Public Service Endowment Grants (PSEG) : Research and Engagement : UMass Amherst

Projected Deadline: January 2026

The Public Service Endowment Grants (PSEG) are intended to enhance the mission of UMass Amherst as a Carnegie-classified "Engaged Research University." Proposals should focus on mutually beneficial collaborative partnerships between the university and off-campus community organizations and propose special projects and related scholarship to address a problem or need and/or build capacity. The use of these non-renewable awards should leverage campus and community resources and create opportunities for sustained engagement after the end of the grant period. Full-time faculty and permanent professional staff are eligible to apply. Grants of up to $15,000 for one-year projects will be made.

More Program Information

The PSEG program encourages proposals for projects that will:

Have immediate impact on a community-identified problem, need, or opportunity, with the potential for longer term engagement and impact;
Build the capacity of the community partner organization, leading to increased effectiveness;
Advance the faculty or professional staff member’s research, scholarship, or professional activities
Lead to competitive proposals for sponsored research or recognition in the applicant’s discipline or profession;
Provide new opportunities for UMass Amherst students to advance their education and training.

The PSEG program accepts proposals for projects from full-time faculty and professional staff in all disciplines and fields. Projects must be developed in collaboration with at least one community partner organization but may include additional community partner organizations and UMass faculty and professional staff. Each partnering community organization must contribute in-kind or financial resources and identify an individual to lead their participation in the project. The organization with the main role in developing and implementing the project must be designated the Primary Community Partner Organization and may be a subawardee. Projects that engage students are encouraged, provided their involvement is integral to the outcomes of the project.

Awards

Projects start on August 1, 2025 and are one year long. The maximum request is $15,000.

Eligibility

Full-time UMass Amherst faculty members whose appointments extend beyond the current academic year.
Full-time UMass Amherst professional staff members with permanent positions.
Eligible applicants are limited to participation in any capacity on only one proposal in a given year.

Applicants are not eligible to serve as Principal Investigator if:

They hold part time or temporary appointments or positions at the university or will be separating from the university before that date.
They have received two PSEG awards over any seven-year period.
They have not submitted a final report or an annual survey for a previous award. Final reports and surveys for previous awards must be submitted and accepted prior to submission of a new proposal.

Timeline

Deadline for submission: January 27, 2025
April 2025: Notification of awards
August 1, 2025: Award start date
July 31, 2026: Award end date

Final Report

A Final Report on the outcomes and impact of your project on the form provided here is due within 90 days of the completion of the grant period.

Find details of the 2025 Public Service Endowment Grants program in the RFP.

How to Apply

Resources for Community and Public Engagement

Information Session

Recipients

For more information, please email @email.