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Sponsored Programs and Research Office

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Guidance for Sponsored Projects and Research

Institutional Grant Guides


External Funding Guidelines


Eligible Projects for Grant Funding

Initiatives that are typically eligible for grant funding:

  • Research Projects
    • Innovative studies and scientific investigations.
  • Community Outreach & Engagement
    • Public service programs and initiatives that benefit local communities.
  • Artistic & Educational Programs
    • Projects that include artistic endeavors, educational initiatives, and curriculum development.
  • Conservation & Sustainability
    • Efforts focused on environmental protection, sustainability, and conservation.
  • Healthcare & Technology
    • Projects aimed at improving healthcare systems, advancing technology, or promoting health-related initiatives.
  • Capacity Building
    • Professional development, specialized training, and initiatives to enhance institutional or organizational capacity.
  • Conferences & Events
    • Academic and professional gatherings that promote knowledge sharing and networking.
  • Special Equipment
    • Funding for tools, technologies, or equipment essential for project success.

While each grant has specific guidelines, the following projects, expenses, and/or items are generally not eligible for grant funding:

  • Operating Expenses
    • Ongoing costs related to daily operations.
  • Sustaining Funds
    • Financial support for the continued operation of established programs or projects.
  • Scholarships
    • Typically, not funded, although there may be exceptions for specific grant programs.


Key Grant Personnel

Principal Investigators (PIs): Lead the project, responsible for overall execution and ensuring alignment with grant requirements.

Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs): Work alongside the PI, sharing the responsibility for specific aspects or sub-projects within the larger initiative.

School Deans of Investigators: Review and approve proposals to align with academic goals and provide oversight for consistency with strategic objectives.

Provost's Office: Review and approve major projects to ensure compliance with university research priorities and alignment with broader strategies.

Business Office: Ensures the responsible stewardship of awarded funds by supporting faculty and staff in the financial administration of grants and contracts. 

Pre-Award Responsibilities

Before a grant is awarded, the PI and Sponsored Programs and Research Office play key roles in ensuring a successful application. The PI focuses on the research plan and goals, while the grants teams manage administrative, regulatory, and compliance tasks for proposal submission.

Faculty and/or Staff responsibilities include:

  • Researching potential funders
  • Proposing projects/ideas
  • Communicating with SPRO team in the preliminary stages of the project
  • Reviewing the application guidelines
  • Writing proposal drafts
  • Seeking expert review(s) for content feedback
  • Revising based on said feedback

The Grants team responsibilities include:

  • Researching potential funders
  • Fine-tuning project plans
  • Discussing and interpreting funder guidelines
  • Advising on the proposal structure, review drafts, and provide feedback for PIs
  • Resolve compliance issues if any arise
  • Assembling the application, submitting the final proposal

Shared responsibilites between the PIs and Grants team include obtaining any necessary internal approvals (PAS Form); developing a budget and justifying budget; and communicating with program officers (program ideas vs. compliance)