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Faculty Annual Research Theme Grant

Request for Proposals: Annual Research Theme Grant

Max Award: $5,000

Applications accepted on a rolling basis beginning August 1, while funding remains available

Apply via our Submittable page

Restrictions

This competition is open to all regular faculty members with a primary appointment in the College of Arts & Letters. 

Applications accepted at any time until funds for this program are exhausted. Supported projects must be completed by September 1 of the following academic year. Grantees must provide a final report to the Franco Institute within 30 days of the supported research activity.

Eligible expenses

Applicants may request up to $5,000.

Eligible expenses include research and creative arts materials needed to directly support the completion of the project, such as transcription services, travel, archive/library assistance, survey and computer programming support, and human subject payments.

Funds may not be used for applicant salary/stipend, professional development activities, teaching programs or course development, office supplies, publication costs, or computer equipment.

Required application materials

  • An application form through Submittable.

  • A 100-word abstract that outlines your project's primary goals, planned contribution, and engagement with this year's research theme.

  • A proposal (1000 words max.) that includes 1) the primary goals of your project; 2) your sources and methods and how they will help you achieve the goals of the project; 3) the specific contributions your project will make to scholarship, society, or both; and 4) how your project responds to this year’s research theme as outlined in the call for proposals.

  • A project timeline outlining your plan for the grant period, including key goals and targeted completion dates for each. (1 page max.).

  • An itemized budget (must use the approved budget template).

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the level of engagement with the research theme, intellectual merit, the potential impact of the project for scholars and the public, and the researcher’s qualifications to conduct the proposed work.

Budget items with insufficient justification may be reduced or eliminated in an award offer.

Proposal preparation and submission

All proposals should be double-spaced, with one-inch margins and 12-point Times New Roman font. Up to two critical figures, illustrations, or images may be included to supplement the project narrative.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis throughout the academic year beginning August 1 and continuing until allocated funds are exhausted.

Questions and additional information

Please direct questions to Josh Tychonievich (tychonievich1@nd.edu), managing director.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are collaborative projects eligible?

    1. Yes, collaborative projects are eligible for Annual Research Theme Grant support, but awards are made to individual researchers. If requesting support for travel, budgets should include travel for the applicant and not their collaborators. Collaborators may submit their own applications for any grant for which they are eligible to support their own travel expenses.

  2. When will I know if I have been awarded a grant?

    1. Decisions for Annual Research Theme grants are usually made within two weeks of receipt of all required materials, including letters of recommendation for graduate student applications.

  3. Are staff eligible for this grant?

    1. Only graduate students and regular faculty members with primary appointments in the College of Arts & Letters are eligible for Annual Research Theme grants.

  4. I am holding a conference about a new teaching initiative related to the research theme. Can I apply for this grant?

    1. Annual Research Theme grants do not support conferences or teaching projects, including curricula and textbooks. See the “allowable costs” and “restrictions” sections above for more information on eligible projects and expenses.

  5. How can I be sure to receive a grant?

    1. Awards are made on a competitive basis, and funding is not guaranteed for any project. Applications are evaluated based on the criteria listed above. Applicants are encouraged to contact Kevin Gallin, Franco Institute Assistant Director of Research Development, to discuss the fit of their proposed project with grants and for help developing competitive proposals.