Submit Your Proposal
BGRI-GWHA Seed Grants
Choose your grant track below and upload your completed proposal by the application deadline.
Before you submit
There are two BGRI-GWHA Seed Grant opportunities. Choose the grant that best fits your proposed project. You may submit one application to one grant track.
Focused Seed Grant
Up to $10,000
For focused, student-led research projects.
Translational Team Grant
Up to $20,000
For projects of greater scope conducted in formal partnership with a NARS or CIMMYT program.
Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Prepare your application as a single PDF. Review the Full Call for Proposals before submitting.
When you are ready, open the appropriate application below to upload and submit your proposal.
Questions?
Questions can be directed to Dr. Maricelis Acevedo (Director for Science, Borlaug Global Rust Initiative; Research Professor, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University) at ma934@cornell.edu
Focused Seed Grant Application → Apply for a Focused Seed Grant
Before uploading your proposal
Prepare one combined PDF containing the following materials:
1. Cover page
Project title, applicant name, degree level and program, expected completion date, institution, faculty advisor, track, total amount requested, and priority focus area.
Project title, applicant name, degree level and program, expected completion date, institution, faculty advisor, track, total amount requested, and priority focus area.
2. Abstract — 150 words maximum
Written for a general audience and suitable for publication on the BGRI website.
Written for a general audience and suitable for publication on the BGRI website.
3. Narrative — 1,000 words maximum
Include objectives, the focus area addressed, main tasks and timeline, collaborators, expected outcomes, and the translational pathway. Figures and references do not count toward the word limit.
Include objectives, the focus area addressed, main tasks and timeline, collaborators, expected outcomes, and the translational pathway. Figures and references do not count toward the word limit.
4. Budget and justification — one page
Include a line-item budget, justification for each item, and any cost share or complementary support.
Include a line-item budget, justification for each item, and any cost share or complementary support.
5. Faculty advisor letter — one page
Confirm enrollment and good standing, endorse the project, and confirm feasibility within 18 months.
Confirm enrollment and good standing, endorse the project, and confirm feasibility within 18 months.
6. Partner concurrence
Encouraged for the Focused Seed Grant, but not required. A signed letter or forwarded email is acceptable.
Encouraged for the Focused Seed Grant, but not required. A signed letter or forwarded email is acceptable.
7. Applicant CV — two pages maximum
Translational Team Grant Application → Apply for a Translational Team Grant
Before uploading your proposal
Prepare one combined PDF containing the following materials:
1. Cover page
Project title, applicant name, degree level and program, expected completion date, institution, faculty advisor, track, total amount requested, and priority focus area.
Project title, applicant name, degree level and program, expected completion date, institution, faculty advisor, track, total amount requested, and priority focus area.
2. Abstract — 150 words maximum
Written for a general audience and suitable for publication on the BGRI website.
Written for a general audience and suitable for publication on the BGRI website.
3. Narrative — 1,000 words maximum
Include objectives, the focus area addressed, main tasks and timeline, collaborators, expected outcomes, and the translational pathway. Figures and references do not count toward the word limit.
Include objectives, the focus area addressed, main tasks and timeline, collaborators, expected outcomes, and the translational pathway. Figures and references do not count toward the word limit.
4. Budget and justification — one page
Include a line-item budget, justification for each item, and any cost share or complementary support.
Include a line-item budget, justification for each item, and any cost share or complementary support.
5. Faculty advisor letter — one page
Confirm enrollment and good standing, endorse the project, and confirm feasibility within 18 months.
Confirm enrollment and good standing, endorse the project, and confirm feasibility within 18 months.
6. Partner concurrence — required
Include written concurrence from the named NARS or CIMMYT partner. A signed letter or forwarded email is acceptable.
Include written concurrence from the named NARS or CIMMYT partner. A signed letter or forwarded email is acceptable.
7. Applicant CV — two pages maximum
About the Global Wheat Health Alliance
The Global Wheat Health Alliance is co-led by CIMMYT and Cornell University / BGRI, with the John Innes Centre, the University of Maryland, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, the Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, and the Instituto Nacional de Innovacion Agropecuaria y Forestal of Bolivia.
