Drake University Research Grant Program

Purpose and General Guidelines
[Download Guidelines with Forms]

The Drake University Research Grant Program offers support for research, scholarly work, and creative endeavors. Specifically, the program supports two types of projects:

  1. Faculty research, scholarly works, and creative endeavors that currently are not funded from external sources and that will position the investigator to compete more favorably for extramural support. 
  2. Student and faculty collaborative research, scholarly works, and creative endeavors.

Award Amount:

The maximum award per proposal will be $3,000. 

Activities and Materials supported:

Funds may be requested for activities and materials necessary to support the proposed research.  This includes items such as supplies (including animals), software, limited travel necessary to conduct research, summer funding for students, and research assistance and other expenses directly related to the research project.  Student research assistants are to be paid at the same rate as are students under the Undergraduate Assistantship Program.  Currently that rate is $9 per hour.

The Program will not support faculty-release time, travel to present papers, or computer equipment purchase.  Other equipment purchases have been supported only in very rare circumstances.

Proposal

A suggested outline for proposals and cover sheet are presented in the following form and in the downloadable file. A completed Cover Sheet must be included with each proposal. There is no obligation to use the outline since it is not appropriate for all projects . However, a clear and thorough description and explanation of research plans and budget needs must be included. If you are requesting any equipment, be very clear about why it is appropriate to purchase such an item using Faculty Research Grant funds. If requesting student research assistance, provide details about the experiences, responsibilities and the number of hours expected of the assistant.

If travel is part of the request, get the current, best price and we will assume that when travel is to be booked, you will find the best price.

This proposal must be submitted electronically.  Send it as an email attachment to the Dean of your College by February 22, 2008.   Deans will forward proposals to the Provost’s Office by February 29, 2008.

DRAKE UNIVERSITY
RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM

Attach the cover page (see dowloadable document) and provide a thorough discussion of your proposed research/scholarly work. A suggested outline appears below. Proposals [including budget and budget justification forms] may not exceed 8 single-sided double-spaced pages.

Suggested Proposal Outline

I. Abstract

Succinctly explain, in one to three paragraphs, what is to be done and what result can be expected.

II. Statement of the Project

Define the nature of the scholarly or creative issue or problem to be pursued. Since most of the reviewers do not have expertise in the field of the grant writer, how well he/she articulates the nature of the problem and its importance in the field is crucial.  Include in this section a rationale as to why the solution to the problem or the product to be created as proposed is both reasonable and deserving of financial support. (Remember you are writing for colleagues, but not experts in your area, so keep the rationale geared toward that audience.)

III. Proposed Outcomes

Clearly state anticipated outcomes of the project.  This section should be brief.

IV. Strategy and Methods

What is the proposed strategy, methodology, and/or technique?  Present a project timetable.  The funding cycle is June 1, 2008 to May 31, 2009 which means funds must be expended by April 1, 2009 - no exceptions.  However, the project activities could be extended. Include diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, milestone charts, etc., where they will aid the reviewer.

V. Evaluation/Analysis

Include a summary of how results/findings will ultimately be evaluated and possibilities for publication or performance.

VI. Staff and Facilities

What previous work and training most qualifies the grant writer to engage in this research?  Where applicable, identify all project staff, placing primary emphasis upon the project director.  Describe local resources available for the project, such as specialized equipment, library materials, and computer capabilities.

VII.Current and Future Funding

Is the proposed project supported by other funds?  Is there a plan for continuation of the project beyond the grant period?  List all current and pending grants on which the grant writer is a principal investigator.

VIII. Budget and Justification

Completed budget and budget justification forms (copies on downloadable file).

Support Information

Attach Proposer's resume (not to exceed 5 pages).

Final Report

At the completion of the project a written report must be submitted to the Provost’s office describing the outcome of the scholarly or creative work.