COLLABORATIVE TRAINING GRANTS
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
PROPOSALS DUE DATE: FRIDAY, JULY 13, 2007
* Funded by the United States Department of State ■ Administered by NAFSA
Under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended.
Send the original proposal and seven copies to:
Attention: Laura J. Bryant
Collaborative Training Grants Program
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
1307 New York Ave., N.W.
Eighth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005-4701
For more information on proposal guidelines, please contact Laura Bryant @ laurab@nafsa.org
* This program is currently pending funding from the United States Department of State.
The Collaborative Training Grants Program
Program Goals and Objectives
The Collaborative Training Grants (CTG) Program provides grant awards up to $10,000 for the
development and implementation of innovative international education training activities and/or
products that improve the U.S. campus experience for international students.
Stipulated by the U.S. Department of State, funded training projects or products should equip
participants with skills and resources to meet one or more of the following objectives.
Project/products should work to:
 Integrate international students into local communities;
 Develop cohesion between U.S. and international student populations on U.S. college and
university campuses;
 Assist international students, particularly those from traditional societies, to adjust to their
campuses and communities.
Eligibility Requirements
I. Purpose of Collaborative Training Grants
A. Eligible proposals should reflect the goals and objectives of the 2007 Collaborative Training
Grants Program.
B. Projects should involve collaborative efforts in planning, delivery and implementation of the
project among institutions in the same city or state, across states, or among campus offices,
organizations, and departments.
C. Projects should serve as models for adaptation and replication in other settings, serve as the
development and implementation of new initiatives, or represent substantive improvements to
existing activities.
D. Collaborative Training Grants are not awarded for accredited courses or the development of
academic, credit-bearing curriculum, or basic services of an institution.
II. Eligible Applicants
A. Institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations in the U.S. and U.S. territories are
eligible to apply.
B. The proposed program participants or resource recipients should be professionals, community
members, faculty, or volunteers, including part-time staff, who work with international
students in higher education organizations/institutions.
C. Grants are not awarded to individuals, K-12 institutions, student based programs, or for-profit
organizations.
D. NAFSA membership is not required.
III. Project Requirements
A. All project activities can begin in mid-October 2007 and must be completed by May 31, 2008.
Project activities can begin once the recipient has accepted the grant by submitting the signed
terms of agreement.
B. Project final reports must be submitted to NAFSA by no later than 30 days after the end date of
the project.
C. Grant requests must not exceed $10,000.
D. All grant funds must be spent in the U.S. or U.S. territories.
E. If more than one office within an institution is collaborating on the proposed project, one office
must be designated as the lead office. The project director of the lead office is responsible for
all correspondence with NAFSA. If the project is funded, the lead project director will be
responsible for submitting all narrative and financial reports.
F. The lead office at an institution/organization cannot receive more than one CTG grant. The lead
office at an institution/organization may only submit one CTG proposal.
G. Only one CTG grant can be awarded per project/proposal. Multiple collaborating
offices/institutions can not apply for multiple grants to help fund the same project.
H. Grant funds cannot be used retroactively. Proposed projects must have start dates no sooner
than October 15, 2007 to allow for proposal review. The Terms of Agreement must be
submitted prior to the CTG project start date.
2007 Proposal Deadline
The proposal deadline is Friday, July 13, 2007.
Grant Criteria and Review
All proposals are screened for eligibility by NAFSA staff. Proposals that do not adhere to CTG
Program eligibility requirements and submission guidelines will be deemed ineligible for review by the
Collaborative Training Grants Task Force. Eligible proposals are sent to the CTG Task Force for
review and final decisions.
The CTG Program Task Force is made up of NAFSA members. The task force seeks to award grants
to a diverse group of institutions. Applicants should carefully review all application guidelines, criteria,
and funding restrictions prior to the submission of their proposals.
The Collaborative Training Grants Program Task Force evaluates proposals using the following
criteria:
 demonstrated collaboration among institutions or departments/offices within an institution;

clear identification of knowledge and skills to be developed through the training grant;

clearly stated and well conceived project objectives that adhere to the goals and objectives of the
CTG Program and that meet the demonstrated needs of the applicant institution(s)/organization(s);

the presentation of substantive, sustainable, high-impact activities;

the on-going impact of funded projects on participating institutions after the grant period has
ended;

activities that link the training of individual project participants to larger campus
internationalization projects, so that the training benefits the entire institution, not only the
individuals participating in funded activities; and

well developed project evaluation plan and strong evaluation tools.
Proposal Format and Contents
Proposals must include the following components. Proposals must be assembled in the order given,
using the same Roman numerals (I through VII) within the body of the proposal.
I.
Application Cover Sheet

This form must be completed and used as the cover sheet for the original and each of the
seven copies of your proposal.

