How to Apply

The application window for the Frontline Innovation Program is closed until August 2024. Details on how to apply will be updated in summer 2024.

About

This program is dedicated to funding innovations and empowering ideas that directly impact and improve bedside care and clinical practice today. It supports projects emphasizing effective and efficient bedside practices to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients, employees, and communities.

The individual grant cap increased! Grants will be funded up to $25,000.

What project submissions will be eligible?

Projects are encouraged to be larger in scope. The Beckwith Institute encourages applicants to apply only if their idea comfortably fits within one of this year’s areas of focus.

The below information is applicable to the 2023 application cycle only.

Submissions must focus on one of the following areas:

  • Reducing Hospital Acquired Infection
  • Improving Health Equity in Care and/or Outcomes for Underserved Communities
  • Enhancing Engagement and Retention of Clinical Staff

*Requirements for 2024 may change and will be updated in Summer 2024.

Applicants/Projects Should:

  • Emphasize innovation that is focused on the present
  • Improve patient care/patient experience
  • Be scalable with plausible systemwide impact
  • Be endorsed by senior leadership leader (e.g. hospital president, vice president, chair)
  • Expect to submit a completed application form, itemized budget, and estimates (At least one per budgeted item over $500.
  • Consider opportunities for matching dollars or in-kind support
  • Be a UPMC employee or a University of Pittsburgh employee, partnering with a UPMC employee.

Projects that are Approved for Funding will be:

  • Funded for 18 months. After 18 months, unexpended funds will be retained by The Beckwith Institute. Individual written requests will be considered to extend the budget period.
  • Required to submit their project to UPMC’s Quality Improvement Project Submission Site.
  • Required to provide The Beckwith Institute with a reprint of any publication resulting from the project. Publications, printing, or presentations must acknowledge approval from The Beckwith Institute (if applicable).
  • Asked to discuss commercialization gains with The Beckwith Institute. Project owner’s will be required to share a percentage of the gains with the Institute. The actual percentage to be shared with The Beckwith Institute will be negotiated in advance and on a case-by-case basis. These funds will be used to fund future projects (if applicable).

Additional Resources

To be used as a reference only, as some requirements may change in 2024.

COVID-19 Relief Grant

From April 27 to May 11, 2020, the Frontline Innovation Program — through the support and leadership of Nick and Dottie Beckwith — launched its COVID-19 Relief Grant campaign. All UPMC employees were invited to submit ideas to support the physical and emotional wellness of UPMC patients, staff members, and the communities UPMC serves.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Relief Grant (PDF).

Success Stories

Examples of recent funding granted on behalf of the Frontline Innovation Program include:


The Frontline Innovation Program board is chaired by Beckwith Institute co-founder, Dotty Beckwith.

Her gratitude for the compassionate care she received at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in 1990 inspired the founding of this Institute.