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Research and Creativity Fund

Application Deadlines

  • March 1 for spring/summer funding.
  • Oct. 1 for fall/winter funding.

All applications must be received electronically in the Honors College (honors@buffalo.edu) by 3 p.m. on the due date.

Introduction

The University Honors College Research and Creativity Fund (UHCR&CF) is intended to enable undergraduate Honors students to receive grants which defray expenses directly related to research and other creative activities. This program is supported through funds from the Office of the Provost and administered by the Honors College Research and Creativity Fund Committee.

These research and creativity fund grants are available only for University at Buffalo students who are in good standing in the Honors College. The maximum total project funding available is $1,000 per grant (applicants should not request funding beyond this limit). Amounts granted may be less than requested depending upon the availability of funds and necessity of each budgeted item. The majority of funds will be managed and administered through a sub-project with the faculty mentor serving as Principal Investigator (PI).

Proposals are reviewed by the Honors College Research and Creativity Fund Committee. Details concerning funding decisions:

  • Funding is determined by a majority vote of the Honors College Research and Creativity Fund Committee.
  • Committee members may not be familiar with the technical terminology associated with the applicant’s discipline, often referred to as jargon. Thus, the application should be tailored for a non-expert colleague. Generally speaking, a funded grant results from a well-organized application that states in plain language what research the applicant plans to do, why this is important, and what resources (equipment, travel, chemicals, etc.) are needed to make that research possible; and is supported by a clear, concise and well-organized budget.
  • The Honors College Research and Creativity Fund supports projects in various stages of development.
  • Group applications will not be accepted. Each Honors College Scholar working on a project must turn in an individual application. Funding decisions will be made on the individual grant submission.
  • Research is to be completed within 12 calendar months of the award unless a written request for an extension (signed by the student and the faculty mentor) is approved.
  • It is very important to note that this is not prize money, nor wages. It is funding to support a specific piece of research necessary at University at Buffalo. Financial Aid will be notified of all awards in which a student receives direct funds. In the unlikely event that this award will affect a student’s financial aid, the student will be contacted directly.
  • You will be encouraged to present your work at an appropriate Honors College, UB, or research related event at the conclusion of your project.

General Instructions

Read and follow all instructions carefully to avoid delay, misunderstanding or rejection of application. A completed application must contain:

  1. A mentor reference letter.
    • You are expected to obtain and submit a letter of support from the faculty advisor that will oversee the project. The letter should address the following:
    • Description of individual student’s role in the overall project.
    • What type of support will be provided to the student throughout the project?
    • The merits of the project.
    • What departmental funds might also be provided to the student to support the work?
    • The faculty mentor/PI will be responsible for oversight of the project, including transaction processing, account reconciliations and maintenance of all records for audit purposes. The faculty mentor/PI or their departmental delegate/designee and/or departmental administrative staff will be responsible for processing of all procurement transactions including reimbursements and/or travel arrangements. Upon completion of the project any remaining funds will be returned to the main Award/Project held by the University Honors College for use by other awardees. The faculty mentor must agree to this process, be willing to serve as PI, and obtain appropriate approval from the departmental chair or dean’s offices as required, following all internal protocols for their respective units.
  2. A proposal, no more than 2,000 words in length, that addresses each heading below:
    • Abstract/Summary: In one paragraph, write a summary of your proposal. From this the reader should be able to understand, in a general sense, your field, the issue or idea your project will address, and how you will complete your work.
    • Introduction and Background: This section should include a summary of the work that has been done in the field and explain how your work will contribute to this area of study. Think of this as your literature review and be sure to include citations of earlier research or creative work related to your topic.
    • Procedures and Approach: Explain the steps of your project and the reasons you have decided on this particular approach. Project milestones should be included as a timeline.
    • Applicant’s Qualifications: Describe your own qualifications and the preparation necessary for the completion of your work.
    • Provide a detailed budget as to the expenses you will incur with this project and list (with price quotes) how the funding you seek (up to $1,000 per student/project) will be used. Supplies and equipment are best listed here. Expenditures will be made and monitored by your faculty mentor as per the signed mentor agreement form. While overall budgets often exceed $1,000, we are looking for specifics as to how you will utilize the Honors Research & Creativity funds in this section of your proposal.
    • Conclusion: Present a clear connection among the various pieces of your proposal.  Summarize the main points of what you have written as one lasting reminder of what you are doing, how you are doing it, and why you are doing it. This is the last time to convince the reviews of the merit of your project and your last time to briefly summarize where your work relates to the bigger picture.
    • References: Make sure to list all materials cited in your proposal.
    • Figures, Charts and Images: Feel welcome to include any charts, diagrams, images, etc. that will help explain your work; this can be done either as an appendix or included in the body of your proposal.

Please submit all required forms/application materials electronically to the Honors College (honors@buffalo.edu) by 3 p.m. on the due date.

Last updated: May 22, 2023 3:20 pm EST