126 proposals
coming in at over $27M in requests
President's Fast Impact Fund
Launched in December 2025 by President Andrea Goldsmith, the Fast Impact Fund (FIF)
is designed to support projects that can be launched immediately and deliver results
within six to ten months. With awards up to $300,000 available, the focus is on low-investment,
high-reward projects.
Awards are available as fiscal (one-time) funding to support investments that will create a visible, positive change for Stony Brook. Examples include*:
- Specialized equipment or technology acquisition.
- Pilot programs or "proof of concept" initiatives.
- Targeted renovations.
- Seed funding.
*Note that additional approvals may be required.
Application Process and Eligibility
Any Stony Brook faculty or staff member may submit an application. All applications must include a customized budget and be endorsed by the relevant vice president/dean with the authority to implement the project. Review the FAQs for answers to common questions and additional information.
Deadline
There are two application cycles annually:
- January Cycle: Applications due the third Friday in January.
- August Cycle: Applications due the third Friday in August.
All inquiries can be sent to: fast_impact_fund@stonybrook.edu
A Strong Response to Bold Opportunity
In our first round of Fast Impact Fund applications in January 2026, we saw...
$5+ million
awarded to 33 distinct proposals spanning the entire university
100% of awards
support academics, research, and student success
| Cycle 1 Funded Projects |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
A summary of the information requested is available in the Proposal Preview to help applicants prepare their responses before completing the online application.
Yes. There is no limit to the number of proposals an individual may submit. Each proposal
will be evaluated independently based on its own merits and alignment with the Fast
Impact Fund criteria.
Yes. Collaborative proposals involving multiple departments, schools, colleges, or
administrative units are encouraged when they strengthen the proposed project. The
lead applicant should be identified in the application and will serve as the primary
point of contact throughout the grant period.
The maximum request is $300,000 per project.
Yes. While the maximum award is $300,000, there is no minimum funding request. Applicants
are encouraged to request only the amount needed to successfully implement their proposed
project.
No. Budget information will be entered directly into the application form.
Fast Impact Fund awards provide one-time funding. Applicants are strongly encouraged to avoid requesting funding for personnel or
other recurring costs that cannot be sustained beyond the grant period.
No. Fringe benefits will be calculated by the budget team if necessary.
No. Tuition does not need to be included to satisfy the ToRG policy.
The lead applicant is responsible for implementing and managing the project throughout
the grant period. They will serve as the primary point of contact for the Fast Impact
Fund Selection Committee and will be responsible for submitting the required mid-cycle
and final reports.
Once submitted, each proposal will be shared with the vice president or dean identified in the application for review and endorsement. Only proposals that receive their support will advance to the Fast Impact Fund Selection Committee for consideration.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their proposal with their vice president or dean in advance of submitting. The endorsement process is intended to confirm support for the proposal, not serve as the first introduction to the project.
Yes. If you would like your project to be reconsidered, you must complete a new application for the current cycle. Resubmitted proposals will be evaluated alongside all new proposals and will not receive priority consideration.
Applicants who were not selected in Cycle 1 are encouraged to incorporate any feedback received from the committee (if any) when preparing for resubmission.
No. The Fast Impact Fund is intended to support new projects and initiatives. Projects that received funding in Cycle 1 are not eligible to receive additional funding in Cycle 2 for the same project.
No. The Fast Impact Fund is designed to support projects that are ready for implementation and can deliver meaningful results within 6 to 10 months. Applicants should only apply if they are prepared to begin work promptly upon receiving an award and can meet the program's required timelines and reporting expectations. If you are not yet ready to begin implementation, we encourage you to wait until a future funding opportunity when your project is ready to move forward.
No. Applications must be submitted by 5pm ET on Friday, August 21, 2026. The portal will automatically close and late applications will not be considered.
The number of awards will be determined by the President during the proposal review process.
Please email Fast_Impact_Fund@stonybrook.edu for assistance and you will receive a response within one to two business days.