GenCen offers two cycles of SPG funding cycles per academic year.

Fall SPG Timeline

• Sep 15: Applications Due
• Oct 1: Funding Decision
• Jan 15: Deadline to Complete Activities & Travel
• Jun 5: Deadline for Reimbursement Requests
• Jun 15: Post-Award Report Due

Spring SPG Timeline

• Jan 15: Applications Due
• Jan 30: Funding Decision
• May 30: Deadline to Complete Activities & Travel
• Jun 5: Deadline for Reimbursement Requests
• Jun 15: Post-Award Report Due

• Applications must have at least three co-PIs, including two MSU faculty members from two different departments and faculty/staff from a global HEI or organization. Each co-PI must have a clearly defined role.
• At least one of the MSU co-PIs must be affiliated with GenCen.
• The MSU co-PIs’ colleges and/or departments are expected to contribute a minimum 20% match to ensure that the commitment to long-term partnering is shared by all units.
• Previous SPG awardees may apply for another SPG but must wait until at least two years have passed since the completion of the previous grant.

MSU programs and activities are not restricted based on race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected identity. This opportunity is open to all qualifying applicants without preference based on protected identity, and all are welcome to apply.

Please submit proposals through GenCen’s SPG Application by the application deadline.

1. Complete GenCen’s SPG Application (online Microsoft Form)
2. Complete budget form (Excel spreadsheet)
3. Project narrative (5-pages maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font) of:
   • The proposed research questions and intellectual merit of the project.
   • The project timeline, specific tasks, and how you will meet GenCen's SPG deadlines.
   • The history of the collaborators' professional relationship.
   • Each applicant's unique contributions and role in the project.
   • How this project will strategically prepare applicants to apply for competitive external grants, continue their collaboration, and generate strong global outreach.
4. Letter(s) of support from deans or department chairs committing to a minimum 20% matching funds
5. IRB letter of approval (if application involves data collection)
6. Applicant CVs (each 5 pages maximum)
7. If applicable: A copy of the SPG report filed and a one-page summary of activities from each applicant who previously received a GenCen SPG

Please create your budget using this budget template.

• GenCen will usually award between $4,000 to $5,000 for an SPG.
• Funding is typically used for international travel or pilot research, setting up research teams at the site, and meeting potential collaborators.
• Up to 30% of the budget may be allotted to hire an RA and/or for international collaborators to travel to MSU.
• Budget justification must clearly outline how each collaborating faculty member and international partner is involved in the project.
• The MSU co-PIs’ units and/or colleges must contribute a total match of 20%.
• The budget cannot pay for MSU Center or Office directors’ travel.

Financial Reporting

Reimbursement requests for both fall and spring SPGs are due by June 5. Due to ISP and university deadlines, failure to complete travel and reimbursements by the deadlines will result in a non-reimbursement of projects costs. Extensions cannot be granted. Reimbursement requests are submitted through the Concur system.

Closeout Report

GenCen requires all awardees to complete a post-award report by June 15. Failure to submit a report may affect the awardees’ future SPG applications. You may fill out the report, or see what will be required here: GenCen SPG Post-Award Report