What is the Grants for Engaged Learning program?

"The Grants for Engaged Learning (GEL) Program supports projects that promote collaborative learning and problem-solving resulting in solutions and benefits to the communities served by the university."

This statement embraces the Carnegie Foundation premise that the term “communities” is used with a broader perspective with understanding that there must be “a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources.”

 

How are the grant funds distributed?

The new structure includes three funding categories:

• Seed Grants
• Quick Grants
• Phased Grants

The seed projects are the standard category and will be funded for one to two years dependent on continued approval in relation to other grant submissions. Phased grant projects will be multi-year, high profile projects in which colleges and schools partner with GEL in a collaborative funding model over a three-year period. Each unit will have the opportunity to receive funding for their top engaged learning initiatives, which may or may not include previous seed grant projects within their areas.

 

What are the steps I need to follow to apply?

 

1. After reviewing the proposal component and rubric to determine if your project fits within the GEL mission, the project leader, a UVU faculty or staff member will complete the online application . It is highly recommended that the project leader attend an applicant workshop. See timeline for details.
2. For students or community organizations, collaborate with a faculty or staff member to serve as project leader. The project leader is accountable for the fiscal responsibility of the grant.
3. Before the application is submitted, each project participant must agree to and sign the terms and conditions.
4. In addition to the Terms and Conditions form, a Statement of Endorsement form needs to be completed by the project lead and signed by the department chair and dean (seed grants only).
5. After terms and conditions have been accepted by all participants, the project leader then submits the application.
6. After the GEL Advisory Board has reviewed all applications, the project leader, financial manager, and department chair will be notified of approval status through email.

 

What types of items should my proposal include?

Proposal Snapshot

Project title, and a one sentence project description, project lead and participant names including contact information, and requested amount of funding.

Purpose
What opportunity or need is being addressed? How will this proposal further community-engaged learning and scholarship?

Alignment
Briefly demonstrate alignment with the university’s mission and core values. How will this proposal improve student success and meet the needs of the community?

Strategy
Detailed description of what will be done by whom over what time line. What strategies will be used for utilizing students and identifying community partners? What role will students and potential community partners have in the planning and project organization?

Outcomes and Assessments
Detailed description of desired outcomes and benefits to students and community partners. Include specific methods for assessment and accountability.

Resources

1. Itemized budget with budget narrative. Must include both funds requested and resources being contributed from the academic unit or other sources. If purchasing equipment, a plan must be included for its use after project completion.
2. Funding Plan identifying the intended funding sources in subsequent years, if applicable.

Acknowledgement
Note of acknowledgement from the dean, vice president, department chairs, and community, as appropriate. See website for form.

 

What are the criteria for grant review?

The five central evenly-weighted criteria effecting potential funding of proposals are as follows:

Student Success
the depth and breadth of student involvement with significant learning conditions

Community Benefit
the depth and breadth of impact and value to the community being served

Application of Academic Learning
the extent to which the project connects academic theory and learning to practical applications

Outcomes, Benefits and Measures
the extent to which potential student and community outcomes will be measured—Potential success/outcome measures include: number of students engaged, impact on learning outcomes, impact on community or issue, number of faculty engaged or courses taught, and number of projects completed

Making the Case
the extent to which the grant is complete and well-written with sound arguments that address the stated criteria

 

What is involved in the review process?

The GEL program is a competitive process emphasizing quality, transparency, and accountability.