1. Proposals should demonstrate strategic alignment and University impact. Please note, this is a strategic initiative funding opportunity. It is not an operational funding program. Before applying, think of the difference between the two.
   • Operations is concerned with executing the University’s everyday activities and commitments; it typically consists of logistics, information technology, tangible resources, etc.
   • Strategic initiatives, on the other hand, create a path for where the University should be going in the future to achieve long-term success.

   Strategic initiatives help the University find new ways to meet its vision. When applying for funds, be sure your proposal is strategic in nature instead of operational. Operations requests should be requested through the normal budgeting process, not through the strategic initiative funding program.

2. Proposals for new programs should demonstrate alignment within the existing infrastructure (e.g., Writing Center).
3. Positions
   • Temporary positions funded from SIF should demonstrate strategic alignment and include a plan for sustainability beyond funding, if applicable (e.g., pilot program). 
   • New permanent positions or changes to existing positions must be backed with a plan for inclusion in the upcoming ZBB process. 
   • Any positions must include a job description and HR evaluation and grading. 
4. Proposals should demonstrate acknowledgement of University policies and procedures (e.g., Purchasing Policies).
5. Proposals should outline sustainability beyond funding or any milestones for completion.
6. Priority is given when students are involved or the focus.
7. Any space renovation or expansion should first go to the SVP for Finance and Operations and Director of Campus Operations.
8. Proposals with innovation programming and growth opportunities will be prioritized.
9. Curricular recommendations must go through respective curriculum committees.
10. Software and/or technology requests should follow the process outlined by NEOMED I.T.
11. The Vice President for Strategy and Transformation can adjust budgets within 5% as needed.

What was funded in FY25

What was funded in FY24

What was funded in FY23

What was funded in FY22

SIF is open to divisions, departments, faculty, staff and students who have developed SMART goals and actionable plans designed to implement and execute the NEOMED strategic plan initiatives.

Work collaboratively with one or more of the strategic pillar leads to ensure your request demonstrates alignment with the NEOMED strategic plan.

Inform your divisional lead to ensure your request aligns with divisional goals.

Develop your SMART goals, metrics, and a general budget to answer the SIF application questions.

Please complete the Strategic Initiative Funding application to begin the process.

Strategic Initiative Funding Application

Review of funding requests will occur on a rolling basis. To understand the next steps following your application submission, please refer to the steps below:

Strategic Initiative Funding Review/Award Cycle Process

Phase 1: Submit proposal through SIF Application

Phase 2: Requesters will be required to meet with members from the Strategy Office and Pillar Leads for initial proposal review

Phase 3: If the proposal passes the initial review, the submission will be sent to the Strategic Plan Lead Team for review

Phase 4: Funding decision is made by Strategic Plan Lead Team

Please contact Samantha Bliss, Director of Strategy and Transformation, at sbliss@neomed.edu with any questions regarding the Strategic Initiative Funding application or to be connected with a pillar lead.

A member of the Strategy Office will contact you to schedule a proposal review meeting.

Upon successful completion of the proposal review, applicants will be invited to attend the Strategic Plan Lead Team meeting to present their proposal.

All applicants will be notified of the status of their requests.

Upon award, the Strategy Office will help to work through a detailed budget and transfer funds.

Progress is tracked quarterly through Envisio.

That’s great! The best first step is to reach out to our office. Strategic Initiative Funding supports ideas that help advance NEOMED’s long-term goals and vision — it’s not intended for day-to-day operations or routine expenses. Because each student proposal is unique, we’ll help guide you through the process and make sure your idea aligns with the strategic plan.

We can also connect you with the right people and resources — including helping you identify a financial champion (also known as a Zero-Based Budget champion) and prepare your application.

To get started, please contact Erica Dovin at edovin@neomed.edu.