After each RFP period, a Blueprint-appointed review board evaluates proposals. The review board includes Josh Angrist, Carycruz Bueno, Sarah Cohodes, Drew Jacobs, Constance Jones, Jack Mountjoy, Parag Pathak, and Karega Rausch.

Three types of proposals are accepted, each with funding ranges.

• Proposal development (typical award size around $10,000);

• Pilot studies (typical award size around $75,000); and

• Full research project (awards range from $75,000 to $500,000).

Proposal development and pilot study grants are one-year grants. Full research projects are one- to three-year grants.

Login to the portal to create an account using the Primary Investigator’s (PI) email. The PI will be emailed a login code. Please enter the code in the portal. You will then be directed to fill out your application. Please complete all steps. The portal will save your progress when you click “Save and Next,” therefore you are able to return and complete the application at a later point. When you’re ready to submit, hit the “Submit” button. You will receive an email confirmation with a copy of your submission.

Proposal development and full research projects may include indirect costs up to 15% of total direct costs. Pilot studies may include indirect costs up to 10% of total direct costs.

There is no limit to the number of proposals an individual or organization can submit. If you would like to submit multiple applications, please submit each application with a different primary email address. The current application system links each proposal to the PI’s email—we’re already changing this for future application cycles!

Applicants who receive a grant will be subject to the following requirements: 

1. Grantees will be required to obtain IRB approval or exemption before MIT can establish a subaward agreement to set up funding.
2. MIT requires an official acceptance of the proposal and budget by your institution to set up the subaward. Applicants are encouraged to submit the proposal to their office of sponsored programs or contracts department prior to the award decision to avoid delays and ensure that your institute will accept your proposal and proposal budget.
3. Once all materials have been received, it can take up to 60 days to establish the subaward. The award is paid on a cost-reimbursable basis, and spending can usually be backdated through the date of the Blueprint award letter or date of IRB approval (whichever comes later). Funds are to be used for the purposes described in the proposal narrative and proposal budget. Significant changes to the project scope, design, or budget must be pre-approved by Blueprint Labs.
4. The terms of the award will be further specified in the award letter and in any subaward established with MIT. Acceptance of funding from Blueprint Labs signals your consent to these requirements. Non-compliance with these requirements could affect your eligibility for future funding from any Blueprint Labs Collaborative.
5. Grantees will typically be required to submit several reports, including a brief annual progress report and a final report, both including financial data.

The next request for proposals (RFP) cycle will occur in Summer 2024.

There will generally be two requests for proposals (RFPs) per calendar year. Under exceptional circumstances, Blueprint will consider off-cycle proposals for all three types of proposals when researchers face time constraints due to factors outside of their control. Off-cycle proposals will face the same scrutiny as proposals submitted during the RFP round and must include a justification for off-cycle submission.

No, expressions of interests (often referred to as letters of interest or LOIs) are not required. The deadline for submitting during the current RFP is passed; however, we encourage you to submit a full application.