Grant Information & Applications

Dean’s Exploratory Grants provide seed funding of up to $5,000 to support research explorations at the development stage where no definite outcomes can be predicted at the time the application is submitted.

Eligibility: 

  • If you received funding from a Dean’s Faculty Exploratory grant last year you are not eligible to apply with the same project this year. 
  • You may apply for a Dean’s Faculty Research Grant for the same project for which you received an Exploratory Grant. 
  • If you have received funding two years in a row from the Dean’s Faculty Exploratory Grants you are not eligible to apply for an Exploratory Grant this academic year.

To prepare a competitive proposal that addresses the weighted review criteria in the Exploratory Grants category, refer to the following:

Clarity of the project: In your project narrative, describe your proposed project related to creative work and scholarship or an interdisciplinary project idea. Describe how this project represents an exploratory endeavor that could contribute to innovation and the generation of new knowledge. (45%)

Strong case for support: In your project narrative, describe how the project contributes to current trends/practice, your field, to your professional development at this time, and to the profile and intellectual assets of the School and the university. Projects with promise of future external funding will be strongly considered. (40%)

Clear and reasonable budget: Present a budget that clearly and accurately aligns with the activities of your project. Budget expenses should be explained in your project narrative. Click here for a list of allowable and non-allowable expenses. (15%)

Please note: Award recipients must complete a final report on the project and submit to the Dean’s Office within 30 days of the end of the grant period. A report template will be provided. Failure to submit a final report on time will jeopardize future funding.

Apply below:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Rank*
Note: Adjunct faculty and faculty on waivers are not eligible to apply.
Tenured/Tenure Track/Term*
Tenured, tenure track, and term faculty are eligible. Projects from tenure track and term faculty may be prioritized.
In no more than 70 words, summarize your proposed project. If awarded, this text will be used for announcing your grant on our website.
Discuss your search (if any) into financial sources of support you have identified, are presently seeking, or have been awarded. This includes in-kind support, as well as cash support. Example: New York Foundation for the Arts - $5,000 - Awarded
Please list any partners or collaborators involved in your research and describe their role in your project. These may be other VCU faculty, as well as external organizations such as galleries, community partners, and individuals not affiliated with VCU. Please note: bios of all collaborators should be included in the Bio section of this application.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)*
Does your project include research involving human subjects (this includes surveys)? If your project does include this kind of research please consult the VCU website with the link at the top of the page, "Institutional Review Board (IRB)" to be sure you are able to follow all university IRB policies and procedures.
In 750 words or less describe your proposed project considering an audience of a diverse cross disciplinary group of peers. Describe how the project contributes to your field, to your professional development, to the profile and intellectual assets of the School and the university. Who benefits from this project, and how? Additionally, discuss your project’s potential for external support. Submit your Project Narrative attachment in PDF format
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Using the template provided here download and complete the project timeline spreadsheet, which requires you to enter key project activities, a description of these activities, and associated dates. Submit your Timeline attached in PDF format.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Using the template provided here download and complete the spreadsheet of all assumed costs of your proposed project. After you have completed your budget, upload it into this section of your application. Submit your Budget attachment in PDF format. If you need to include per diem rates on the budget form, use the website link at the top of the page, "Per diem rates."
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please describe your research into existing School or University resources that may be available to support your project.
Please describe the impact of partial funding on the outcome of your project.
Please provide a short bio. If a collaborative project, please include one pdf document with bios of all participants. Submit your bio/s attachment in PDF format.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Provide funding of up to $7,000 to support the final stage of research for which outcomes have been determined, and a venue for dissemination or realization of research results has been identified.

Eligibility: 

If you have received funding from the Dean’s Faculty Research grants two years in a row you are not eligible to apply for a Dean’s Faculty Research grant this academic year.

Review criteria:

Clarity of the project: In your project narrative, describe your proposed project related to the exhibition, performance, or publication of creative work. Be sure to indicate in your proposal the venue in which your work will be shown (gallery, theatre, festival) or form in which it will be disseminated (journal article, conference paper). Articulate the importance of this venue to the field and to your work/research. (40%)

Strong case for support: In your project narrative, describe how the project contributes to current trends/practice, your field, to your professional development at this time, and to the profile and intellectual assets of the School and the university. Projects with promise of future external funding will be strongly considered. (35%)

Clear and reasonable budget: Present a budget that clearly and accurately aligns with the activities of your project. Budget expenses should be explained in your project narrative. Click here for a list of allowable and non-allowable expenses. (15%)

Potential for external funding: In sources of external support, indicate the other sources of funding you are seeking for this project. (10%)

Please note: Award recipients must complete a final report on the project and submit to the Dean’s Office within 30 days of the end of the grant period. A report template will be provided. Failure to submit a final report on time will jeopardize future funding.

