MCW-Led Momentum Grants

The MCW-Led Momentum Grants program is administered by the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment, a major health philanthropy affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin. The funder’s mission is to improve health and advance health equity across Wisconsin by supporting innovative research, workforce development, and community-driven health initiatives. The program is specifically designed to accelerate impactful ideas that address pressing health challenges in Wisconsin’s diverse communities, including urban, rural, agricultural, and tribal populations. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support MCW-led collaborative teams in pursuing new research directions, developing innovative programs, and generating evidence that informs policy and practice. The grants emphasize advancing health equity and addressing critical health needs through two primary focus areas: health-focused research and health workforce education and development. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable impact within the project period, including improvements in health outcomes, workforce capacity, or knowledge translation. Funding is available for up to 250000 dollars per project over a maximum period of 24 months, with projects beginning July 1, 2026. Funds are restricted to direct project-specific expenses such as personnel salaries, supplies, and travel. Indirect costs, general operating expenses, lobbying, and activities outside Wisconsin are not allowable. The program does not allow funds to supplant existing resources, and applicants must certify that other available funding is not being replaced. Matching funds are not required, but leveraging additional resources is encouraged to enhance sustainability and impact. Eligibility is limited to collaborative teams led by a Medical College of Wisconsin Principal Investigator who is a full-time faculty member at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. A minimum of one MCW Co-Investigator is required, and additional collaborators may be included from within or outside MCW. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and requires that all team members contribute meaningfully to the proposed project. The Principal Investigator must commit at least 5 percent effort to the project and is responsible for compliance, reporting, and communication with the funder. The application process follows a two-stage structure beginning with a required Letter of Intent. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the funder prior to submission to ensure alignment. The LOI must be submitted through an online application system and includes an online form, a narrative attachment describing the project, reviewer recommendations, and required electronic signatures. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal, which includes a detailed budget and justification. Applications are evaluated through technical, merit, programmatic, and advisory committee reviews, with criteria focusing on impact, feasibility, and alignment with program goals. The timeline includes a required LOI submission deadline of October 27, 2025, followed by full proposal invitations in January 2026 and full proposal submission by February 23, 2026. Funding decisions are expected in May 2026, with project start dates set for July 1, 2026. The program appears to be recurring on an annual cycle based on the structured timeline and issuance pattern. Compliance with human and animal research protections is mandatory, and all funded projects must obtain appropriate institutional approvals before beginning work. Contact with the funder is encouraged throughout the process to ensure proposal quality and alignment.

Focus on demonstrating measurable health impact in Wisconsin, strong collaborative team expertise, and clear alignment with AHW priorities