Funding Opportunities
The Matthew S. Browning Design Lab (MSBDL) is now accepting funding applications from faculty, staff, and students for our fall 2025 funding cycle. Direct all questions to Jake McIntire (jakemcintire@weber.edu).
Categories of Funding
MSBDL will consider applications that fit in one of the following categories. If you feel your project fits in multiple categories, select the category that fits best and use the narrative section of the application to provide additional information.
Design-based Research: Exploring or investigating new questions or topics related to or utilizing design-thinking. This may be initial research or the extension of prior research. Research projects are eligible for up to three rounds of funding.
Prototyping: Developing prototypes to test research findings or as an extension of a research phase. Prototypes may come in many forms including physical objects, organizational models, events, applications/programs, digital models, performances, exhibitions, and more.
Implementation: Implementation of projects or ideas beyond the research and prototyping phases. In order for a project to be eligible for implementation funding, it must have been worked through at least one round of both research and prototyping.
Major Proposals
MSBDL has $30,000 of funding available and will consider proposals up to $15,000 each. Funded projects may begin as soon as funding is approved and must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026.
Key Dates for Fall 2025
- Call for applications release: Oct. 1
- Information Sessions:
- Submission deadline: Oct. 27 by 5 p.m.
- Project completion deadline: Aug. 31, 2026
Mini Projects
MSBDL accepts applications for mini projects (less than $2,500) on an ongoing basis. Funded projects may begin as soon as funding is approved and must be completed within 6 months of receiving approval.
We aim to respond to each application within 14 days of receiving each application. If you have not been contacted within 14 days of submitting your application, contact Jake McIntire.
Major funding opportunities and mini projects have the same categories of funding, requirements, eligible expenses, and final reporting requirements. Review these details thoroughly before applying.
Funding Categories, Requirements, Eligible Expenses & Reporting Info