Grant proposal support for faculty pursuing funding for books, articles and creative projects—with or without AI
Beginning in July, the 91Ҹ & Innovation Office (RIO) invites arts, humanities and social sciences faculty to participate in the Fall Fellowships 2026 Cycle Program, a flexible workshop series designed to support faculty seeking funding for books, articles and creative projects—including those seeking funding for sabbatical leave.
Workshop sessions
- Proposal Review: Donna Axel will provide up to two rounds of proposal review for the first 20 faculty who register; additional support available as capacity allows.
- Launch—To Use AI or Not: An introduction to the program and considerations for incorporating AI.
- Categories & Requirements, With or Without AI: How to interpret fellowship criteria and align proposals with reviewer expectations.
- Going from Good to Great, With or Without AI: Strategies to elevate a strong draft.
- Repurposing Your Proposal: With or Without AI: Techniques for adapting proposals across multiple funding opportunities.
- Peer Editing Virtual Workshop (Optional): Small group sessions for structured feedback from colleagues.
Open to faculty of all ranks and research associates—including both first-time applicants and experienced fellowship recipients—this program offers an à la carte format that allows participants to attend one or multiple sessions based on their needs and timeline.
Flexible structure with optional AI integration
Led by RIO’s Donna Axel, the series emphasizes practical strategies for proposal development at every stage—from early planning through final revision. Sessions are offered between July and October, allowing faculty to engage at key points in their proposal development timeline.
A defining feature of the program is its “with or without AI” approach: faculty may choose to explore how artificial intelligence can support their writing process or follow a fully traditional path.
Why should you join?
RIO’s fellowship writing programs have supported successful applications to highly competitive awards, including Fulbright, National Endowment for the Humanities, Guggenheim, National Humanities Center, and Carnegie fellowships. Faculty are encouraged to explore testimonials from colleagues across campus who have successfully secured major fellowships with support from RIO’s programs. For more info, contact donna.axel@colorado.edu.