Small Grant Funding
The goals of the Small Grant program are to increase research capacity, research participation and grant submissions at Western. Funding requests up to $10,000 to support activities that promote these goals are eligible under the Small Grant funding program. Examples of eligible initiatives include (but are not limited to) writing workshops, network building events, community outreach, or development and delivery of new research pedagogy.
Potential applicants should note that this program does not provide direct support for research projects. Those seeking funding for small, emerging, or pilot research should explore other internal research grant programs including but not limited to Western Strategic Support for Tri-Council Success.
All proposals must address the overall program goals. In addition, preference will be given to proposals that meet the following criteria:
- The proposal has a co-funding model that includes cash or in-kind contributions from a faculty, department, school or other partner; and
- The proposal involves participation from more than one faculty, or from a faculty and an outside partner (i.e., at minimum two faculties or one faculty plus an outside partner).
Note that these funds are intended for one-time support of individual initiatives, and not as a continued source of funding for indefinite initiatives.
Proposals will also be assessed based on the expected value of the proposal with regard to the program objectives, and final approval will depend on availability of Small Grant Funding program resources.
Submission Procedures
Submissions should be made a minimum of eight weeks prior to the start of the proposed activities. Proposals must have faculty Associate (or Assistant) Dean (Research) approval prior to submission.
Proposals are submitted to the Vice-President (Research) using the online VPR Small Grant Request Form.
Proposals will be forwarded through the ROLA system to the applicable Assocate Dean (Research) for faculty approval, and then to an Associate Vice-President (Research). Submissions will be reviewed by administration and an Associate Vice-President (Research), and then approved by the Vice-President (Research). A decision based on available funds and strategic value will be communicated by our office within one month of receipt of request.
As identified in the online submission form, proposals must include:
- Description of the proposed program
- Faculties, departments and partners involved
- Objectives, including anticipated impact, reach and measures of success
- Detailed budget, including a clear explanation of how the VPR funds will be spent
- Anticipated completion date
For requests greater than $10,000 discussion with an Associate Vice-President (Research) should be initiated and a plan to address the request can be formulated. As with small grant requests, the faculty ADR must be aligned to the proposal.
An outcome report will be required within three months of the anticipated end date of the grant as indicated in the request for funds. The report should include a description of the impact and success of the grant in reaching the objectives.
Contact
For more information on this program, please contact Joseph Paciocco or Western Research Internal Grants.
