Proposal Format

Proposals should be submitted to the Office of Faculty Resources as electronic files whenever possible. Electronic files should be formatted as Microsoft Word files or PDF. (If you are unable to submit your proposal electronically, submit a paper version to the address at the bottom of the page by the deadline.)

Please submit the following in ONE (1) electronic document:

• Face Sheet
• Project Statement
• Budget

Please submit the following in separate electronic documents:

• Curriculum Vitae of Principal Investigator(s)
  
• Dean's Review and Written Statement of Support
  
• Brief Approval Statement and Signature of Department Chair
  

Face Sheet

Each proposal contains a face sheet listing the following:

• Project title
• Principal investigator(s):
  a. faculty title(s);
  b. school(s);
  c. department(s), address(es), telephone number(s), fax number(s), and E-mail address(es)
• Amount requested
• Term(s) and year(s) for carrying out proposed project
• Abstract (one paragraph, including a clear statement of objectives)
  

Project Statement

The committee encourages concise (six double-spaced pages or fewer) statements addressing the following:

• Clear statement of purpose, scope, and strengths of the project and its relation to the CDCF criteria (no more than one page)
• A concise description of the project, including outline of program content
• Description of resources available to initiate the program
• Advertising plan or marketing plan (if relevant)
• Potential for future funding
  

Budget

Proposals chosen for funding are generally granted between $5,000 and $7,000. While this is the average amount, the Committee may exceed these guidelines for projects that are deemed to have exceptional merit and specific need for resources. Most projects that are approved undergo a process of budget negotiation. The Committee will not consider funding those expenses that are expected to be borne within the individual school.

Projects that are approved are expected to be completed in a single academic year (including summer, if necessary). Multiyear proposals will be considered but are not encouraged. If submitted, multiyear projects should provide the budget requests for each year separately.

The budget should be broken down according to appropriate FAME chartfields. Relevant fringe benefits must be included for all personnel. The budget must indicate cost sharing and/or school resources that are being provided as well as the projected income from the program. Costs for activities such as photocopying, book purchases, materials, and resources that will be used in the project should be projected based on real costs rather than estimates that may not be based on fact.

Plan for self-sufficiency

ne criterion that will be considered is the degree to which the curriculum development project has the potential to be self-sufficient. How will the school incorporate the resources necessary for the project to become self-supporting? This section should be thoughtfully prepared based on realistic assumptions.

Budget justification

Successful proposals include thoughtful analysis. A well written budget justification demonstrates the planning that should accompany a project. Please provide justification for each budget item.

• Honoraria for visiting lecturers and stipends for consultants or specialists are considered appropriate areas for support provided that the program is not dependent on these resources beyond the pilot phase and that it clearly will continue with internal resources.
• Advertising and promotion: Funds may be requested for advertising and promotion if the activity is integral to the success of the project.
• Travel for site visits, training, and extracurricular activities. It should be clearly stated how the travel requested will contribute to the successful outcome of the project.
• Incremental staff support for graduate and undergraduate student workers, for example, will be considered. This may not include tuition remission.
• Small or unique equipment costs may be considered, but any equipment purchased is University property.
• Faculty salaries will be given budgetary consideration only in exceptional cases in highly unusual circumstances.
• Capital expenses: It is beyond the scope of the CDCF program to fund capital projects or budget relief in the school.

Budget review process

Projects that are successful include a carefully prepared budget, thoughtful allocation of CDCF resources, and a description of how the project will be institutionalized within the school. The spirit of the CDCF program is to provide startup funding to support innovative and creative ideas.

For assistance in preparing the budget, consult your dean's office or your school's office of funded research.

2. Curriculum Vitae of Principal Investigator(s)

Submit each investigators' CV in a separate file.

The following items may be submitted electronically or on paper, in order to obtain the official signatures. (Please ensure any items sent separately from the proposal clearly indicate the name(s) of the principal investigator(s) and the project title:

3. Dean's Review and Written Statement of Support

Please submit your request for a statement of support to the dean of your school well in advance of the application deadline.

4. Brief Approval Statement and Signature of Department Chair