project. Collaborators typically contribute specialized expertise to the project and have more narrowly defined roles than the PI and the Co-PIs.
Collaborators may have an appointment at any UW System campus or other academic institution; Wisconsin health care system; Medical College of Wisconsin; Wisconsin-based non-profit; 4K-12 school or district; Wisconsin tribal, state or local government entity.
Applicants serving as PI or Co-PI on an Opportunity Grant award that is active are not eligible to serve as Principal Investigator for an additional Opportunity Grant award.
Allowable and Unallowable Expenses
Applicants should review WPP’s allowable and unallowable expenses policy when creating their project budget. The project budget must include at least five percent of the Principal Investigator and the Co-Principal Investigator full-time equivalent (FTE) compensation. If effort is cost-shared by other funding sources, details about the funding sources and amount are required in cash-match or cost-share section of the project budget and should also be referenced within the budget justification. Funds must be used for project-related costs, including:
- Direct salary support (cannot exceed NIH salary limitations)
- Support staff expenses, such as salaries and fringe benefits or graduate student tuition
- Travel
- Services, such as consultant or contractual services
- Supplies and other expenses, such as participant support costs and equipment (Equipment is defined as items costing more than $5,000 with more than one year of useful life, and the maximum amount allowed for equipment is $50,000)
Funds may not be used for:
- Pre-award costs
- Indirect overhead and administrative costs
- Infrastructure
- Lobbying
- Institutional Review Board fees (for more information, see the applicant and grantee terms and conditions)
- Supplanting (for more information, see non-supplanting policy)
Submission and Review Timeline
The Opportunity Grant Program has a three-stage submission and review process.
Stage 1: Request for Consultation
A consultation with the WPP operations associate director and/or administrative director is required before moving forward to a Letter of Intent. The Principal Investigator may request a consultation at any time and the administrative director will determine whether to invite a Letter of Intent based on the Stage 1 review criteria. Decisions are typically issued within 30 days of the consultation.
Stage 2: Letter of Intent
Applicants must be invited to submit a Letter of Intent for consideration by the WPP Administrative Leadership Team. Decisions by this team to advance to the next step are made in consultation with the PERC chair and are typically issued within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Intent.
Stage 3: Full Application
Applicants must be invited by the WPP Administrative Leadership Team to submit a Full Application for funding consideration by the Partnership Education and Research Committee (PERC). PERC typically invites the Principal Investigator and project team to present the proposal to the committee before making a funding decision. Decisions by PERC are typically issued within 90 days of receiving the Full Application.
Decisions at each stage are final and cannot be appealed.
Stage 1: Request for Consultation Guidelines
Applicants may request a consultation at any time by emailing the operations associate director.
In the request email, provide general information on the project and outline the project goal(s) and specific aims. Include the Principal Investigator’s biographical sketch in current NIH format, up to five pages in length.
The consultation will cover:
- The scope and significance of the health issue being addressed and its relevance in Wisconsin
- How the project advances the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program, in particular how a one-time rapid influx of funds is necessary and can lead to other sources of funds to expand or sustain the work
- Why applying to the New Investigator Program or Collaborative Health Sciences Program is not feasible
- Principal Investigator’s eligibility
Review Process
The operations associate director and administrative director will confer on the outcome of the consultation based on the review criteria and determine if it warrants further development as a Letter of Intent. The operations associate director and administrative director will report the consultation and their decision to the WPP Administrative Leadership Team. They may also consult with the Administrative Leadership Team or content expert advisors to come to a decision, if needed.
Review Criteria
- A highly innovative proposal that advances the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program
- Describes the scope and significance of the health issue being addressed and its relevance in Wisconsin
- Strong rationale for urgency of securing funding through the Opportunity Grant Program and reasonable justification for why submission of the proposal through the New Investigator Program or Collaborative Health Sciences Program is not feasible
- Principal Investigator has an established record of independent scholarship or experience developing, administering or evaluating research or education programs
Stage 2: Letter of Intent Guidelines
Applicants must be invited by the operations associate director and administrative director to submit a Letter of Intent. Applicants will receive a link to the application forms from the Wisconsin Partnership Program along with the submission timeline and requirements.
The Letter of Intent (LOI) includes two components:
The Letter of Intent project overview provides a description of the project, including the primary goal, the broader long-term objectives, specific aims and how the project advances the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program.
The Letter of Intent must provide details on the project team, including the scientific disciplines and contributions of the Principal Investigator, Co-PIs and Collaborators.
The Letter of Intent must be uploaded as a PDF and cannot exceed two single-spaced pages with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font.