Apply below:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Rank*
Note: Adjunct faculty and faculty on waivers are not eligible to apply.
Tenured/Tenure Track/Term*
Tenured, tenure track, and term faculty are eligible. Projects from tenure track and term faculty may be prioritized.
In no more than 70 words, summarize your proposed project. If awarded, this text will be used for announcing your grant on our website.
Discuss your search for financial sources of support you have identified, are presently seeking, or have been awarded. This includes in-kind support, as well as cash support. Example: New York Foundation for the Arts - $5,000 - Awarded
Please list any partners or collaborators involved in your research and describe their role in your project. These may be other VCU faculty, as well as external organizations such as galleries, community partners, and individuals not affiliated with VCU. Please note: bios of all collaborators should be included in the Bio section of this application.
Institutional Review Board (IRB)*
Does your project include research involving human subjects (this includes surveys)? If your project does include this kind of research please consult the VCU website with the link at the top of the page, "Institutional Review Board (IRB)" to be sure you are able to follow all university IRB policies and procedures.
In 750 words or less describe your proposed project considering an audience of a diverse cross disciplinary group of peers. Be sure to indicate in your proposal the venue in which your work will be shown (gallery, theatre, festival) or form in which it will be disseminated (journal article, conference paper). Describe how the project contributes to your field, to your professional development, to the profile and intellectual assets of the School and the university. Consider who benefits from this project, and how? Be sure expenses included in your budget align with your narrative. Submit your Project Narrative attachment in PDF format.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Using the template provided here download and complete the project timeline spreadsheet, which requires you to enter key project activities, a description of these activities, and associated dates. Submit your Timeline attached in PDF format.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Using the template provided here download and complete the spreadsheet of all assumed costs of your proposed project. After you have completed your budget, upload it into this section of your application. Submit your Budget attachment in PDF format. If you need to include per diem rates on the budget form, use the website link at the top of the page, "Per diem rates."
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please describe your research into existing School or University resources that may be available to support your project.
Describe the impact of partial funding on the outcome of your project.
Please provide a short bio. If a collaborative project, please include one pdf document with bios of all participants. Submit your bio/s attachment in PDF format.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

The Dean’s office in the School of the Arts offers Summer Research Grants to support summer research in two categories:

Category I Educational

Summer Educational Research Grants unite undergraduate education and faculty by supporting projects that include opportunities for undergraduate students to work as research/studio assistants. Successful proposals must discuss how the project will increase the student researcher’s knowledge, skills and experience.

Category II General

General Summer Research Grants support a broad range of research for faculty and can be used to initiate a short-term summer project, fund a discrete sub-section of an existing or ongoing project, or complete a project already begun. NOTE: This category does not allow for any payment to contractors, studio assistants, or editors.

Eligibility: All full-time tenure-track, tenured and term faculty are invited to submit applications for a grant in the amount of $3,000 in either category (but not both). This includes faculty at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor. Please note: Faculty on waiver appointments are not eligible for these programs.

Evaluation of proposals in both categories will focus on the quality of the project and the significance of the contribution that the proposed project will make to thought and knowledge in the applicant’s field via peer-reviewed publication, exhibition, or performance (broadly defined) and/or potential for external funding. Consideration will be given to projects that will advance the applicants’ path to tenure and promotion and the likelihood that the applicant will complete the project (or a designated sub-section of a larger project) during the summer of the award.

Evaluation of Summer Educational Research Grant proposals will focus additionally on how projects address and account for the quality of the student research experience.

Apply Below:

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
Rank*
Which type of support are you requesting (check only one)*
Please paste here a 150 word abstract summarizing project title and intent.
Please paste here a brief project narrative of no more than 750 words describing your proposed research and the project’s contributions to current trends/practices in your field. Indicate the significance of this work to your professional development at this time, and to the profile and intellectual assets of the School of the Arts and the university. Summer Educational Research Grant proposals should discuss the role of student assistants and how their work on the project will contribute to their knowledge, skills, and experience.
Upload a PDF of your budget spreadsheet, including your last name in the filename. Provide a budget that clearly and accurately aligns with the activities of your project. (Stipends and salaries for consultants, assistants, and other contractors are NOT eligible, except for student research assistants in Summer Educational Research Grant proposals.) Travel expense requests must align with university policies found here: https://procurement.vcu.edu/i-want-to/travel/ Per diem rates can be calculated using this resource: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please upload your current CV as a PDF document with your name in the filename (i.e. Smith_bio.pdf). It is recommended but not required that CVs follow the VCUarts Promotion and Tenure specifications for CVs (found here: https://arts.vcu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/VCUarts-PT-PoliciesAndProceduresAppendices.pdf)
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

  • VCUarts provides financial support for adjunct faculty research, creative/scholarly work and professional development. Adjunct-faculty funding requests are held to standards comparable to full- time faculty. The deadline dates for this academic year are: October 21, 2024 and February 28, 2025.

