UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER AWARD
The purpose of the University Researcher Award is to support the development of preliminary results for
proposal submission, OR enhance the skills necessary to be successful in seeking mid-level funding from
an external agency.
The project described in this application must support the groundwork required to lead to the
submission of a competitive grant proposal. The request should be made to an external funding agency
in the amount of $25,000 or more to support research, scholarly or creative activity.
The maximum award for an individual project is $5,000. The maximum award for a multidisciplinary
project is $10,000.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Eligibility Requirements:
 Applicants must be probationary or tenured St. Cloud State University faculty and staff.
 Applicants may submit one (1) application for each deadline. If an application is denied, an individual
may re-apply during the next submission period.
 Applicants may receive only one (1) University Researcher OR one (1) New Researcher award in any
given fiscal year.
 Applicants may be awarded a maximum of one (1) University Researcher award every three (3) years
per principal investigator.
Submission Requirements:
 Electronic submission to osp@stcloudstate.edu is preferred, however, one original can be delivered to
AS 210.
Application Requirements:
 Proposal Cover Sheet
 Proposal Narrative
o All sections must be completed within three (3) pages. It should be well written and at a level
which allows reviewers, who are not experienced within the applicant’s discipline, to fully
understand the proposed work/project.
 Budget
 Budget Justification
 Supporting Documents (if applicable)
Budget/Justification:
 The budget will be judged on how realistic it is in relation to being able to accomplish your project.
Therefore, it is important to accurately calculate the direct costs and obtain current rates for all items.
Effective FY 2016
 Correctly place each cost under the appropriate heading and include a notation of how it was computed.
 The budget justification describes –
o Responsibilities for personnel receiving compensation.
o Connections between the requested budget expenditures and the strategy of the project.
o Concise description of the need for each requested item in carrying out the proposed project.
Allowable budgetary items:
o Travel related to the project. Costs to visit a funding agency must be included.
o Supplies and equipment needed for the project (purchases remain property of SCSU).
o Computer services.
o Personnel (e.g., clerical/student salary/applicant compensation and fringe costs).
o Compensation of up to $2,000 for the principal investigator is allowed. It should be
calculated into the budget as $2,000 compensation + $440 (22% fringe) and should not
exceed $2,440.
o University Researcher funds CANNOT be used to reduce the applicant’s workload.
o Multidisciplinary projects may include additional compensation (compensation + 22%
fringe) for each co-investigator. The requested compensation must be consistent with
proposed project activities.
o Other identifiable costs
o If you request compensation for an expert outside of SCSU, you must provide the
individual’s credentials, justification for the award, and explanation of your relationship
with the individual.
Award Selection:
 The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Directors and Assistant Directors will review the
proposals. Funding recommendations are then provided to the Associate Provost for Research and Dean
of Graduate Studies, who will make the final funding decisions.
 Proposals are reviewed using the criteria outlined in the University Researcher Application Evaluation
Form at the end of this application.
 Given proposals of comparable ratings, greater consideration is placed on those applicants who have not
received funding.
Recipient Responsibilities:
 Awarded funds are to be used exclusively for the work outlined in the proposal narrative.
 Recipients must visit a program officer at a funding agency and include this travel cost in the budget.
 All recipients of a University Researcher Award are responsible for completing the project outline, and
are required to submit a final report to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs within 30 days
after the project’s scheduled completion date. The report should clearly demonstrate that the work has
either developed the preliminary results for proposal submission, or enhanced the skills necessary to be
successful in seeking mid-level funding from an external agency.
Compensation will be released upon approval of the completed final report.
Effective FY 2016
UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER APPLICATION COVER SHEET
Applicant:
Department:
School/College:
Project Title:
Estimated start and end dates for project:
to
Total budget requested:
Project Activity (select one):
A. Develop or enhance skills for proposal writing
B. Preliminary results leading to proposal submission
Have you received external (non-MnSCU) funding before?
Yes
No
If yes, please list the year(s), project(s), and amount(s).
Targeted Funding Source(s) and Amount(s):
Include specific program information i.e. deadlines, web addresses, etc. Grant searching databases and tools that can
help target potential funders are available online through the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
SIGNATURES:
Acknowledge
Comments:
Department Chairperson/Supervisor
Recommend:
Yes
No
Date
Comments:
School/College Dean or Vice President
Date
Effective FY 2016
PROPOSAL NARRATIVE- MAXIMUM OF THREE (3) PAGES
BACKGROUND: Provide a brief background and explain the need or significance of the project in
terms of the applicant’s professional development or continuing preparation and study goals.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: Outline the goals and objectives of the project. Explain what the project
will accomplish and what measurable outcomes are expected.
METHODOLOGY: Based upon the goals and objectives, describe the project activities, responsible
person for each activity, and the means for measuring each activity.
TIMELINE: Provide a timeline for project activities.
PROJECT EVALUATION: Explain how this project will assist in developing preliminary results for
proposal submission, or help to enhance the skills required for submitting a competitive proposal of
$25,000 or more to an external funding agency? Describe the significance of the project to your
department and the University’s strategic plan.
Effective FY 2016
DETAILED BUDGET
The form provided below is an embedded Excel spreadsheet that may be used as a template in
calculating expenses. Please note that the categories provided may differ from your budgetary needs.
Reminder: *Costs to visit a funding agency must be included*
Total Requested
Personnel
Compensation (up to $2,000 per applicant)
Daily Rate:
Describe:
# of days
Fringe Costs (22% of compensation - (not to exceed $440 per applicant)
Students/Staff/Clerical
Describe:
Rate:
0
0
# of hours
0
Total personnel costs =
0
Supplies and Equipment
Describe:
Travel
*Travel to visit a program officer is required
Describe:
Computer Costs
Describe:
Other Identifiable Costs
Describe:
Project Total- (include total on cover sheet)
0
Budget should not exceed $5,000 for individual projects; or $10,000 for multidisciplinary projects
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION: Provide any additional information related to budget items and explain
the connection to the project.
Do you expect funding from any other source?
Yes
No
If yes, please specify: the source,
the expected amount, and how it will relate to this request if funded.
Budgetary changes of more than 20% between categories will require prior approval by the
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
Effective FY 2016
UNIVERSITY RESEARCHER APPLICATION EVALUATION FORM
Applicant:
Previous University Researcher Award:
YES
NO
If Yes, previous award date
If Yes, did applicant fulfill all responsibilities associated with award
YES
Low
1. Project develops preliminary results needed
for proposal submission, or enhances grant
writing skills.
NO
High
0
1
2
3
4
5
2. Project need is well suited with applicant’s
professional goals.
0
1
2
3
4
5
3. Project has clearly formulated goals and
objectives.
0
1
2
3
4
5
4. Work will clearly move applicant towards
submission of a competitive external grant
application, or improve the skills needed to
seek external funding.
0
1
2
3
4
5
5. Project activities are realistic.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6. Timeline is appropriate for work to be done.
0
1
2
3
4
5
7. Project aligns with department and
University strategic plans.
0
1
2
3
4
5
8. Identified funding sources are appropriate.
0
1
2
3
4
5
9. Budget is appropriate and aligns with the
scope of the project.
0
1
2
3
4
5
10. Proposal is complete and professionally
written.
0
1
2
3
4
5
TOTAL
Effective FY 2016