Grant Updates and News

by Mary Cortina

In late November, I sent an email to faculty that asked about your needs regarding the grant application process. Though I cannot say the following is representative of faculty needs, here is what you said:

Q. What would you like to see more of, in terms of grant support?

A. In general, you would like to have more specifics - information about funding agencies that support your particular research interests; one-on-one discussions about your research; grant announcements and deadlines; and assistance with budgets, timelines, and follow-up with "partner" institutions.

Q. What do you find particularly helpful?

A. Notification of grant deadlines, mini workshops.

Q. What problems do you encounter in the grant process that I could address for you?

A. Budget development; timelines; how to include students in grants; knowing the procedure for accessing grant funds and compensating grant staff and/or consultants.

Other comments?

Q. What is faculty access to "grant writers" to assist with the application, and "how to" use funding databases.

A. You can always meet with me to discuss your research and possible funding sources. I cannot guarantee funding, but the more I know about what you want to do, the easier it is to identify sources and "connect" you with a funder. I am always available for one-on-one meetings.

A "Grant Alert" newsletter was sent to all full-time faculty via email and interoffice mail in late January, which provided descriptions of announcements and deadlines for the U.S. Department of Education, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Endowment for the Arts. I will have this posted on my webpage, which is accessed via the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence's website.

The faculty member/grant proposer is responsible for preparing a budget. Mireille Sabbague, the grant accountant and I meet with the grant proposer to discuss budgets and Mireille usually prepares any budget forms required by the funder. I am available for assistance in designing written timelines for grants, and contacting partner institutions for letters of commitment and other information needed for the grant. Once you have been awarded a grant, Mireille establishes an account for the grant and you follow the usual university policies and procedures for paying students, consultants, ordering equipment, travel, etc. The only difference is these items are charged to the grant and not your department or school.