    Eligibility: Adjunct faculty must be currently employed in the School of the Arts during the time of the request and performing satisfactorily. Adjunct faculty must be on contract with VCU during the semester of the request. One submission is permitted per deadline. Funded projects may take place within an additional semester of the request, regardless of contract status, and should be completed within this timeframe. Applicants will be notified regarding the status of their proposal approximately three weeks after the deadline. Preference will be given to significance of the proposal to the school, university and arts community. Proposals can be funded up to $1,000.

    Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Research, and recommendations will be forwarded to the Dean. Please contact Tracy Leipold at tlleipold@vcu.edu with questions, or if you would like confirmation that your application has been received.

    Click here for tips on writing a successful proposal for these grants.

  • Description of Activity: Describe the proposed activity including your proposal’s contribution to your career trajectory, the School of the Arts, university and/or contribution to the arts community.
  • Examples: performance or exhibition; books related to research; shipping costs; printing; attending a residency; workshop/training, etc. Please be as specific as possible, and provide reasonable estimates of cost where appropriate. Example: I am requesting funding for the following: X - $100, Y - $250 and Z - $325, for a total request of $675. Note: For health related travel advisories refer to the following URL for guidance-- https://srm.vcu.edu/health-advisories/current-advisories/
  • Max. file size: 50 MB.

Faculty Research Reassignment

The School of the Arts recognizes the importance of scholarly leave to the professional growth and development of our faculty and their teaching and research. Leave is designed to help faculty invigorate their research and teaching activities, and faculty requesting leave should have compelling and specific reasons for their request.

Faculty are eligible for two types of scholarly leave: study-research leave and educational leave. 

Relevant policies and procedures for study-research and educational leaves of absence can be found on the university’s HR website. Faculty applying for national/international awards such as Fulbright Fellowships or other fellowships that have a residential requirement also must apply for leave. Candidates must notify their chair/director and the VCUarts Research office, artsresearch@vcu.edu when applying for these types of external awards.

To be eligible for study-research leave, faculty must be tenured, have six years of prior university service, and have completed six academic years of service since a previous study-research leave.

To be eligible for educational leave, faculty must be full-time, have been employed by the university for at least one year, and have been accepted into an approved course of study at an accredited institution of higher learning, or have an approved plan outlined for independent study.

The awarding of leave is subject to the availability of funds and the ability of the department or school to meet its teaching, service, administrative and other requirements.

To request leave for the 2025-26 academic year, the faculty member must complete the 2025-26 Research Reassignment Request Form by 5:00 pm Monday, December 2, 2024 for Fall 2025, and for Spring 2026, please submit your request by Monday April 21, 2025. Applicants must receive approval to apply* from their chair/director before submitting their application.

The form will request a 150 word abstract of the proposed leave activity, the faculty member’s curriculum vitae and a one-page, single-spaced narrative that describes the following: (one page max, single-spaced)

  • – Summary of the proposed leave activity
  • – Description of the artistic/scholarly project (for study-research leave) or educational objective (for educational leave). This narrative should include specific goals, timeline, etc.
  • – Relevance of the proposed leave activity to the faculty member’s professional development/advancement, department, School and university

Department chairs/directors must complete the Request for Leave: Chair/Director Support Form in which the chair or director will explain their support (or no support) for the faculty member who has applied for leave. 

The support document must detail the fiscally responsible plan to provide coverage of the faculty member’s responsibilities while on leave. The chair/director must review the scholarly leave request to determine if the faculty member is eligible for the leave, and whether the proposed leave activity is of value to the faculty member, the department/school and the university. In evaluating the request, the chair/director should also consider the effect the faculty member’s absence will have on the department/school. If the request is endorsed, the chair/director should indicate how the faculty member’s courses and other responsibilities, e.g. service activities, administrative activities, etc., will be covered. If the chair/director does not endorse the request, then they should briefly explain why. Chairs must also confirm they have notified the senior director of the faculty member’s request.

*Please note: Chair approval to apply does not guarantee final approval of the request. The approval flows as follows:  Chair → Senior Director → Dean

The senior director shares the completed submission packet with the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Research, who then presents submissions to the dean. The dean will review the merits of all requests for artistic/scholarly leave.

Proposals for first study-research leaves, proposals for first educational leaves and proposals from faculty focused on promotion to professor, and promotion/tenure to associate professor will be given preference. 

The dean will review the list of recommendations and, pending availability of funding, make a determination. Faculty members will be notified in writing of the dean’s decision and if the leave is approved by the dean, the dean will seek approval from the provost.

If the provost approves the leave, the faculty member and respective chair/director will be notified by the dean’s office. The faculty member will be issued a Leave Agreement and Promissory Note, as well as a new employment contract reflecting the terms of the leave. Faculty receiving approved leave are expected to abide by the terms of the leave agreement.

Questions may be directed to Christiana Lafazani, Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Research.

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