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The University of Minnesota Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Discovery Fund provides up to two awards with a maximum funding amount of $10,000 total to support early stage ideas, creative research, and scholarly projects that advance the art and science of family medicine.
We expect results of awarded projects to be shared outside of our department to make an impact in family medicine.
Eligible applicants
Open to faculty, staff, residents, and fellows of the UMN Department of Family Medicine and Community Health.
Application form
The 2026 Discovery Fund application will open on Jan. 28, 2026!
The 2026 Discovery Fund application will open on Jan. 28, 2026!
*Please consider reviewing your project idea with a Research Services consultant. You can request one through the Research Services Portal by clicking here.
Application submission and award timeline
Jan. 28 - March 17, 2026: Applications accepted
April 2026: Applications reviewed
May 2026: Awards announced
July 1, 2026: Funds are available to successful applicants
Application requirements
Applicants will need to include the following:
Title of the project
Any Co-Investigators and/or collaborators and how they enhance the project
Goals and objectives OR specific aims of the project
Background, significance, and innovation of the project
The project's significance to family medicine
Intended methodology
Dissemination plan
Proposed timeline, including an outline of steps towards the end goal with respective deadlines. The timeline should reflect a one-year time frame for the project.
Plans for future research and funding
An itemized budget
Eligible projects
Eligible projects
Projects should significantly contribute to family medicine.
Project timeline should be one year.
Preference is given to projects that have not received prior financial support.
Project budget should not exceed $10,000.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses
Funds may be used to pay for expenses incurred from the project such as equipment, supplies, travel, or a medical student stipend.
Funds may not pay for a department employee's work time.
Please note: Awardees from the Duluth, Methodist, and St. Cloud residency programs will need to complete invoices with receipts to receive reimbursement for expenses. All awardees will meet with a department accountant to discuss financial details at the time of the award.
Selection criteria
Selection criteria
All applications will be evaluated by the Discovery Fund Review Committee. One to two successful applications will be selected using the following criteria:
The innovative or creative nature of the project.
Feasibility of completing the project within 1 year.
Evidence of lack of other financial support for the project.
Potential for sharing, presenting, or publishing the results of the project.
Likelihood of making an impact in family medicine.
Clarity of application materials.
Staff in finance and research administration will also review the applications to assess procedural feasibility and need for support.
Progress reports and presentations
Progress reports and presentations
Awardees will report on their project progress through a 1) mid-year and 2) final report.
Awardees will also report on their results after the project is completed at the department’s grand rounds and/or other department forums.
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