Request for Proposals - Fall 2026

Purpose

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, and evidence-informed financial counseling practice.

Funding is intended to support new or substantially expanded projects that are not otherwise funded by departments or existing grants. Funds are not intended to support the dissemination, presentation, or publication of research projects that are already completed or substantially underway. Competitive proposals should demonstrate relevance to practice, education, policy, community impact, or financial counseling effectiveness.

Potential research topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating the impact of tax credits or deductions on low-income households' financial stability.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of financial counseling interventions for various populations.
• Assessing the impact of community-based financial education or financial well-being initiatives.
• Exploring technological innovations in delivering accessible financial education.
• Analyzing long-term outcomes of financial counseling on consumer financial well-being.
• Investigating barriers to financial access and strategies to overcome them.
• Examining behavioral factors influencing financial decision making.
• Evaluating student financial wellness and related educational interventions.
• Developing and evaluating innovative partnerships that connect individuals and families with financial counseling resources. Example topics are intended as a helpful guide to illustrate how proposals align with the Center's mission; proposals on other relevant topics are also welcome. Previously funded projects have explored topics such as artificial intelligence and personal finance management, AI adoption in affordable housing, financial education delivered through Buy Now, Pay Later platforms, barriers to financial access, student financial wellness, mortgage rate shopping, financial literacy initiatives for low-income students, and the financial challenges faced by single mothers in higher education. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of eligible proposals.

Eligibility

• Open to all UMSL faculty in any college or discipline.
• Projects must demonstrate alignment with the Center's mission and identify specific, measurable outcomes appropriate to the proposed work.
• Proposals should describe a project that will be conducted during the award period and should not primarily request support for sharing or disseminating results from work already completed or in progress.
• Preference will be given to collaborative projects involving current faculty, staff, registered students, and/or community partners.
• Meaningful student engagement, when appropriate to the project, is encouraged.
• Projects planning to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium are encouraged.

Award Information and Project Timeline

• Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per funded project. The program anticipates funding up to four (4) proposals, although the review committee reserves the discretion to recommend additional awards based on proposal merit and available resources.
• Project Period: October 2026 through June 2027.
• Funding Decision Notification: Applicants will be notified of funding decisions no later than October 30, 2026.
• Funds must be spent by June 30, 2027 (limited exceptions may be approved in advance).
• Reimbursement: Expenses must receive prior approval before reimbursement requests are submitted.

Reporting and Dissemination

• Final report due June 30, 2027, at 5:00 PM.
• Grant recipients are encouraged to participate in CEFC dissemination activities, including presentations, research sharing, photographs of project activities, publications, and other opportunities to communicate project outcomes.

Funding and Expense Parameters

Funding is intended to support the conduct of new research or project activities occurring during the award period. Requests whose primary purpose is dissemination of previously conducted research are not eligible.

Ineligible Expenses

• Compensation, including faculty course buyouts and summer compensation.
• Technology purchases (hardware or software) requiring IT BPM 1204 review or approval.
• International partner expenses, including international travel.
• Conference registration fees and conference-related dissemination expenses.

Allowable Expenses to Conduct Research Projects (with prior approval)

• Domestic travel (mileage, transportation, lodging, meals).
• Scholarships for student researchers (up to $1,000 per student).
• Participant incentives.
• Printing and publication costs.
• Other research-related supplies and materials.

Application Submission

• Deadline: October 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
• Submit applications via email to cefc@umsl.educefc@umsl.edu.
• Include all application materials as a single PDF attachment.

Application Components

1) Contact Information

Provide:

• Faculty name
• Title
• Department
• Email address
• Phone number

2) Proposal Summary (Maximum 300 Words)

Provide a concise overview of the project's objectives, significance, anticipated outcomes, and relevance to CEFC's mission. Write in language accessible to reviewers outside your discipline.

3) Project Narrative

Maximum 2 pages, single-spaced, 11-point font or larger

Use the following headings:

Objectives

Clearly state the research questions, objectives, or aims of the project.

Background and Significance

Summarize existing knowledge, identify important gaps, and explain how the project advances financial well-being, financial counseling practice, education, policy, community engagement, or related fields.

Approach

Describe proposed activities, methodology, timeline, team roles (including students and community partners, if applicable), and any planned use of travel funds. Address potential challenges and mitigation strategies.

Expected Outcomes

Describe anticipated deliverables such as publications, presentations, community resources, policy insights, educational materials, data products, or other outcomes. Explain how the project may influence practice, education, policy, community impact, financial counseling effectiveness, or future research.

Future Funding Strategy

Briefly discuss how the project could support future external funding opportunities, expanded partnerships, or additional research activities.

4) Budget and Justification

• Complete the attached budget spreadsheet.
• Provide justification for each budget item
• Include travel details where applicable (mileage, transportation, lodging, meals).
• Scholarships for student researchers are limited to $1,000 per student and are payable following final report approval and submission of Scholarship Notice Form(s) through Student Financial Services.
• All UM System and UMSL policies and procedures must be followed to receive funding or reimbursement.

5) References

Include up to one page of supporting literature.

6) Biographical Sketch

Provide background information on the applicant and any collaborators highlighting relevant expertise and project roles (maximum two pages).

7) Current and Pending Support

List all current and pending grants, including:

• Funding source
• Amount
• Project period
• Role on project

Review Process

Proposals will be reviewed and awarded by an ad hoc committee chaired by Mark Fetters, Director of the Center for Excellence in Financial Counseling, and Gerald Gao, Associate Dean of Research and Faculty Affairs for the Ed G. Smith College of Business.

Selection Considerations Mission Alignment

Does the proposal advance financial well-being through engaged education, community partnership, applied research, or improvements in financial counseling practice, policy, or outcomes?

Proposal Clarity and Organization

Is the proposal well structured, clearly written, and accessible to an interdisciplinary review committee?

Collaborative Spirit

Does the proposal demonstrate meaningful collaboration among faculty, staff, students, community organizations, or other stakeholders, when appropriate to the proposed work?

Content Depth and Strategic Fit

Does the proposal thoughtfully address objectives, significance, methodology, expected outcomes, and future opportunities while supporting the mission of CEFC?

Questions

Please contact CEFC director Mark Fetters at cefc@umsl.edu  with any questions regarding this RFP.