Download Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf)

Proposal Criteria

* Creative, new educational engagement and international programs

Q: Is there a quota for international versus outreach projects?

A: No. Approximately one-third of all funded seed grant projects have had significant outreach components, either domestically or internationally. The predominance of international projects is due to the large number of international proposals submitted rather than our funding priorities.

Q: Does the proposal need to include an educational component, or can it solely focus on research?

A: Every proposal needs to include an educational component in order to achieve a broad impact in furthering the campus’ internationalization or engagement with the broader society goals.

Projects that involve narrow, disciplinary research-oriented topics will not be competitive.

Q: Is there a quota for different schools/colleges or are they all evaluated together?

A: There is no quota for different schools, colleges, or individual departments. Each proposal is evaluated on its own merit.

Q: How would you define a “new” project?

A: We define a “new” project as any project that has developed in the last few years and has not yet received substantial funding.

* Foster Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Q: Is there a clear definition of interdisciplinary?

A: In order to foster projects with a broad impact, we define “interdisciplinary” as involving multiple departments on campus.

* Offer Promise for Additional Funding or Support

Q: Can you provide examples of how to show promise for additional support or funding?

A: Evidence of the Principal Investigator’s previous success in obtaining external funding as well as a clear plan outlined in the proposal for obtaining additional support are two indicators of whether the project is likely to be funded in the future.

* Are matched with funds from other sources

Q: Do we need matched funding approved at the time of application?

A: In order to demonstrate the sustainability of the project, a strong preference will be given to proposals that describe the various sources of matching funds. The matching funds can include dollar-for-dollar support from campus or external sources, or in-kind matching funds.

Note: Salaries and benefits for faculty or academic personnel will not be allowable forms of matching support.

Q: What constitutes adequate “documentation of matching funds”?

A: A letter of support from the campus department/office or external agency is sufficient documentation of matching support.

Q: Can you suggest matched funding sources?

A: A few examples of sources include:

• Campus Sources
• Foreign Universities
• Funding Agencies
• Private Foundations
• Local Service Organizations
• Corporations
• Numerous Other Sources

* Support activities that can be sustained beyond the seed grant

Q: How does the PI demonstrate that the proposal activities will be sustainable beyond the life of the seed grant?

A: Sufficient matching funds and campus support are two key indicators that the project activities will be sustainable on a long-term basis.

* Build new partnerships

Q: How is a “new partnership” defined?

A: The purpose of the seed grant program is to serve as a catalyst for innovative educational and collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects in the areas of international programs or outreach. Therefore, we define a “new” project as any project that has developed in the last few years and has not yet received substantial funding. Preference will be given to projects that build institutional partnerships with benchmark universities and key organizations both locally and internationally.

Eligibility

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the seed grant program?

UC Davis Academic Senate faculty members and Academic Federation personnel with security of employment are eligible to apply for the seed grant program.

Application and Review Process

Q: If we get funded, when is the latest we can start?

A: Principal Investigators who are successfully awarded seed grant funds in the 2012 competition will obtain funding in February 2013. Within one year by February 2014, the project activities should be completed and the funds expended. Any unexpended funds by February 2014 will be returned to the UOIP office to support other worthwhile projects.

Q: Can a UOIP staff member provide feedback on my proposal before final submission?

A: Unfortunately, it is not feasible for UOIP staff to provide feedback on proposals prior to submission.

Q: Who reviews the proposals?

A: Each seed grant proposal is reviewed at three levels:

• The Dean of the relevant College or School
• Faculty peers or academic personnel
• An internal review committee of University Outreach and International Programs administrators chaired by the Vice Provost.

Q: What is the success rate?

A: Every year the Seed Grants for International and Outreach Activities program becomes more competitive. In 2007, one-third of the projects received funding. In 2008, over half of the projects received funding. In 2011, two-thirds of the projects received funding.

Q: Can I see a previously successful proposal?

A: Review the list of successful seed grant projects at: uoip.ucdavis.edu/seed
grants. You can contact the Principal Investigator directly for permission to view his/her seed grant proposal.

Q: What happens if the proposal exceeds the five-page limit? Are there specific format requirements?

A: The first five pages of the proposal/project narrative will be reviewed. In addition, letters of support will be reviewed if submitted.

There are no specific font size or margin requirements. However, applicants are well-advised to make their proposals legible for reviewers.

The components of your proposal are:
1) the cover sheet,
2) proposal and
3) letters of support (Optional)

Q: Is the October 31, 2012 deadline final?

A: Yes, proposals will not be accepted after 5:00 pm on October 31, 2012.

Q: When will I be notified of the funding decision?

A: January 2013

Download Frequently Asked Questions (.pdf)

 

Updated: September 2012
University Outreach and International Programs