Urban Innovation Grants

The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation provides grant support for junior faculty research and other work at the University of Chicago focused on critical issues and topics impacting cities. The program aims to develop bold thinking through a range of methods and approaches, shape positive outcomes in communities and urban areas, amplify the University of Chicago's urban scholarship, and promote urban research across the social sciences, environmental and health sciences, the arts and humanities, and public policy. The Institute supports faculty from across disciplines to build new, fundamental knowledge about cities and urbanization. Proposals may be regionally and topically diverse, approaching issues of urbanism through any perspective or theoretical lens. Selected projects receive a blend of direct funding and in-kind support, including access to event and co-working space at the Mansueto Institute on campus. Funds can be used for collecting and analyzing data, strengthening emerging collaborations, planning larger-scale projects, convening partners for workshops, covering conference expenses, supporting curriculum development, testing experimental methods, and exploring innovative uses of technology. Research grants are open only to junior faculty, while other grants for workshops, conferences, or invited speakers may be awarded to any faculty. Note: Faculty grants have been temporarily paused due to budget shortfall and are expected to reopen in January 2026. For small, immediate, and compelling funding needs, interested parties should contact miurban@uchicago.edu for case-by-case evaluation.