The information below is from the 2020 request for proposals. Please see the opportunity website for updated information.
University of California’s Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC), Applied Research Working Group (ARWG) is pleased to release a request for proposals for impactful, one-time seed grant projects Towards A Just and Equitable Climate Transition: UC’s Carbon Neutrality, Deep Decarbonization and Negative Emissions Applied Research Demonstrations. This RFP is being issued in conjunction with the UC GCLC's overall solicitation for proposals spanning the pillars of applied research, faculty engagement and education, energy operations, student engagement, and communications, among others, towards a carbon neutrality budget request for the 2021-22 UCOP budget.
The purpose of this call is to support applied research projects that could be catalytic in accelerating, attaining, and sustaining UC's 2025 carbon neutrality goal. Strategically, projects that have the potential to lead to amplification of UC’s most successful decarbonization experiences and learnings for global benefits are encouraged. Inter- or trans-disciplinary projects that can take a holistic view of the whole-of-society transformation that will be necessary to achieve global warming mitigation and adaptation are encouraged. It is important to imagine how UC research can contribute to a post COVID-19 economic and societal transition which prioritizes the core principles of climate justice and equity. In doing so, GCLC will consider both socio-cultural and technology areas. Successful proposals will take into account climate justice and equity perspectives but can otherwise cover research topics from a broad range across global warming mitigation and adaptation. Below are a few illustrative example areas:
- Equitable Building Decarbonization
- Renewable Power and Storage for All
- Justice-Centered Carbon Capture and Sequestration
- Community-Based Socio-Economic & Behavioral Policies and Intervention
GCLC priorities:
- Degree of impact toward reaching the University’s 2025 carbon neutrality goal; and
- GCLC priorities as codified in the recommendations of the Task Force on Carbon Neutrality Financing and Management, and the Natural Gas Replacement Strategies and Strategic Communication for Achieving Carbon Neutrality reports.
Note: As in previous years, the most important criterion for recommendation for funding will be the potential of the funding to impact these goals. Involvement of students and other partners in the
work is also considered.
Award Amount and Details
In past cycles, ARWG proposals have been selected for funding ranging between $25k to $215k; typically, two to four projects have selected for funding each year. Proposals that ARWG refers to other pillars have a similar probability of eventual funding.
Deadlines and Date Information
The due dates listed below are the most recent due dates our office is aware of. Please see the opportunity home page for information about potential upcoming deadlines or other opportunities.
Timeline
- June 30, 2020: Dissemination of Call for Proposals (Letters of Intent)
- July 20, 2020: Receipt of letter of intent and pillar submission to ARWG by 5pm
- Week of August 17th (TBA): Invitations to submit modified / revised proposals
- Week of August 31: Submission of full proposals (a submission portal will be provided)
- October 1, 2020: External review complete and rank-ordered submission to GCLC leadership
- February 15, 2021: GCLC Announcement of funding decisions
- July 1, 2021: Funding confirmation, commencement of project
NOTE: All deadlines are subject to change contingent on continuity of University operations and risk management during the COVID19 period. Please continue to check the RFP website’s FAQ page for any updates regarding submission process and deadlines.
Eligibility Information
The RFP does not specify eligibility criteria. Please verify forthcoming website’s FAQ page for more details.
