The Water Resources Center (WRC), in cooperation with the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences, and the Water Resources Research Institutes Program at the U.S. Geological Survey, requests proposals to the Watershed Innovations (WINS) graduate supplement awards.
The Watershed Innovations (WINS) Grants program seeks to support projects in which researchers innovate to address important water resource concerns in Minnesota. This solicitation seeks pre-proposals to support graduate research assistants enrolled at the University of Minnesota in any water-relevant degree program.
Each award will support up to $12,000 in a supplemental research stipend. The stipend can be used for salary, tuition, travel, or other research-related expenses (equipment is not eligible).
Deadline
Pre-proposals due to the WRC: March 31, 2026 by 5 p.m. CST.
Requirements
- The PI must be a University of Minnesota faculty member. However, the student to-be-funded is required to lead in proposal writing.
- Proposals may request up to $12,000 in funding for projects to take place between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2027.
- Funded students will be expected to submit an abstract for presentation at the Minnesota Water Resources Conference and write a short article about their work to be featured in the WRC’s Minnegram newsletter
The Water Resources Center (WRC), in cooperation with the Water Resources Research Institutes Program at the U.S. Geological Survey, requests submissions for the 2026 WINS student professional development fund.
This funding opportunity supports undergraduate and graduate students to participate in professional development or supplemental training. Eligible expenses may include presenting or attending a conference, completing a workshop or certified skills training course, or obtaining a professional credential. Any University of Minnesota undergraduate or graduate student in a water-related degree program or conducting water-related research is eligible to apply.
The maximum request is $1,000 per applicant. Funds can be used for travel, registration fees, and other costs directly related to the professional development opportunity. Students will be required to submit an itemized budget for expenses. Equipment, research supplies or expenses, and salary, tuition, and fees are not eligible expenses. A total of $5,000 is available to support applications in 2026. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
Important: Funds will be awarded as a scholarship, rather than on a reimbursement basis. Consider how an award of this amount may impact your financial status before applying.
Deadline
Applications are due by 5 p.m. CST Thursday April 30, 2026.
For questions, contact Sarah Roth.
WINS Professional Development Fund for Students application form (Google Form)