Frequently Asked Questions for Student and Faculty Research and Travel Grants
How much money is available?
Award amounts depend on how many applicants are ultimately funded, in addition to the total budget pool for the term. However, the average amount tends to be in the $500 - $1,000 range. You are encouraged to seek multiple funding options if possible. We will ask for your total budget, as well as the amount requested from this grant.
Is this grant eligible to combine with another grant?
Yes, we encourage all applicants to seek additional funding, especially if their project budget is greater than $500.
When will the money be awarded?
Applications will be reviewed within two weeks of the grant deadline, with requests for payment sent to Student Financial Aid shortly thereafter. Our hope is that SFA will have funds credited before the end of the semester.
I'm traveling in ______ (winter, spring, summer, fall). Should I apply?
Generally, the Spring grant cycle covers travel and projects to occur in May through the Autumn semester.
What if I don't have IRB approval yet?
The process to obtain IRB approval should start before the deadline of this grant cycle. If you haven't received approval yet, upload a copy of the request you submitted as part of your application package to show that you’ve gotten to that point and highlight that you've submitted the request in your application materials.
I don't have an IRB...or what is an IRB?
Not all projects will have components that would require IRB or other kinds of approvals, so if yours does not, that’s not a problem – just mention that in the application.
I'm working on two projects, or going on two trips. May I apply twice?
If the projects/travel in question aren’t very far apart in time, try combining them into a single application, being sure to distinctly highlight that funding will be needed for each. If one project is to take place late in the current semester, but another towards the end of the following semester, you should submit an application for the first project during the current cycle and then a separate one for the other in the next term. Previous award recipients are permitted to reapply for these grants, but first-time applicants will receive priority consideration, with all other factors being equal.
I don't work in the field of religious studies OR this project is not related to the focus of the Center for the Study of Religion. May I apply?
Your project should be aligned with the focus of the Center for the Study of Religion, with a substantial portion of your project focusing on some aspect related to religion or the field of religious studies. You can find more information on the mission of our Center on our "About" page.