Each year UMRA provides professional development grants to support faculty, P&A, civil service, and bargaining unit retirees wishing to pursue projects related to their research, instruction, or other work history, and that contribute to the educational, scholarly, and academic reputation of the University.

The competition for next year’s awards opens October 15. The deadline for applications is December 31. Approved proposals will be announced in February 2022. Grants will start on April 1 and extend to June 30, 2023.

Allowed expenses for PDGR awards include travel and per diem costs related to research trips and conference attendance; stipends for undergraduate and/or graduate research assistants; the purchase of books, computers, and software; photocopying; and other relevant costs of scholarship.

The Application Instructions (linked below) provide information about funding requirements and how to apply.

The PDGR program is an annual competition. All University of Minnesota retirees from the Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Crookston campuses who will be fully retired by the time of their award may apply for grants of any amount. However, awards will not likely exceed $3,000 unless a student mentee is part of the proposal, in which case awards of $4,000 or more will be considered.

UMRA’s PDGR Committee reviews applications and makes recommendations regarding funding. 

One may review a list of grants awarded since 2009 on the UMRA website at Previous PDGR Awards. Highlights of things accomplished by these awards can be found at PDGR Impact Study.

Support the PDGR program

If the PDGR program is to continue, member support is essential. One can make a tax deductible contribution by credit card online or by check payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation (P.O. Box 860266, Minneapolis MN 55486-0266). Please note “UMRA Fund 4867” on your check. We encourage UMRA members who have not yet made a contribution to do so, and if members have already made a contribution or pledge to consider adding to it.

Please contact John Bantle, MD, if you have questions or suggestions.

—John Bantle, MD, PDGR Committee chair