The deadlines for grant applications have passed. Refer to below for what the past submission processes have been like.
Pre-Seed Submission Process
The following two-stage submission process is in place with timelines as referenced.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest
Applicants are requested to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Monday, February 2, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. EST. To access the EOI form, applicants are required to log in using their UWaterloo credentials.
There are two EOI forms to choose from. Select the Pre-seed funding EOI form for new ideas. Select the Leverage or Scale EOI form for existing initiatives.
Applicants can prepare their responses prior to entering into the EOI Form using the below PDF templates: Pre-seed and Leverage/Scale.'
After applicants fill out the required fields and the EOI form is submitted, applicants will be prompted to save the form to allow for additional edits (using the “save my response to edit” function) in Microsoft Forms. Edits of the form are permitted up until the due date.
Select one of the following Expression of Interest forms based on whether you have a new idea (Pre-seed) or are seeking to start (Leverage) or scale (Scale) activities under an existing initiative at UWaterloo:
Important note:
PDF files for both EOIs are available for download.
These are for reference purposes only all EOIs must be submitted electronically using the linked forms above.
Download a PDF of Expression of Interest: Global Futures Fund 2.0 - Pre-Seed Funding
Download a PDF of Rubric: EOIs for Pre-Seed Grants
Download a PDF of Expression of Interest: Global Futures Fund 2.0 - Leverage/Scale Funding
Download a PDF of Rubric: EOIs for Leverage and Scale Grants
* View/Download using UWaterloo Microsoft account. Last updated January 14, 2026.
|
Pre-seed |
Leverage or Scale |
|---|---|
|
Seeking pre-seed funding to develop your idea to be ready for other funding opportunities in the future Up to $50K for one-year |
Funding to unlock a new project/activity within an existing initiative or unit Up to $200K for two-years OR Funding to grow and scale an initiative or unit, up to $500K for three-years |
A reminder that, letters/notices of support from Deans ARE NOT required during Stage 1. There will be no mechanism to attach such additional material to the EOI form. EOIs will be reviewed by the GFO to ensure eligibility requirements are met. Eligible EOIs will then be provided to the GF Steering Committee who will adjudicate submissions based on the criteria of the Fund.
Stage 2: Final Proposals and Announcements
Successful applicants who submitted EOIs in Stage 1 for Pre-seed ideas will be notified in early March 2026. Additional administrative information may be required, however a detailed proposal will not be necessary, given the nascency of the ideas. The GFO will communicate the terms of funding agreements. Pre-seed grants will be accessible beginning in June 2026 for one year of activity.
Successful applicants who submitted EOIs in Stage 1 for leverage or scale activities will be invited in early March 2026 to submit a full proposal. Exact dates and further details will follow for leverage or scale initiative applicants entering Stage 2. Stage 2 proposals will be due in early May 2026.
Final notice of results for Stage 2 will be announced by the end of June 2026. Funded initiatives will receive their first disbursements at the start of the Fall 2026 term.