This new program offers modest yet swift support for those portions of research and creative endeavors by UI faculty and staff researchers that are important toward advancing a project but do not have enough funding from other sources. Obermann will grant ten awards of $500 or less per academic year. Funds need to be spent by June 30 of each year and will be disbursed as reimbursements after itemized receipts and a one-paragraph report have been submitted to the Obermann Center.

Examples of expenses funded:

• Editorial services (copyediting, indexing, translation, transcription, etc.) for article and book projects
• Honoraria for reviewers, consultants, guest researchers, community collaborators, etc.
• Materials or equipment
• Software licenses (Note: If we approve your application, you will have to initiate a Technology Review with ITS before funding will be released for this purpose.)
• Publishing costs (permissions, image rights, etc.)
• Recordings, digitization
• Hiring undergraduate student support

The application is now open!

Learn more and apply 

Note that applications must be submitted during the same academic year as funding is desired. For instance, persons desiring funding during the 2025–26 academic year must apply by the last day of spring classes (May 8, 2026).