• Funding will not be provided for individual research projects or investigators. 
• Applications offering services or shared resources exclusively to a limited group of investigators are unlikely to be approved. 
• Proposed Core Services should demonstrate novelty and must not replicate existing services on campus unless a clear and justified need is presented. 
• Requests from established Cores for equipment upgrades or replacements are discouraged unless all alternate funding sources have been thoroughly pursued.

• All qualified School of Medicine faculty should be able to participate in or use the proposed research support initiative or facility.
• Proposals should include a plan to educate and actively recruit users or members from various departments.
• Faculty from other CU Anschutz schools are also encouraged to use the equipment.
• For equipment costing more than $200,000, the SIRC will consider AEF matching funds when applying for an NIH or NSF Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG).
  • Exceptions may be made if the application includes a commitment for matching funds covering at least one-third of the equipment cost and clearly explains why a SIG application is not being pursued.
• SIRC funds are usually granted for one year. If you have questions or concerns, contact [email protected] .
• The committee requires a progress report to be submitted one year after the award is granted.

Include the following components (limit: specified pages, single-spaced, Arial 11 font, ½ inch margin): 

Letter of Intent (LOI) Documentation:

• A one-page Letter of Intent (LOI) that outlines the proposed infrastructure project, explains its benefits to the campus, and provides an estimated cost.
• Send via email to SOM[email protected]by the deadlines listed below.

Full Application Documentation:

• Proposal Document (max 4 pages)
• Description of the equipment
• Full comparison of existing related resources on the CU Anschutz campus
• Estimate of user base and need
• How the equipment will be accessed by the user community
• Budget and budget justification (max 1 page)
• Supporting documents include the following as applicable:
• Discounts from vendors,
• Letters of support,
• Additional sources of funding being pursued
• If applicable, include your planned application date and funding request from SIG (limit to 1 page).

Do not include appendices. Non-compliant applications will be returned.

Submission Instructions

Letter of Intent deadline by 5pm MT on Wednesday, September 16, 2026

If invited to apply, applications are due by 5pm (MT) on Wednesday, September 30 2026.
Click here to submit: SIRC APPLICATION 

For questions, contact [email protected]

What is SIRC funding for?

SIRC advises the SOM Office of Research on spending Academic Enrichment Funds (AEF) on multi-departmental resources, such as shared equipment, new Core Services, or other resources used by several departments. It does not fund individual research projects or investigators. Applications serving only a limited group of investigators are unlikely to be approved.

What makes a strong SIRC proposal?

New Core Services must be novel and not duplicate existing campus services unless you show a clear, justified need. Established Cores requesting equipment upgrades or replacements are discouraged unless all alternate funding sources have been thoroughly pursued. All qualified SOM faculty should be able to participate in or use the proposed resource, so include a plan to educate and actively recruit users across departments in your application. Faculty from other CU Anschutz schools are also encouraged to use the equipment.

Is a Letter of Intent (LOI) required before the full application?

Yes. Email a one-page LOI to [email protected] by the posted deadline. It should outline the proposed project, its benefits to campus, and an estimated cost. If you miss the LOI deadline, you miss that cycle.

If I submit an LOI, am I automatically invited to submit a full application?

No. The committee reviews each LOI against current SIRC priorities, which can shift from cycle to cycle. If it isn’t a fit, no application will be requested for that cycle, and you are encouraged to try the next cycle. Declined applicants can request feedback on strengthening a future submission.

Is there a set dollar amount for SIRC awards?

No. Awards depend on need and the proposal. For equipment over $200,000, SIRC will consider providing AEF matching funds to support your NIH/NSF Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) application. If you are not pursuing a SIG, SIRC may make an exception if you explain why and commit matching funds of at least one-third of the equipment cost.

What does the full application need to include?

Your application must include:

• Proposal Document covering the equipment description, a full comparison to existing campus resources, an estimate of user base and need, and how the user community will access the equipment (4 pages)
• Budget and justification (1 page)
• Supporting documents, as applicable (vendor discounts, letters of support, other funding being pursued)
• If applicable, planned Shared Instrumentation Grant (SIG) application date and funding request (1 page)

Format: single-spaced, Arial 11 font, ½" margins. No appendices. Noncompliant applications will be returned.

If my SIRC award requires additional funding beyond what I originally proposed, what do I need to submit?

A modified table of user-base contributions is generally sufficient — new or modified letters of support aren't necessarily required. Confirm the preferred format with SOM Research Affairs.

How long are SIRC funds available for, and what's required afterward?

Funds are available for a one-year period, beginning after the approved award letter is sent to the PI and the award speedtype is established. If extensions are needed due to delays in manufacturing or ordering, please reach out to [email protected].

Does my SIRC award need a Fund 35 / speedtype setup?

The Office of Research will work with the SOM Finance Office to establish the award speedtype.