The Pabst Steinmetz Foundation Creative Futures Awards recognize visionary, interdisciplinary collaborations at UCF that address community needs, identify potential impact and demonstrate the potential for sustainability and scalability.
Founded in 2018 by Chuck Steinmetz and Margery Pabst Steinmetz, the awards were originally created to support research initiatives focused on arts and wellness. The program has since expanded to include collaborations across all colleges and disciplines at UCF.
2026-27 Theme: Tech for the Human Good
In today’s technology-driven world, the intersections of arts, humanities, health and technology present opportunities to build community capacity.
This year, two awards of $25,000 each will be granted to UCF research teams collaborating across disciplines and with a community partner to address a specific community need. Projects should meaningfully integrate technology, include a clear tool for measuring outcomes and impact, and demonstrate potential for sustainability.
Award Criteria
All submissions must meet the following criteria:
- Teams must include at least three people: one representative from the UCF College of Arts and Humanities, one representative from another UCF unit or college, and one representative from a community partner.
- Proposals must include an evaluation framework in the style of a logic model, including inputs and intended outcomes.
- Projects must address a specific community need and demonstrate potential for impact and sustainability.
- Technology must be meaningfully integrated into the proposed project.
Application and Selection Process
Applicants can find all relevant information about the application process at cah.ucf.edu/research/pabst-steinmetz-awards.
Important Dates
- Sept. 18 at 2 p.m.: Online information session
- Oct. 15: Intent to Apply due. This is not required, but teams that submit an Intent to Apply can receive feedback on their proposal before the application deadline.
- Dec. 11 at 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline
Only teams may apply. The application must be submitted by a UCF employee, and each team must include a College of Arts and Humanities partner, another UCF unit or college and a community organization.
For questions or help connecting with potential community partners, visit cah.ucf.edu/research/pabst-steinmetz-awards.