The Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (SPARC) is accepting preliminary proposals for FY 2026 P3 initiatives to support the University of Iowa 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

P3 funds are non-recurring funds that can be requested for a one-to-three-year time period. Preliminary proposals for FY 2026 P3 funds are due by Nov. 13, 2024. 

Individuals or teams planning to submit a preliminary proposal are encouraged to discuss their proposal with the applicable collegiate deans or central unit leaders before submission. All proposals should demonstrate the direct connection of the initiative to the strategic plan. Information sessions on constructing a competitive preliminary proposal are scheduled for Sept. 23 and Oct. 10. 

The University of Iowa Strategic Plan Action and Resource Committee (SPARC) will review the preliminary proposals and submit recommendations to the provost for evaluation. Members of SPARC will also be eligible to utilize the process for requesting P3 funding. Following discussion of the preliminary proposals, SPARC will submit recommendations to the provost for evaluation.

Project leads of selected proposals were notified by Dec. 13 if they were invited to submit a full application. Full applications will be due by March 10, 2025.

The P3 Program provides resources that are essential for the implementation of the strategic plan. By investing in the priority areas of the strategic plan, P3 will help the University of Iowa continue to make progress toward its goal of being a destination university—the first choice for students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, preliminary proposals are expected to illustrate how proposed projects impact and align with the UI 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.

Projects should demonstrate the following criteria:

• Institutional-level high impact (i.e., a high return on investment) across more than one strategic priority area (excellence in teaching and learning, innovative research and creative discovery, welcoming and inclusive environment, holistic well-being and success, and/or transformative societal impact). Projects should specifically align with one or more UI 2022-2027 Strategic Plan goals, objectives, and strategies and have the potential to make measurable (or significant) progress toward one or more overarching metric;
• How project activities are outside of scope, or unable to be supported, through the current budget model (i.e., project activities should extend beyond core functions or operations related to the central missions of teaching, research, and service);
• The potential for longevity beyond the funding period, whether the project is able to leverage additional funds (i.e., grants, philanthropy, and/or other strategies) or to continue project activities by making them a regular part of institutional operations; and
• Cross-campus collaborations, including interdisciplinary, cross-unit activities that build on existing strengths and/or areas of opportunity for growth and distinction. Proposals that focus on distinctive collaborative opportunities such as 1) writing and communication, 2) brain science and mental health, or 3) cancer research and patient care are especially encouraged. 

The preliminary proposal must include: 

• Project title
• Project lead (include name, title, college/unit)
• List of project collaborators (include names, titles, colleges/units)
• Budget information, including collaborating partner contributions
• Summary of project purpose including how it meets the above criteria
• Assessment plan that includes intended benchmarks and expected outcomes