Opportunities for Caltech PIs
RSI Explorer Grant Proposals
RSI's Explorer Grants, up to $150K in total direct costs over a period of two years, are open to lead PIs who have their primary affiliation with one of Caltech's academic divisions and the ability to conduct research on campus. The program prioritizes funding proposals addressing significant challenges and opportunities associated with climate change and the stewardship of natural resources. We expect to call for explorer grant applications twice a year.
The Spring 2026 submission period is now open. Proposals are due by Tuesday, May 27, 2026. Click here for more information about the Explorer Grant application process.
RSI Impact Grant Proposals
RSI invites the development of larger-scale Impact Grant proposals from Caltech's professorial faculty, that leverage Caltech's unique strengths in fundamental science and engineering towards delivering real world solutions to sustainability challenges. Impact Grant proposals should encompass funding requests larger or longer than our Explorer Grant proposal limits. We plan to accept concept papers for Impact Grant proposals once each year. Interested PIs should use their Access.Caltech credentials to review the application process and submission guidelines on the Impact Grant Proposal Submission Page.
These 3-page concept papers should include a summary of the proposal goals and outcomes, a brief explanation of why RSI funding is needed beyond traditional funding sources or PI's existing funding, and a description of the project's potential impact in sustainability – please be as quantitative as possible. Concept papers will be evaluated internally, and PIs may then be invited to submit a full proposal.
The 2026 impact grant concept paper call is now closed. Please click here for more information about the application process (requires access.caltech credentials).