Seed Grant FAQs

Are figures and references included in the page limit?

Generally figures should fit within one page and count toward the proposal page limit, while references do not count toward the page limit. Please follow the page limit requirements provided in the applicable RFA, as they may vary by program.

Can I submit more than one application?

If a seed grant has multiple categories (e.g. a single and a collaborative project), a PI may submit one application for each category.

For collaborative programs, can I participate in multiple applications as a collaborator or Co-PI?

No. Each collaborator or Co-PI may submit one application only.

Can previously funded PIs apply again?

Please refer to the RFA for eligibility details, as some seed grants may exclude applications from investigators who received funding in the previous round.

Is an extension allowed if funds aren’t used within the duration of the grant?

In general, funds should be used during the time period covered in the proposal. If extenuating circumstances arise, a one-year No Cost Extension (NCX) will be considered on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed.

How do I submit my application?

Send your completed application following the instructions provided in the RFA to iscbrm-seedfunding@stanford.edu.

What to include (general guidance — please refer to the RFA for the latest requirements):

1. Cover sheet (a downloadable template is provided on the award-specific webpage)
2. Two-page proposal + 1 page of figures (references do not count towards page limit). Page limit varies by award; please refer to the award-specific section below and the RFA.
3. Biosketch of PI and Co-PI
4. Budget Justification
5. Budget Form (if applicable, a downloadable template is provided on the RFA page)

Will I receive reasons for funding decisions or can I request reasons?

No. Given the small nature of our review panel, the volume of applications, and the need to maintain reviewer confidentiality, we will not be able to provide feedback for each application.

Can I update my application after the due date has passed?

No. Updates will not be accepted after the due date due to the review timeline and limited staffing.  

Can I update my application with a newly published article?

No. Due to the review turnaround time and limited staffing, updates are not allowed. If publications are in press, you may cite them in your biosketch.

When will I hear about my application status after submitting?

Key dates are typically provided in the RFA. If there are deviations from the dates provided, applicants will be notified accordingly.

Do you provide samples of past awarded grants?

No.

Are incomplete applications reviewed?

No. Please be sure to read the instructions carefully in order to complete application requirements. Although staff may reach out regarding missing information or errors in your application, applicants should not assume they will receive notification prior to review.

I submitted an application that was not selected for funding. Can I resubmit?

Yes. Applications that were not selected for funding may be resubmitted in a future cycle. Unless stated in the RFA, there is no limit on the number of times an application can be submitted.

Do I need to provide funding source acknowledgment?

Yes. Resulting publications should acknowledge the appropriate funding source. The award notification and award terms provide this information.

Do I need to provide a final project report?

Yes. As outlined in the RFA, award notification, and award terms, a final report is due within 2 months after project completion. The final report should include research results; use of funds; a list of publications, conference talks, or grant applications resulting from the research, and a lay summary of the project and outcomes. A notification with the final report due date and instructions will be sent by email. The report should be sent to iscbrm-seedfunding@stanford.edu.

How do I submit my progress report?

Send your progress report to iscbrm-seedfunding@stanford.edu.

When are progress reports due?

If an award is eligible for a second-year extension, an interim report must be submitted to be considered for the extension approximately one month before the end date of the first year (eg., April 30 if the first-year end date is May 30). The interim report due date is provided in the award notice, as well as the mid-year check-in email. A notification with the report due date and instructions will be sent by email.

Awards that are 1-year in duration generally do not require an interim progress report.

What to include in the interim progress report (general guidance, see award specific requirements):

1. Subject line: [Program Name] – [Fiscal Year] - Interim – [Last Name], ex. ISCBRM Collaborative Seed Gran - FY26 – Interim - Smith
2. Progress summary: No longer than one page (including figures/graphics), standard font (10-12pt) and 1-inch margins. You may organize using the following structure:

•     Research Progress 
•     Use of Funds 
•     Research Products (if applicable)
•     References (optional)

Will an interim report submitted after the due date be accepted?

Yes. However, late submissions may affect consideration for a second-year extension of funding.