Funding Forward: a new program that equips and empowers graduate students to compete for external fellowships

Funding Forward: Equipping and Empowering Graduate Students to Apply for Fellowships

Monday, September 16 | 11:45 am – 1:15 pm

Tripp Commons, Memorial Union

Discover why fellowships are crucial funding opportunities and how to successfully apply for them. Learn from faculty and student speakers who will share insights on why applying for external fellowships is valuable and how to go about it, including crafting compelling research descriptions, demonstrating your impact and involving your advisor. A buffet lunch will be served at 11:45 am; the session will begin at 12 pm.

Tuesday, September 17 | 11 am – 12:45 pm

Northwoods Room, Union South

Discover valuable resources and strategies for securing grant funding for your graduate education with guidance from Ellen Jacks, Grants Information Librarian at UW-Madison Libraries. Identify potential funding sources, learn where to find opportunities, and discover how to find partners that align with your academic goals. An optional hands-on session with Pivot (a funding database) follows the presentation. Box lunches will be available at 11 am.

Wednesday, September 18 | 4 – 5:30 pm

Northwoods Room, Union South

Gain firsthand insights in applying for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF-GRFP) from graduate students who have successfully navigated the application process. Hear about their experiences, strategies, and tips for crafting a standout application. This is your chance to ask questions and gain valuable advice from current NSF fellows across various disciplines. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 3:45 pm; the session will begin at 4 pm.

Thursday, September 19 | 11:30 am – 1 pm

Online

Join this session to discover tips for writing a competitive Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Innovation Fellowship. Hear from current Fellows about their experiences. Connect with peers and get your questions answered to enhance your fellowship prospects. The fellowship supports graduate students who are in the early stages of research and writing and who will engage in projects that are bold and innovative and responsive to the interests and histories of historically marginalized communities.

Friday, September 20 | 12:30 – 2 pm

Office of Student Financial Aid, SSTAR Seminar Room (9101), 333 E. Campus Mall

Join us to learn about financial aid for grad students. We’ll cover how fellowships and assistantships affect your funding, explore sources of financial support, and discuss what these options mean for you. Get clear answers and practical tips to help you manage your finances effectively. Lunch will be provided at 12:30 pm; presentation will start at 1 pm.

Monday, September 23 | 4:30 – 5:45 pm

Industry Room, Union South

Join our panel of distinguished faculty members who have served as reviewers for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program competition. Gain insider knowledge as they share valuable insights about the review process and offer expert tips to boost your application’s success. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at 4:15 p.m.; the session will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 24 | 10 – 11 am

Online

This virtual event will offer an overview about the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP). It will include a presentation about the NSF GRFP’s eligibility requirements, application details, and the review criteria. The presentation will be followed by a Q & A. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions of the presenter!

Wednesday, September 25 | noon – 1:15 pm

Hector F. DeLuca Forum, Discovery Building

The National Science Foundation (NSF) reviews Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) applications based on intellectual merit and broader impact. While many applicants excel in addressing intellectual merit, they often struggle with broader impacts. This workshop will help you craft a compelling broader impacts plan, discussing strategies, examples, and campus resources for integrating research and education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents. A buffet lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m.; the session will begin at 12 p.m.

Thursday, September 26 | 1 – 4 pm

Writing Center, Room 6171, Helen C. White Hall

Make progress on your fellowship or grant proposal during this 3-hour drop-in opportunity at the Writing Center. Benefit from a supportive group writing environment that offers space, expert assistance, and accountability, making it easy to gain momentum on your projects. Enjoy free refreshments and grab some giveaway items while you’re here!