Special Campus Memo: The Innovation Fund Application Deadline is Sept. 28
Dear Campus Community,
The 2018-19 Innovation Fund application deadline is Friday, Sept. 28.
The Innovation Fund supports faculty, student, and staff pilot projects that promise the most transformative benefits for Grinnell's teaching and learning. Up to $450,000 is available annually to support pilot projects and up to $50,000 for planning projects. Approximately one-third of the funds each year are devoted to new projects.
The Innovation Fund spurs innovative ways of teaching and learning at the College by funding two types of initiatives:
- One- to three-year pilot projects that will investigate and implement ideas initiated by creative faculty, staff, and students. Maximum funding per project is $50,000/year for up to three years.
- One-time planning projects by a faculty or staff member or student to investigate whether an idea is feasible. Maximum funding per project is $10,000, no longer than one-year duration.
To promote creative thinking, no project is off limits; however, the project must have the potential for significant impact on teaching or learning and:
- Fulfill one or more parts of the College's mission.
- Directly contribute to the success of one or more of the College's six strategic goals: enrollment; teaching and learning; The Grinnell Learning Place; post-graduate success; alumni engagement; and human and financial resource management.
This year, the request for proposals specifically highlights the desire for projects related to curricular innovation, an area that the Innovation Fund has long supported. Because the Innovation Fund is focused on teaching and learning, funding for projects focused on the liberal arts will be prioritized. These projects may include, but are not limited to, plans for the renewal or reinvigoration of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary areas as expressions of the liberal arts in the 21st century; plans for courses or programs that increase the appeal of or reduce the barriers to student exploration of a broad liberal arts education; and plans for innovative techniques to help students and advisors efficiently and sensibly plan a liberal education at Grinnell College.
Once again, the deadline is Friday, September 28. I would like to thank this year's Innovation Fund committee members and chair, David Lopatto.
Awards will be announced by early January.
Learn more about the fund, eligibility, the selection process, last year's award recipients, and apply online.
Sincerely,
Raynard S. Kington
President