Faculty Research Initiative Grants
Submit applications to: rssubmissions@uwstout.edu
Due Date to Research Services Postponed to Monday, November 16
For more information, contact Research Services at x1126.
Purpose
The purpose of the Faculty Research Initiative (FRI) grant program is to assist faculty members in initiating research, scholarly, and creative activities that have the potential to become continuing programs supported by extramural funds. Faculty who are first-time investigators or more established faculty who are interested in pursuing new areas or directions of research are eligible to apply. Research involving undergraduate and graduate students is encouraged. Funding comes from indirect costs.
There are three categories of Faculty Research Initiative funding:
1. Major Proposal Development Release Grant
2. "Seed Money" Research Grant
3. Proposal Writing Cohort Group Program
A description of each is below:
Type 1, Major Proposal Development Release Grant: (Summer or Fall, 2010)
This funding opportunity provides replacement costs for a one course release .25 FTE for one semester (fall semester of the following year) or equivalent summer session (two weeks). The required outcome is the development and submission of a major proposal to an external funding agency. Major is defined as: A multi-year effort, with funding of over $100,000 and yielding significant results appropriate to the discipline. The major proposal must be completed and ready for submission at the end of the funded semester/summer session.
Type 2, "Seed Money" Research Grant:
These research projects are designed to collect a significant amount of data (qualitative or quantitative) relevant to the submission of a research proposal to an external funding agency; e.g., NSF, USDA, ED, foundations, or corporate sponsors. Funding primarily supports equipment, supplies, and travel needed to carry out the planned research. Projects are usually designed for one year, not exceeding two. The outcome is to be a submission of a major proposal to an external funding agency. This submission must be completed by the end of the semester following the end date of the award. Awardees are encouraged to participate in the proposal writing group during Winterm.
Type 3, Proposal Writing Cohort Group: Introduction to Proposal Writing
A cohort group of up to eight individuals will be selected to participate, for four half days, in an intensive experience to learn the nuts and bolts of proposal writing. This is held during WinTerm. The days are mutually agreed upon by the group participants. A services and supplies budget of $1,000 is provided to each selected member or project team. The purpose of the group is to provide a network for new proposal developers as well as to learn about steps and strategies of proposal development. The group will receive individual assistance that is personalized to their needs. The outcome requirement is a completed proposal ready for submission to an external funder.
Proposal Format for Type 1: Major Proposal; and Type 2: Seed Money FRI's:
I. Title Page (limit to 1 page)
A. Title of proposal
B. Proposer's name(s)
C. Campus address(es), phone number(s), and e-mail address(es)
D. Amount of funding requested
E. Abstract
II. Proposal Narrative (4-9 pages)*
A. Literature review and background information
B. Statement of problem
C. Objectives
D. Methodology
E. Evaluation procedure (system to determine if project objectives are met)
F. How proposed work will serve as basis for continuing program of research/scholarly/creative activities for the principal investigator, including potential funding sources
G. Projected overall benefits/impact of research project
III. Other information to be included:
A. Detailed budget, without indirect costs (see Budget Information sheet)
B. Budget narrative explaining the request. For Major Proposal Development Release Grants, standard replacement costs will be used for .25 release for one semester or equivalent summer session. The Seed Money Research Grants range between $5,000 and $8,000. It is the intent of the FRI program to support the costs of the research while providing some personnel dollars for the principal investigator. It is understood that the full amount of effort being put forth by the principal investigator is not fully represented in the budget.
C. Reference list or bibliography.
D. Abbreviated vita (1-2 pages).
E. Other pertinent information.
*For the Major Proposal Development Release Grant, when you are writing sections II: A-G, describe the concept of the proposal you are planning to submit to the external funding source.
*For the "Seed Money" Research Grant, when you are writing sections II: A-G, describe specifically what will be done in the research project.
Proposal Format for Faculty Research Initiative Proposal Writing Cohort Group: Introduction to Proposal Writing
I. Title Page
A. Title of proposal: Application for Proposal Writing Cohort Group
B. Proposer's name
C. Campus address, phone number, and e-mail address
D. Project period of the proposal: WinTerm (four half days to be determined by selected participants)
II. Proposal Narrative (1-2 pages)
The proposal narrative should include the following:
A. A statement indicating your willingness to participate during the WinTerm proposal writing cohort and agreement to complete a major proposal for submission by the end of the following semester (one paragraph).
B. A brief description of the research that you would like to undertake. Specific funding sources, agency and program need to be identified at the time of application.
Review Process: Type 1, Major Proposal and Type 2, "Seed Money" Proposal
Research Services coordinates the transmittal and approval of proposals on campus. Proposals that receive endorsement at the department and college level are then submitted for review and comment to faculty or academic staff members with expertise related to the program area of the proposal. Panelists work independently in evaluating the proposal. An off-campus evaluator from another university may be selected, as necessary.
Panelists evaluate the quality of the proposal for Major Proposal Development Release Grants and Seed Money Grants based on the following criteria, rating each on a scale of one (poorest) to five (best).
1. The proposal outlines exactly what is planned.
2. The problem statement is clear.
3. The objectives address the problem and are achievable.
4. The methodology/research design is appropriate.
5. The evaluation procedures are appropriate.
6. There is potential for a significant research contribution.
7. The budget is appropriate to realize outcomes.
8. The research area proposed has the potential to be a continuing program of research funded by non-university funds.
9. The principal investigator(s) has the qualifications to do the work outlined in the proposal.
10. The research is planned appropriate to the extramural funding source/agency.
For comment only; not ranked:
A. Research is transdisciplinary (a group of faculty working in an area that crosses disciplines).
B. Research involves undergraduate and graduate students working with faculty members.
Review process for the Proposal Writing Cohort Group include:
1. The willingness and readiness to learn proposal writing skills.
2. The potential for long term funded research at UW-Stout through the proposed research area.
Panelists' evaluations are reported to the Provost's Council. The Provost, in consultation with the Council and the Research Administrator, reaches a decision on awards and communicates that decision to the faculty members by December 21.
Fiscal Administration of the Award:
When an award is made, Research Services will hold an award conference with the award recipient to go over fiscal procedures. The staff will continue to work with the recipient throughout the duration of the award period.
Report of Results:
At the end of the project period, a written report of results, including the developed proposal, is to be submitted to Research Services at rssubmissions@uwstout.edu