This form must be typed.

If more than one institution is collaborating on the proposed project, complete the cover sheet
AND the “Additional Information” form. The cover sheet should list information about the
lead institution and the “Additional Information” form should list information about all
collaborating institutions and cumulative totals related to student population and project
participants. The “Additional Information” form should be attached to all copies of the
proposal.
II.
Profiles of Collaborating Institutions/Organizations (One page)

The profile should include information about the lead office or institution/organization as
well as information about any offices and/or institutions/organizations that will be
collaborating on the project.

Clearly define the relationship among collaborating partners.

This section should be ONE double-sided, double-spaced page. More than one page will not
be accepted.
III.
Narrative (Maximum of four pages)

The font size within the narrative MUST be a minimum of 11 points.

The narrative must be double-spaced, double-sided, and paginated.

The narrative section of the proposal must be a maximum of four pages in length.

Use the LETTERED heading as defined below within the body of the narrative.
A. Project Objectives

Describe the overall goal(s) and expected outcomes of the proposed training activities.

Outline project objectives and include a narrative explanation of how those objectives
will assist the applicant institution(s) to address the specific needs/interests of
international students.

Explain how the proposed training activities address a demonstrated need.

State how planned activities will accomplish the stated objectives.

Define the long-term benefits to the participants, institution(s), and community.
B. Description of Planned Activities

Describe planned training activities and identify the audience/trainees, including what
participants are expected to gain or learn and what is planned to facilitate the learning
process.

If developing a training product, describe the purpose of the product, its content,
intended audience, and format.

If applicable, include a draft of the training curriculum including information to be
covered and additional resources/support to be provided to participants.

If applicable, include a draft training schedule.

Include a realistic timeline for the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of the
project. Please note that projects must be completed and funds spent by May 31, 2008.
C. Project Management and Participation

Explain which office/institution will lead project activities and describe planned
collaboration with project partners in other offices/institutions.

Describe the qualifications of the project director/speaker(s)/ and trainer(s).

Provide a description of the project participants/audience.

If applicable, describe how the proposed training activities will be advertised to
potential participants.

Explain how participants will be selected to take part in proposed activities.
D. Evaluation

Describe the program evaluation plan.

Describe how the success of the program will be measured.

Attach a sample evaluation instrument(s) in Section VI
E. Continuation/Follow-on Activities
IV.

Explain how the funded activities will impact participating offices/institutions after
grant funding has ended.

Explain if and how the project will continue after the expenditure of grant funding.

Describe any follow-on activities that will take place after the grant-funded activities
have ended.

If developing a training product, describe how that product will be shared or distributed.

Describe any plans to share project findings, materials, or products with a larger
audience (at applicant institution(s), at a conference, on a Web site, etc.).
Project Budget
A. Budget Narrative (One page)

Budget narrative should be no longer than one double-sided, double-spaced page in
length.

Describe and justify each item for which grant funds are requested. Be certain that all
items listed in the budget are related to proposed activities described in Section III of
the proposal.

Provide evidence of financial and participatory support from the institution, the
community, and the participants (in-kind and cash contributions must be included in the
budget).
B. Four-Column Budget (See Sample Budget on Last Page of Application)

Budgets must be submitted in the four-column format.

Include the cash contribution column, even if all cost sharing is in the form of in-kind
contributions.

Be certain that all budget rows and columns are totaled correctly. Proposals with
mathematical errors will be deemed ineligible for review by the Collaborative Training
Grants Program Task Force.

Be certain that all items listed in the budget are related to proposed activities described
in Section III of the proposal.

All items requiring support should be included in the budget, not just items to be funded
by the grant.

Budget should reflect any cost-share from collaborating institutions/offices.
Budget Guidelines and Restrictions
1. All expenses must be justified in the proposal.
2. Proposals must demonstrate at least 100% cost sharing from participants, campus sources,
and/or community sources. Specify sources of cost share for each item. Cost share
contributions can be in-kind or cash contributions. See description below.

