The Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning (VIDL) announces this year’s seed-funding program to promote development and research in digital learning. The goal of this program is to jumpstart innovative projects that may otherwise not be undertaken, such as online closed seminars. Ideally these projects will continue to grow beyond the initial seed-funding period. VIDL invites proposals for projects ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.
Evaluation criteria
Proposals will be evaluated in consultation with a faculty committee. Priority will be given to projects that:
- identify benefits of the project for on-campus education
- identify research opportunities stemming from the project
- identify potential steps beyond the initial seed-funding period
Additional criteria for selection may include:
- feasibility of the project plan
- relationships to other Vanderbilt stakeholders
- benefits to the region, nation and world
The grants are intended to be as flexible as needed to best support each project. However, the following expenses are typical:
- purchase of necessary equipment or software
- payment of an undergraduate or graduate student for labor
- payment for expert labor found either on or off campus
- other activities and resources
All recipients of awards will be asked to provide a report on the project and to make a public presentation on campus. They also may be asked to talk to those who make proposals in the future.
Eligibility
All members of the Vanderbilt faculty (full-time, part-time, tenure, non-tenure) and full-time staff in the College of Arts and Science, Law School, Owen Graduate School, Peabody College, Blair School of Music, School of Engineering, Divinity School, School of Medicine Basic Science departments, and School of Nursing faculty in non-clinical departments are eligible to apply. Proposals that include support for students at any level are encouraged.
Proposal Guidelines
Proposals should include a cover page with the project title, name, title and contact information for the project director and a summary of the project’s goals, activities, benefits, timeline and post-funding potential. Applicants should also provide a proposed budget for one year and details on budget items.
When to Apply
Applications are due:
- by 5 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2016, for an anticipated start date as early as June 1, 2016.
- by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, for an anticipated start date as early as Dec. 1, 2017.
Contact
Please address queries to Ole Molvig at ole.molvig@vanderbilt.edu. Proposals should be sent to vidl-innovation@vanderbilt.edu with the subject line “Macro Grants.”
Details on previously funded projects can be found on the VIDL website.