Limited Submissions (Creative)
A limited submission funding opportunity is a grant offered by a funder/sponsor (federal agency or foundation) that limits the number of applications a given institution can submit. University coordination is required for limited submission opportunities because there may be penalties for universities that submit more than the allowable number of applications.
Many limited submission opportunities are prestigious for both the researchers and the university, and positively affect the reputation of the winning institution. The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) is responsible for administering the rigorous process that determines the most competitive proposals that best fit the strategic mission and research goals of the University of Minnesota.
See a list of known, RIO-managed, and currently active Limited Submission opportunities >
The limited submission process is facilitated by RIO. The Vice President for Research and Innovation makes the final determinations on proposal nominations, taking into consideration review panel recommendations and the University's strategic mission and research goals.
How to Apply
RIO requires an internal application for each limited submission funding opportunity. This application is separate from the funder application and more concise. To apply to a posted opportunity, view the opportunity on the Limited Submissions website paying close attention to the internal requirements as well as the sponsor guidelines to make sure you are eligible. RIO limited submission funding opportunities typically require:
- Cover page listing the PI name, department, contact information, project title, specific track you are applying for (if applicable) and a one paragraph project abstract.
- Two-three possible reviewer names
- Five keywords to be used to search for reviewers (if needed)
- Project summary (not more than three pages)
- PI biosketch (NSF or NIH format or similar, not more than five pages)
Some opportunities may have additional requirements. These will be detailed in the Internal Requirements.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected] by the internal deadline.
Selection Process
When the number of internal applications received is less than the number of applications the University is allowed to submit to the funder, those applicants automatically become the official UMN nominees - provided they meet the funder’s criteria for eligibility. RIO sends an official letter of nomination to the PI.
When the number of internal applications received is more than the number of applications the University is allowed to submit, an internal competition is held. Applications are reviewed and scored by a review panel. Review panels may consist of ad hoc faculty members and/or past winners of the funding opportunity.
Scores are based on scientific merit, alignment with funder missions and guidelines, and alignment with UMN research strategic initiatives and priorities.
Review panel recommendations are sent to the Vice President for Research and Innovation to approve the nomination. RIO sends an official letter of nomination to the PI.
Selected Applicants - Next Steps
Selected applicants will work with Sponsored Projects Administration (SPA) and their department teams to create and submit a competitive proposal according to the funder’s guidelines.
Where to Get Help
See our Frequently Asked Questions for information about common questions.
- UMN Libraries: Research Funding and Grants
- RIO Research Tools & Applications
- UMN Clinical and Translational Science Institute: Write Your Grant
- EXPERTS@MINNESOTA: Find potential collaborators or experts in a field
- Purdue OWL: Introduction to Grant Writing
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Tips for a Successful Grant Application
- National Institutes of Health (NIH): Write Your Application
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grants & Funding
- NIH PubMed: An evidence-based guide to writing grant proposals for clinical research
- NIH PubMed: Turning Your Research Idea into a Proposal Worth Funding
- National Science Foundation (NSF): Preparing Your Proposal
- NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide: Grant Proposal Guide
- Community for Advancing Discovery Research in Education (CADRE) NSF Proposal Toolkit
- NSF Proposal Preparation
Faculty Responsibility
Faculty, researchers, and their teams selected for limited submission opportunities are expected to work with their assigned SPA grant coordinator as well as their schools and colleges to develop and submit their proposals by the designated funder deadline. If the decision is made not to submit, RIO must be notified as soon as possible in order for the second place nomination to have time to prepare their proposal for submission to the funder.