The Division of Global Affairs is calling for proposals for a two-year grant that will fund an interdisciplinary faculty-student research project that addresses a global issue of broad public importance. The deadline for new proposals is March 13, 2026.

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance Drake’s direct involvement in addressing pressing global issues, in direct support of its mission of responsible global citizenship.  Over the last several years, the following projects have received funding for pressing issues grants:

• Increasing interest in and access to STEM careers for marginalized students in Kosovo
• “Cross-cultural Community-based Strategies for Sustainable Urban Streams: Lessons from Des Moines and Jakarta”
• Exploring complementary approaches to combat global non-communicable diseases in India
• Religions of Beijing book project with Minzu University of China in Beijing
• Assessing, collaborating, and empowering to improve water quality in rural Uganda
• “Transnational Des Moines: Reframing Des Moines Immigrant and Refugee Narratives through Collaborative Research with Youth”
• “Drake University’s Presence in the Toledo District of Southern Belize: Maximizing Our Impact While Minimizing Our Footprint”

One project will be funded for the period from July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2028. The Olson Global Service Endowment will provide $20,000-$30,000 over the two-year period in support of the selected project, depending upon demonstrated need. Project leaders are encouraged, if necessary, to seek additional funding from on- and off-campus sources.

Send your proposals to Erin McSween, Global Affairs Administrative Assistant (erin.mcsween@drake.edu).  Submissions will be reviewed by an internal committee with representatives from Global Affairs, the faculty, and the Grants Office. Award notification will occur by April 10, 2026.

Successful proposals will present a cohesive, interdisciplinary research initiative that addresses a pressing global issue through rigorous scholarship, meaningful student engagement, and public-facing impact and should contain the following elements/criteria:

1. Explication of Research Topic

• A clear identification of the pressing global issue to be addressed and an explanation of its public significance.
• An exposition of the research objectives and methods related to the project.
• An explanation of how the project takes advantage of the strengths Drake and the community bring to addressing the issue.  

2. Identification of Interdisciplinary Research Team

• Commitments from an interdisciplinary faculty research team consisting of three or more faculty members (at least two of whom must be Drake affiliated). One or more Principal Investigators must be identified.
• Evidence that the team members possess the requisite qualifications to successfully carry out the project (please attach CVs).
• The project must involve two or more paid student research assistants with appropriate qualifications.
• The research may be joint or parallel (i.e., a single joint project or several individual projects that each address related aspects of a common theme).

3. Activities and Outcomes

• The project timeline will allow for completion of the primary research products within a two-year period.
• The project participants will engage in at least two team activities (e.g., summer campus workshop, international travel as a team, cooperative field work, etc.) during the grant period.
• Team members will collaborate with other campus entities (e.g., Global Affairs, Humanities Center, the Harkin Institute, Community Engaged Learning, etc.) to schedule co-curricular events (e.g., speakers, films, panel discussions, etc.) related to the theme during the two-year grant period.
• The project will plausibly lead to externalization in the form of publication, presentation(s) at a professional conference, submission as a report to relevant public or non-governmental bodies involved with policy-making, or other outputs of similar import.

4. Preferences

• Preference will be given to projects that draw upon existing Drake connections with partners at the local, national, or international level.
• Preference will be given to new initiatives not previously supported by a Pressing Issues grant.

Teams are encouraged to consult with Annique Kiel, Chief Global Affairs Officer and Dean of Global Programs, as they prepare their proposals. The successful grant team will be expected to submit a formal progress report by June 30, 2027, and a final grant report by June 30, 2028.

Please direct all inquiries regarding the pressing issues grant process to Annique Kiel (annique.kiel@drake.edu).