Research Funding Opportunities

As an Commonwealth Honors College student, you can apply for our competitive research grants and fellowships to support research for your honors thesis or to gain experience in research in your academic field.

Commonwealth Honors College offers two competitive funding possibilities to help you turn your idea into reality: Honors Research Grants and Research Assistant Fellowships. In addition to acquiring financing to purchase equipment or to work in a faculty member’s lab, you’ll also learn how to successfully apply for grants, gain hands-on research experience, and present your research findings. Remember, you are paving the way to a successful research project while gaining expertise that will help you stand out on a graduate school or job application.

You’ll apply for our research grants and fellowships through CHC’s PATHS portal.

Starting in the fall of 2024, Commonwealth Honors College is pleased to launch several pilot grants to support your academic progress from meeting faculty through completion and presentation of your Honors thesis. Application to these pilot funds are through Academic Works. Log into Academic Works and fill out the General UMass application, then search for the relevant fund. 

*NEW CHC Conference Travel Grants 

Eligible CHC students can apply online through AcademicWorks for travel funding to cover costs like airfare, lodging, transportation, meals, and conference registration. Whether you're presenting or attending a conference related to your academic interests, this grant has you covered. $400 for students attending a conference and $750 for students accepted to present at a conference. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early!

*NEW CHC Finish Strong Honors Thesis Awards 

Students enrolled in their Honors thesis can apply through AcademicWorks for a one-time $2,500 stipend to help with any costs they may have while completing their thesis. This flexible funding can be used for research materials, personal expenses, or anything else that helps you get over the finish line. The fund is open to students in all majors. One award per school/college. Selected students must sign a participant agreement.

*NEW CHC Lunch & Learn Connection Grants 

CHC first year and transfer students who entered UMass Fall 2024 can apply online to receive meal cards for a lunch with a faculty member of their choice. This grant covers the cost of meals for both the student and the professor, with the goal of fostering meaningful connections outside the classroom. One award per student, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

*NEW MassURC Poster Printing Grant 

CHC students presenting their research at the MassURC 2025 can apply through AcademicWorks for a $50 grant to cover the cost of printing their presentation poster. The process is simple: once approved, students can submit their poster for printing at Amherst Design & Copy using the grant. Apply early to ensure your poster is ready for your presentation!