The Letter of Intent budget justification provides a brief budget justification that details anticipated expenditures, including by expense type (salary and fringe benefits, travel, services, and supplies and other expenses), to support the aims and objectives of the project. If applicable, the budget justification should include anticipated expenditures on equipment, software, contractors, and consultants along with related rationale. Please refer to WPP’s allowable and unallowable expenses policy.
The Letter of Intent budget justification must be uploaded as a PDF and cannot exceed one single-spaced page with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font.
In addition, provide biographical sketches for the Principal Investigator, Co-PIs and Collaborators in current NIH format, including a personal statement, positions, scientific appointments and honors, and contributions to science. Co-PIs and Collaborators from state and local government agencies or community organizations may submit a resume in lieu of a biographical sketch. Biographical sketches and resumes, each up to five pages in length, must be uploaded as a single PDF.
Review Process
The Wisconsin Partnership Program Administrative Leadership Team will review the Letter of Intent based on the review criteria. This team, in consultation with the PERC chair, will discuss the LOI and decide whether it warrants further development as a full application. The Administrative Leadership Team may also consult with content expert advisors.
Review Criteria
- A highly innovative proposal with a clear path to secure additional funding from other sources to sustain the program long-term
- Advances the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s 2024–2029 Five-Year Plan framework and the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program
- Addresses specific knowledge gaps or scientific opportunities, advances novel research methods, or enhances the education of the future health workforce while paving the way to create healthier communities and advancing health equity
- Project team (PI, Co-PIs and Collaborators) brings expertise central to advance project goals
Stage 3: Full Application Guidelines
Applicants must be invited by the WPP Administrative Leadership Team to submit a full application. Applicants will receive a link to the application forms from the Wisconsin Partnership Program along with the submission timeline and requirements.
In addition to providing general information on the project, the full application includes:
Abstract
The abstract is a succinct and accurate description of the proposed project. The abstract must state the application’s broad long-term objectives and specific aims, design and methods for achieving the stated project goals, and alignment with the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program.
The abstract should be informative to other people working in the same or related fields and understandable to a scientifically or technically literate reader. Avoid describing past accomplishments and the use of the first person. The abstract must be uploaded as a PDF not exceeding one single-spaced page with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font.
Impact Statement
The impact statement describes how the outcomes of the project will lead to improvements in health, health care and/or health equity, particularly in the state of Wisconsin. The statement must include details on the scope and significance of the health issue being addressed. Applicants must provide a brief synopsis of the project in succinct and plain language, without scientific and medical terminology, understandable by a general audience. The impact statement must be uploaded as a PDF not exceeding one single-spaced page with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font.
Narrative
The narrative describes the project’s specific aims, significance, approaches, limitations, alternative strategies and expected specific measurable outcomes. The narrative must include plans to evaluate progress toward the stated goals and objectives, including a timeline and specific measurable outcome metrics, and plans for sustainability. The narrative must be uploaded as a PDF not exceeding five single-spaced pages with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font. Footnotes, references and up to three tables and/or figures are not included in the page limit and should be inserted after the narrative.
Project Timeline and Metrics
Project timeline and metrics must be provided for accomplishing specific deliverables for each project aim to benchmark progress toward stated goals and objectives. Use the required Gantt chart template (XLSX).
Project Budget
The project budget should clearly indicate how the grant funds will be spent. Use the required budget template (XLSX). Requests should be made by expense type (salary and fringe benefits, travel, services, and supplies and other expenses) and should provide sufficient detail for individuals unfamiliar with the project. Expenditures must:
- Be fully justified, reasonable and clearly related to the project’s goals
- Reflect the activities listed in the proposal
- Explain the sources and amounts of any cash match or cost sharing funds
Budget Justification
The budget justification describes in detail the major budget line items: salary and fringe benefits, travel, services, and supplies and other expenses. The justification provides specific information about why an expense is necessary to achieve the project goals and objectives. It must also describe the roles and responsibilities of the PI, Co-PIs and Collaborators, even if uncompensated, and of additional support staff. The budget justification must be uploaded as a PDF with one-inch margins and a minimum 11-point font.
Biographical Information
Full applications must include a biographical sketch for the Principal Investigator, Co-PIs and Collaborators in current NIH format, including a personal statement, positions, scientific appointments and honors, and contributions to science. Co-PIs and Collaborators from state and local government agencies or community organizations may submit a resume in lieu of a biographical sketch. Biographical sketches and resumes, each up to five pages in length, must be uploaded as a single PDF.
Letters
Letters of Commitment
Letters of commitment from the Co-PIs, Collaborators and consultants are required and must show evidence of the collaboration with specific details about how they or their organizations will contribute to the project. The letters must be uploaded as a single PDF.
