Small Grants to Support International Program Development at Virginia Tech
Program Overview
OIRED invites Virginia Tech faculty to apply for a limited number of small grants to support the development of academic programs dealing with global issues, new Education Abroad or student exchange programs, and academic programs or research that have the potential for larger external funding. The purpose of this program is to develop and support academic programs that will contribute significantly to the university's international mission, and enhance interdisciplinary programs that have the potential for obtaining external funding for further development.
There are two separate award cycles during a year. This gives faculty members the opportunity to pursue small grants for programs that arise quickly and take place during all seasons. The first cycle, which runs from November through April, has an application deadline of November 15. The application deadline for the second cycle, which runs from May through October, is March 15.
Only one grant per initiative will be considered. The small grants program was not established to provide support for ongoing initiatives, but rather to provide seed money for the establishment of new programs. An extension or new direction in an existing program will be considered for funding if it clearly demonstrates that the proposed change is significant.
Eligibility
Full-time faculty members in all curricular and academic specialization areas are eligible to apply. Co-authored propels are accepted, but must share one grant. Faculty members should demonstrate that they will be sufficiently free of other commitments to be able to carry out the proposed work during the grant period. Applications in are eligible.
Awarding of Grants
Based on available resources, up to $2,500 may be awarded. Preference will be given to quality proposals that show a dollar-for-dollar level of matching from department and/or college sources. This match may include cash or “in-kind” contributions, extended release time for curriculum development, special staff and technology support, or plans for further development opportunities for the faculty member or program. A university-wide committee will review the proposals and make funding decisions. Funds will be managed according to established university procedures.
Expectations
Faculty receiving grants are expected to complete the project that is approved for funding, submit all reporting requirements upon completion of the project (see guidelines below), and participate in departmental or campus-wide activities designed to share the results of the project.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals must consist of a cover sheet, narrative, and budget.
- Cover Sheet
The proposal cover sheet, or Mini Grant Proposal Form, includes the Unit Endorsement. The Unit Endorsement provides a space for the signature of the unit leader (department and/or college) indicating the unit's support (collegial and/or financial) and confirming the level of importance of this project. Unit leaders providing cost-share contributions must sign and indicate the matching amount in the appropriate place.
- Narrative
The narrative (2-4 pages) should include the following information:
- Statement of project objectives as they relate to needs within the department, college, or university;
- Participating faculty and departments;
- Description of specific activities and how results will be shared with appropriate university audiences;
- Statement of anticipated impact/benefits and importance to the unit as well as the unit's commitment to continuation of the program, if it is successful;
- Proposed timeline;
- Plan for evaluation of outcomes;
- Additional material may be attached as appendices if it is essential to explaining the proposal.
- Budget
Attach a separate page with a description of the budget, including sources of matching funds.
Proposal Deadlines
November-April: application due by November 15
Submission
Submit proposals to:
OIRED, Attn. Shannon Dove,
526 Prices Fork Road (0378)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
E-mail: scdove@vt.edu
Questions or requests for clarification should be directed to Michael Bertelsen at bertel@vt.edu.
Reporting Requirements
If a small grant is awarded, you must submit your final 2-4 page report at the completion of the project. Please include the following information in an email attachment to Michael Bertelsen at bertel@vt.edu:
- Summary of project objectives and participating faculty
- Description of project activities and final timeline
- Evaluation of outcomes and impact
- Description of subsequent plans
- Summary of expenses incurred