Frequently Asked Questions About the Visioning Grants

Am I eligible to apply?
The project leader must be a CHFA faculty member.

Are non-tenure-track CHFA faculty eligible?
Generally project leaders need to be tenure-track faculty. We will consider making exceptions for strong proposals with non-tenure-track faculty as project leaders, especially for projects focused on innovative ways to enhance student success. Any non-tenure-track project leader or collaborator should have a reasonable expectation of being able to see the project through to completion and should be on the faculty for the entire 2008-2009 academic year.

Must I have a collaborator?
Yes, you will need to have one or more collaborators when you submit the project proposal in December. But it’s OK if you haven’t yet identified any specific collaborators when you submit the one-page concept proposal at the end of October.

Who is a suitable collaborator?
At least one of your collaborators must come from outside your home department. Otherwise, suitable collaborators might be faculty or staff from inside or outside CHFA, librarians, or community members. Suitability obviously depends on the details of your project.

Will the Visioning Steering Committee help me find a collaborator if I don’t have one?
Yes. If you want this help, check the appropriate box on the cover sheet of the 1-page concept proposal.

The one-page concept proposals include an option to apply without asking for money. Why would I do that?
You may be seeking publicity for your project or the College’s endorsement. You may also have a project that could attract donors, and the College should know about that.

How much money can I ask for?
There is no predetermined amount, but bear in mind that the Committee has $100,000 to allocate and expects to receive many excellent applications. The dollar amounts for grants are separated into four categories: small (<$2000), medium ($2000-$10,000), large ($10,000-$25,000), and greater than $25,000. Why? Different kinds of projects are appropriate in each category, so the initial evaluation will compare grants in the same category. No decision has been made about how much money to allocate to each category, and no decision will be made until after the full proposals have been submitted and evaluated in February.

Can I ask for seed money?
Yes, that is encouraged. Proposals that involve pulling together funds from various sources are also encouraged.

Can I apply for funds to support an on-going project or pre-existing center?
Yes, but only for a new initiative that may be related to the on-going project or center. Grants cannot be used for operating funds.

If my proposal is funded, might I receive less money than I asked for?
Yes.

I have an idea to do X. Is that what you’re looking for?
No individual member of the Visioning Steering Committee can tell you in advance whether X is a good idea that meets the goals of this initiative. That’s the reason for the one-page concept papers.

Is the one-page concept paper a necessary step in the process? Can I skip it and go straight to the five-page proposal?
The one-page concept paper is necessary, since it gives the Committee an opportunity to advise potential project leaders on how to improve their project. It also allows the Committee to identify potential collaborators and to make connections between similar projects.

Can I apply for release time?
Grant funds cannot be used to pay for release time.

If my proposal is successful, when will the money first be available?
Shortly after July 1, 2008.

What is the maximum term of a project?
Projects can extend past the academic year 2008-2009. There is no commitment to allocating additional funds if a project continues into a second year.

Will there be another chance to apply for grants next year?
That hasn’t been decided yet.

How do I submit a proposal?
Go to Visioning Grants home at http://www.umass.edu/hfa/visioning and click on the application link.

I have additional questions or need help. What should I do?
Write to visioning@hfa.umass.edu, or come to the drop-in information session on Friday, October 12, 10AM to noon, in Herter 601.