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Home Grants Brasillinois and CONFAP Call for Proposals Seed Grant FAQ

Brasillinois–CONFAP Seed Grant FAQ

What is this program?

A seed funding opportunity supporting collaborative research between University of Illinois System faculty and partners in Brazil.

Project duration:

24 months

Funding:

  • Up to $20,000 (Illinois side)
  • Up to $20,000 (Brazilian side)
  • Funds are managed separately by their respective institution

Do I need a Brazilian collaborator?

Yes. A Brazilian partner is required. Brasillinois can assist with matchmaking if needed.

Are all research areas eligible?

Yes. The call is open to all disciplines.

Which Brazilian partners are eligible?

Only institutions in participating states: Amazonas…. (list all participating states alphabetically)

Can I include multiple collaborators?

Yes, but:

  • One Illinois PI and one Brazilian PI must lead the proposal
  • In Brazil, additional collaborators can participate, but funding is tied to the lead PI’s state

Funding & Budget

What expenses are allowed?

  • Travel related to research or for dissemination of findings
  • Student wages (University of Illinois students only)
  • Research materials

Expenses should be managed by the PI’s home unit business manager. Please check with the business manager first about the viability of budgeted items.

What is not allowed?

Summer salary, SURS contributions, or other compensation to the researchers

Can funds be used internationally?

No, outside of travel.

  • Illinois funds must support UI-based participants
  • Brazilian funds support Brazil-based costs

How do I apply?

  1. Brazilian PI submits proposal to CONFAP
  2. (If required) Brazilian PI submits the proposal to their state foundation
  3. Illinois PI submits the same proposal to the University of Illinois system, including a copy of their CV and the budget table for the grant showing both Illinois and Brazilian partner expenses.

Proposal length and requirements:

  • Max 10 pages (main proposal), describing the collaborative research project, a clear division of work between teams, expected outcomes, and added value of collaboration.
  • CVs and budget tables are not included in the limit

How are proposals evaluated?

Based on standard criteria:

  • Project design
  • Scientific merit
  • Potential impact

Are certain topics or regions prioritized?

No formal priorities.

  • All disciplines eligible
  • There is no geographic preference among participating states

Who manages the grant?

Your home department/unit administers funds.

Who should I contact for budget questions?

Start with by reaching out to your department business manager, then consult Brasillinois if needed.