Ross Rankin Moody Opportunity Fund (MOF)

The Ross Rankin Moody Opportunity Fund (MOF) is designed to financially assist undergraduate students seeking funds for a co-curricular opportunity related to their academic and professional development. 

Funding Opportunities

Students will have an opportunity to receive up to $2,500 to go towards funding their request. Students are strongly encouraged to seek practical experiences to supplement their undergraduate academic career.

For example, students should look for experiences outside the classroom that will allow them to apply what they learn in the classroom in a practical setting.

Students are encouraged to think beyond wishing to attend or present at academic or career-related conferences/workshops.

Possible ideas to request funding include:

  • Opportunities that venture into startups
  • Possibilities to partner, collaborate, or work with outside professional organizations that align with their interests, goals, or passion projects.
  • The launch or execution of their own research projects, topics, or other initiatives that need funding.
  • Professional presentations in their subject field.
  • Participation in study abroad programs, such as iSEED, Rice in Country, etc.
  • Attend professional programs or conferences.

We are hopeful students will be creative and original in their pursuits. Therefore, this general list of ideas is incomplete and is meant to guide our students when determining where to seek support for their ideas, programs, projects, and events.

Eligibility

Any currently enrolled domestic or international undergraduate student can apply and be considered for financial support through the Ross Rankin Moody Opportunity Fund.

Application Process

To be considered by the Ross Rankin Moody Opportunity Fund (MOF) Committee, students must submit a completed application with supporting documentation detailing how the experience will enrich their educational or career aspirations.

Supporting documentation includes a proposal and cost breakdown.

Proposal Requirements

The proposal should present a letter of intent detailing the reason for your request and a budget breakdown.

Please include:

  • Description of the event, idea, program, or project you are participating in.
  • How participating in the program or activity will benefit your personal growth and development.
  • Budget/Cost Breakdown
    • Provide specific information about what the funding will be used for.
    • Include all potential costs associated with your activity, program, or project, and indicate whether you need an advance payment or if expenses can be paid directly by our office.
    • Please note that advance payments may take 8–12 business days to be deposited into your account.

If you need a budget template, email success@rice.edu with the subject line MOF Budget Template.

Applications are reviewed once each semester for a final decision. Please see the deadlines below. Please note that not all requests may be funded, and this is not an emergency fund.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2026 Semester

(for spring and summer opportunities)

  • March 1

MOF requests will be followed up within 7–8 business days after the application submission deadline. Business days are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Complete the application

Questions

For more information, email success@rice.edu.

The Moody Opportunity Fund is supported by the Ross Rankin Moody Civic Engagement, Student Success, and Global Leadership Fund and is part of the Moody Experience at Rice University.

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