Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Graduate Student and Faculty Research and Travel Grants

The CSR awards small grants in support of graduate student and faculty research activities, conference participation and other academically-oriented travel needs. Note that travel plans are not necessary to apply for these grants.

The application for the 2025 Spring Semester grants is open. The deadline is 11:59 pm, eastern standard time, on Friday, March 21, 2025. 

Find the application form here. 

Eligibility Requirements

All currently enrolled graduate students or faculty may apply. Proposals should demonstrate a substantial connection to the purpose and mission of the CSR, with preference given to those who contribute consistently to the life of the Center via event attendance and participation and/or to students working directly with our faculty affiliates. Your project should be aligned with the focus of the Center for the Study of Religion. You can find more information on the mission of our Center on our "About" page.

Previous award recipients are permitted to reapply for these grants, but first-time applicants will receive priority consideration, with all other factors being equal.

Complete applications will consist of the following:

  1. A completed online application form.
  2. Other documents, uploaded and attached to the electronic application form, including:
    1. a project description of 1000 words (with accompanying title) including brief statements on how the grant would aid the project's development and how much work has already been done.
    2. verification of IRB approval for the research project (if applicable)
    3. résumé or c.v.

Awards are competitive (i.e., reviewed by a selection committee) and will be decided on the basis of merit and the project’s significance to the student's or faculty member's academic and/or professional development and the potential for the student's or faculty member's work to contribute to greater understanding of the field in which they are working. The project should demonstrate a connection to the field of religious studies, but may take any number of theoretical or methodological approaches relevant to the applicant's particular discipline.

Following the project, recipients will be required to submit a 500-word blog post, to be designed with a public audience in mind, on the state of their research or any other use of the funding, along with a short summary and a photo of either the recipient or some aspect of their project. These materials will be used as news items on the CSR website and on other CSR platforms, including social media. 

Questions? Check our Grants FAQ page, or email religion@osu.edu. 

Confirmation of international travel registration, as well as any approvals required for travel to risk designated locations, is required before funds can be released – please see the "Travel to Risk Designated Locations" section at the bottom of the page.

 

Travel to Risk Designated Locations

**Ohio State is following the public health guidance of local, state and federal officials to protect the health and well-being of the university community. 

University supported travel to risk designated locations requires review and may entail restrictions or stipulations.

Undergraduate Students

  • Ohio State scholarship or grant funding for travel to risk designated countries is restricted to travel on approved education abroad programs listed in the Office of International Affairs (OIA) education abroad search engine or other university managed travel approved by the International Travel Policy Committee (ITPC).­
  • Ohio State scholarship or grant funding for individual travel to countries with a specific risk designated region(s) requires review of the proposed itinerary relevant to the excluded regions. Individual undergraduate travel to restricted region(s) is not eligible for funding.

Graduate and Professional Students

  • ­ Ohio State scholarship and grant awards for individual travel to risk designated countries requires the submission of a petition and ITPC approval.  
  • ­ Ohio State scholarship or grant funding for individual travel to countries with a specific risk designated region(s) requires review of the proposed itinerary relevant to the excluded regions. Individual travel to restricted region(s) requires the submission of a petition and ITPC approval.
  • ­ The petition process factors academic rationale and an individual safety proposal into consideration. Petitions should be submitted at least 60-days in advance of travel and prior to utilization of university funding.    

For further information on the ITPC risk designated policy or the petition process, please contact international risk management at IRM@osu.edu. 

Travel Registration and Insurance Enrollment

Ohio State students using university scholarship or grant funding for individual travel to international locations are required to register their travel. Travel Registration includes completion of emergency response information, access to pre-departure health and safety modules and enrollment in the supplemental international insurance. The insurance includes specific coverage for medical care, medical evacuation, repatriation, and political security and natural disaster evacuation. There is a modest daily rate for the insurance enrollment that students should calculate into budget proposals for funding. Students participating in education abroad programming coordinated through OIA are already registered in the system and automatically enrolled in the supplemental international insurance. 

For additional information, please visit the Office of International Affairs Education Abroad - Health and Safety webpage.

Financial Aid Eligibility

The Center’s awards, grants and scholarships are disbursed through OSU Student Financial Aid. Students already receiving substantial aid from other sources should review their current-year packages and consult with Buckeye Link to confirm their ability to accept awards prior to applying.

A student may not receive financial aid and other resources in excess of the annual cost of attendance at the university in accordance with federal guidelines.  If you receive additional financial resources and/or assistance, it may impact your eligibility for other financial aid awards. If you have any questions about your individual situation, consult Buckeye Link at 614-292-0300 or by email at buckeyelink@osu.edu.