Grants

Students studying in library

 URCA Grant

The URCA grant is an exciting opportunity for undergraduates to pursue funding for their own independent research project. With up to $750 at your disposal for project-related expenses, this is your chance to take your skills and knowledge and add something unique to your (or another) field of study.

TSRA Grant

The TSRA grant is an opportunity for transfer students to pursue funding for their own independent research project. With up to $750 at your disposal for project-related expenses, this is your chance to take your skills and knowledge and add something unique to your (or another) field of study.

FRAP Grant

The FRAP Directory is a great tool for faculty to bring undergraduates into the fold of their research. By posting your research project in the directory and working with undergraduates, you can apply for up to five (5) $350 grants every Fall, Winter and Spring quarter.

URCA Conference Mini-Grant

Recipients of the URCA Grant are eligible to apply for the URCA Mini Grant to secure up to $250 to present their research virtually outside of UCSB.

URCA Grant

 

$750 and a wealth of opportunity

UC Santa Barbara is a top tier research institution, due largely to the contributions by undergraduate researchers. By applying for the URCA Grant you become an integral part of the research community at UCSB and will develop important skills like taking a research project from conception to completion, learning how a typical grant application process works and getting hands-on experience with research.

To qualify for an URCA grant, you must meet a few general requirements and submit a completed proposal online by the application deadline. If you receive an URCA grant, you are must present your work at URCA Week the following May.

To be eligible for the URCA grant, you must:

  • Be a UCSB undergraduate in good academic standing and remain so throughout the funding period.
  • Be currently engaged in a research or creative project, or planning to initiate one. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively for completed projects.
  • Identify a faculty member who is willing to supervise your project, and will fill out an online form on your behalf as a part of your grant application. Your faculty mentor must be the instructor of a department seminar or a member of the Academic Senate. (You can view the membership list here)

Application Requirements:

  • Application form
  • 2 page proposal
  • Timeline
  • 100 word abstract
  • Detailed budget (must use official form)
  • Faculty mentor endorsement form

The grant cycle for the 2022-2023 Academic Year is closed.

Transfer Student Research Award

$750 and a wealth of opportunity, specifically for Transfer Students!

UC Santa Barbara is a top tier research institution, due largely to the contributions by undergraduate researchers. By applying for the TSRA Grant you become an integral part of the research community at UCSB and will develop important skills like taking a research project from conception to completion, learning how a typical grant application process works and getting hands-on experience with research.

To qualify for a TSRA grant, you must meet a few general requirements and submit a completed proposal online by the application deadline.

Who is eligible to apply for the TSRA Grant?

To be eligible for the TSRA grant, you must:

  • Be a UCSB undergraduate transfer student in good academic standing and remain so throughout the funding period.
  • You may not have received an URCA Grant in the same academic year.
  • Be currently engaged in a research or creative project, or planning to initiate one. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively for completed projects.
  • Identify a faculty member who is willing to supervise your project, and will fill out an online form on your behalf as a part of your grant application. Your faculty mentor must be the instructor of a department seminar or a member of the Academic Senate. (You can view the membership list here)

Applications are open to those students who meet the criteria above, regardless of class standing, major, or college affiliation. The TSRA Applications must be submitted by March 10, 2023.

Application Guide

Application

FRAP Grants

We bet when you think of “Research” your mind automatically brings up pictures of beakers, chemicals, and all things science. You aren’t wrong, but research can take many different forms and look different across the disciplines. Whether you are examining the correlation between the Cool Jazz Era and the Modern Bolero, exploring cancer relapse or utilizing special collections to inspect World War I battle maps, there are so many directions you can take with undergraduate research at UCSB.
 
If it all seems a little overwhelming, don’t worry – we understand the struggle and are here to make this educational journey easier! The FRAP Directory is a great tool to start with – it will give you an idea of different research opportunities that are out there.
FRAP Grants are for faculty who work with undergraduate research assistants. Faculty can receive up to $350 per quarter to offset certain research expenses.
 
If you find yourself confused or unsure how to begin, stop by our office in the Library during student hours or make an appointment and we’ll help you out. Are you wondering how to contact a professor to express interest in their work? Come in and we’ll help you draft an email! Whatever your question or concern may be, we want to help, so don’t be shy about visiting us.