The Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning (VIDL) is offering grant opportunities this fall to faculty and staff in the form of its MacroGrants program, as well as Micro Grants. The MacroGrant deadline is Nov. 4, while Micro Grant submissions are ongoing and reviewed on the 15th of every month.
VIDL distributed more than $46,000 in grants and awards this spring as part of its Innovation Programs initiative. Learn more about the previous award recipients.
MacroGrants
MacroGrants are seed funding 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 or digital learning workshops. 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.
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, and
- 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, and
- 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, and
- 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 speak with those who make proposals in the future.
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 of Management, 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.
Proposals should include a cover page with the project title; the project director’s name, title and contact information; and a summary of the project’s goals, activities, benefits, timeline and post-funding potential. Applicants also should provide a proposed budget for one year and details on budget items.
Applications for MacroGrants are due Friday, Nov. 4.
Proposals should be sent to vidl-innovation@vanderbilt.edu with the subject line “MacroGrants.”
Micro Grants
VIDL, in partnership with Vanderbilt University Information Technology (VUIT), is currently accepting proposals for Micro Grants.
VIDL will accept proposals for funding of up to $500 for faculty and staff, with preference given to requests for the purchase of digital equipment to aid with innovative projects in teaching or research. Funding can be used to purchase minor equipment and software (e.g., microphones or cameras) meant to enhance innovation, and VUIT staff can offer advice on software and equipment purchases.
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis year-round, and decisions on awards will be made once a month by the VIDL staff. Applications should be no longer than one page and should include
- justification for the grant, explaining how it will lead to innovation in teaching or research by the faculty member; and
- a budget with documented pricing.
Those receiving grants will be expected to provide
- a brief report on their use of the equipment,
- justification for its future use, and
- the possibility of sharing the experience in a forum at a later date.
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 of Management, 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 should be directed to vidl-innovation@vanderbilt.edu with the subject line “Micro Grants.”
Please address queries about either of these initiatives to Ole Molvig.