Funding Opportunity for UMSL Faculty
Eligibility Notice
This funding opportunity is open exclusively to current University of Missouri–St. Louis faculty members. Applications from individuals outside UMSL are not eligible.
Program Overview
The Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling (CEFC) invites proposals for applied research projects that advance financial well-being through engaged education, meaningful community partnerships, policy impact, and evidence-informed financial counseling practice. Projects from all academic disciplines are welcome and should demonstrate relevance to practice, education, policy, community impact, or financial counseling effectiveness.
Quick Facts
Funding
Up to $5,000 per project
Anticipated funding for up to four projects
Eligibility
Open to current UMSL faculty only
Faculty from all colleges and disciplines are encouraged to apply
Collaborative and interdisciplinary proposals are encouraged
Project Period
October 2026 through June 2027
Important Dates
Proposal Deadline: October 9, 2026, 5:00 PM
Funding Decision Notification: October 30, 2026
Project Period Begins: October 2026
Final Report Due: June 30, 2027
Areas of Interest
Illustrative proposal topics include:
- Financial counseling effectiveness
- Financial well-being initiatives
- Student financial wellness
- Community-based financial education
- Financial access and inclusion
- Consumer financial decision making
- Technology and financial education
- Behavioral finance
- Tax credits and financial stability
- Innovative community partnerships
These examples are intended as a guide and do not limit the scope of eligible proposals.
How to Apply
Submit all required application materials as a single PDF attachment to cefc@umsl.edu.
Applications should include:
- Contact Information
- Proposal Summary
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Justification
- References
- Biographical Sketch(es)
- Current and Pending Support Documentation
For complete application requirements, please review the RFP.
Past Awardees
Examples of previously funded UMSL faculty research projects are available on the CEFC Research page under "UMSL Faculty Research Projects Funded by CEFC."