The application deadline is quickly approaching for the Incentives Program, which provides time, compensation, and support for developing a full proposal for external funding. Apply for assigned time funding for the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters, or summer salary for summer 2026. 

Note: if you need assistance finding funding, keep in mind that our office is closed between December 24th and January 1st. Please reach out ASAP to one of our Research Development Coordinators (contact information below).

Deadline: Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:59pm. 

Program Overview

Supports faculty in developing full proposals for external funding. Awards are available as assigned time or summer salary. Awardees collaborate with a Pre-Award Specialist and must submit a proposal within 12 months. Each cohort will meet periodically for updates, discussion of process, sharing of best practices, peer support and peer review activities. Successful applications will clearly demonstrate an understanding and support of Cal Poly Humboldt’s mission, goals and objectives.

Eligibility

Open to tenured, tenure-track faculty and research associates. One application per person per cycle. Awards cannot be deferred.

Support Provided

Assigned Time:

• One course equivalent (3–4 WTUs), $2,488/WTU, may be split between 2 Co-Primary Investigators (PIs). (Based on the system-wide Minimum Annual Rate for Assistant Professor/Lecturer B)

• Routing deadlines: Dec 12, 2026 (Fall) | May 8, 2027 (Spring)

Summer Salary:

• Up to 3 weeks, max $4,000 per project. Split allowed for 2 Co-PIs.

• Routing deadline: August 15, 2026

• Paid after submission of routing-ready proposal.

Requirements & Limitations

• Must result in a new, previously un-submitted full proposal.

• Co-PIs are limited to one submission. Multiple awards will not be made for the same proposal submission.

• Pre-proposals, resubmissions, and fellowships do not qualify.

• Awarded time/salary must be used in the term requested and proposal routing initiated prior to the end of that term.

• Future eligibility contingent on proposal submission within 12 months.

• Completion letters issued upon final submission or at the end of the 12-month period. Therefore, both successful and unsuccessful outcomes of the program will be documented, becoming part of the personnel action file of the participating faculty members.

APPLY: Submit applications through Cal Poly Humboldt’s InfoReady portal which is accessible through Engagement Hub. Click through to the portal to download the full Request for Proposals. 

For more information, please contact Erika Wright, Research Development Lead, at erika.wright@humboldt.edu.

Applicants who need assistance in identifying a sponsor are encouraged to visit the SPF website for funding resources (https://research.humboldt.edu/content/find-funding) or to contact the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs to make a Zoom appointment with a Research Development Support & Marketing Coordinator, Cara Peters at cap924@humboldt.edu or Kumi Nakadate at jkn24@humboldt.edu