Letters of Support
Letters of support may include up to five letters from individuals or groups other than the Co-PIs, Collaborators and consultants (letters of commitment are required from them) to demonstrate support for the project. The letters must be uploaded as a single PDF.
Optional Materials
Optional materials are limited to essential study materials such as consent forms and may be submitted for use by the reviewers at their discretion. Optional materials are limited to no more than ten pages and are not to be used to circumvent the narrative page limits. These materials must be uploaded as a single PDF.
Compliance
Indicate whether the project requires approval by the Animal Care and Use Committee, the Madison Campus Biological Safety Committee, UW–Madison Institutional Review Board, and/or the University Radiation Safety Committee. See the Wisconsin Partnership Program terms and conditions for more information.
Non-Supplanting Questionnaire
The Non-Supplanting Questionnaire must be completed by responding to the questions and providing explanations as necessary. The Non-Supplanting Questionnaire must be signed by the PI and Co-PI(s). See the supplanting review section for more information on supplanting.
Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information
Designation of Confidential and Proprietary Information is required in accordance with Wisconsin’s public records and open meetings laws. See the Wisconsin Partnership Program terms and conditions for more information. Indicate whether the full application includes proprietary and/or confidential information, and using the form provided, identify and request confidentiality for any trade secrets or proprietary information.
Review Process
Technical Review
WPP staff will review each application to ensure that all requirements are met. Applications that do not comply with the submission requirements will not be reviewed and the applicant will be notified.
Content Review
Typically, two members of PERC with relevant expertise will review the application based on the full application review criteria. PERC reserves the right to consult with a non-PERC member with relevant expertise and experience germane to the project from UW System schools, colleges or campuses, or at other universities and could include community representatives. The de-identified reviewer comments will be provided to the applicant.
PERC Review
Applicants are typically required to personally present an overview of the proposal to the committee.
PERC will make the final decision on the application based on the evaluation by content reviewers, PERC committee discussion and the project’s alignment with the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program. Additional information may be requested by PERC.
Supplanting Review
Supplanting means to replace, to take the place of, or to supersede. The Wisconsin Partnership Program prohibits any funds from being awarded that will supplant funds or resources otherwise available to applicants from other sources for the proposed project.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to fully disclose any potential or actual overlap between the aims, activities, or scope of work in the Opportunity Grant proposal with the aims, activities or scope of work supported by other funding sources to the applicant.
PERC’s award decisions are conditional on a review of non-supplanting by the WPP Administrative Leadership Team. If a determination is made that supplanting has occurred or likely will occur, the SMPH chief financial officer will be consulted and the Leadership Team will take action in compliance with WPP’s non-supplanting policy. The WPP Administrative Leadership Team’s decisions are final and cannot be appealed.
Applicants selected for awards by PERC are required to provide information for review by the Wisconsin Partnership Program:
- An up-to-date non-supplanting questionnaire
- Principal Investigator’s and Co-Principal Investigator’s (if applicable) Other Support information in NIH format with the following sections: Project/Proposals by status, Active and Pending, In-Kind Contributions, and Overlap
- Principal Investigators must sign their Other Support page
Decisions at each stage of the review are final and cannot be appealed.
Review Criteria
The proposal:
- Shows innovation and has outstanding rigor and merit
- Advances the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s 2024–2029 Five-Year Plan framework and the goals of the Opportunity Grant Program
- Addresses specific knowledge gaps or scientific opportunities, advances novel research methods, or enhances the education of the future health workforce while paving the way to create healthier communities and advancing health equity
- Describes the process by which successful execution of the project positively impacts or translates to improved health, health care and/or health equity in Wisconsin
- Describes specific metrics to benchmark progress toward stated goals and objectives
- Describes plans for evaluating and disseminating research outcomes or project results
- Includes explicit plans to make the project self-sustaining through non-Wisconsin Partnership Program funding sources
- Describes community engagement efforts if it is the central component of overall project goal
The Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigators:
- Each has an established record of independent scholarship or experience developing, administering or evaluating research or education programs
- Together, the PI, Co-PI and Collaborators (as applicable) are a synergistic team with each bringing expertise central to advance project goals
Terms and Conditions
By applying for a Wisconsin Partnership Program grant, applicants agree to the program’s terms and conditions. Please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for terms and conditions of the award.
Contact Information
For more information or assistance, please contact:
Tonya Mathison
Administrative Director
tonya.mathison@wisc.edu
Justin Hajny
Operations Associate Director
jdhajny@wisc.edu