In-kind contributions: the donation of goods and/or services to the project budget. A
contribution of equipment, supplies, or other tangible resources as distinguished from a
cash contribution. Staff time spent on a project and donations of the use of space are
also in-kind contributions.

Cash contributions: cash donated in support of program costs, including cost sharing
by program participants.
Note: The CTG Program Task Force looks favorably upon significant institutional cost sharing
of these items.
3. Cost sharing contributions should not include:
 overhead expenses as cost sharing.
 time/resources/funds spent preparing the proposal
 any activities that take place before the proposed start date as in-kind or cash contributions.
4. Honoraria/Speaker/Consultant Fees: NAFSA encourages volunteerism, however where
appropriate, applicants may request funding for technical assistance, speaker fees, and/or
honoraria. Should applicants request honoraria, speaker, or a consultant fee, a full explanation
should be included to justify how the amount was reached. Full-time professionals from the
applicant institution cannot receive funding to serve as speakers or consultants on project
activities.
5. Stipend or Consultant Fees: NAFSA recommends the use of volunteers, work-study students,
or interns. Stipend or consultant requests must provide evidence that these staffing alternatives
have been explored. Funded stipends may be spent only on grant-related activities. Grant funds
cannot be used for stipends of full-time staff members.
6. For aggregate items (e.g., postage, meals, or stipend) specify quantity, cost per item/hour, and
total funds required as illustrated above.
7. Proposals ineligible for CTG funding:

Academic activities/costs (including credit-bearing activities, academic course curriculum
development, initiation of exchange programs, tuition/room and board, scholarships, and
research/dissertations/theses)

Indirect expenses/overhead

Salary for full-time paid staff

Airfare (domestic or international)
V.
VI.
VII.


Entertainment (including tickets to theme parks/movies/professional sports events)
Non-expendable items not clearly integral to a project’s objectives/goals (including
computers, software unrelated to proposed training activities, and furniture/office
equipment)

Registration fee for NAFSA regional or annual conferences

“Miscellaneous” items (including contingency items)
Letters of Support (One to Four letters of support)

Letters of support should be from major stakeholders, beneficiaries, and/or collaborating
offices/institutions.

Individual letters of support should not exceed one page and should be written on
institutional letterhead or personalized stationary.
Sample Evaluation Instrument(s)
Appendices (Optional)

Additional information about key program personnel not included in the narrative may be
attached in the form of short biographical sketches. The compilation of biographical
sketches for program personnel should not exceed two pages. Resumes may be submitted,
but may not exceed one page per individual.

Other supplemental information of significant importance (draft training schedules, training
curriculum, etc.) may also be attached in this section.
Submission Guidelines
Send the original proposal and seven copies to the address below.
Collaborative Training Grants Program
Attention: Laura Bryant
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
1307 New York Ave., N.W., Eighth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005-4701

All proposals must be stapled. Do not send proposals in folders or binders.

Proposals sent by email or fax will not be accepted.

All proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2007. Proposals received after 5:00 p.m.
will not be considered regardless of postmark date.

NAFSA will notify project directors about the status of their proposal during the latter part of
September via email followed by a formal letter.
Collaborative Training Grants Program
NAFSA: ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATORS
Proposal Checklist
(Use this checklist to ensure that all required components of the proposal have been included.
_______ I. Application Cover Sheet
______Is a completed application cover sheet (and “Additional Information” form, if applicable) attached to
each copy of the proposal?
______Does the dollar amount requested on the cover sheet match the amount requested in the budget?
______Is the proposed beginning date no earlier than October 15, 2007, and is the
ending date of the project no later than May 31, 2008?
______Do the project attendee estimates on the cover page match the numbers in the narrative proposal
and budget?
______Has the appropriate person signed the application cover sheet and does at least one copy bear the original
signatures?
______Is the cover page typed?
______ II. Profiles of Collaborating Institutions/Organizations
______Is this section no more than one double-sided, double-spaced page in length?
______Does this section include information about the lead office/institution as well as information about any
offices/institutions that will be collaborating on the project?
______ III. Narrative
______Is this section no more than four double-sided, double-spaced pages in length?
______Are the designated lettered headings (A through E) used within the body of the
narrative?
______Has all the requested information that is relevant to the proposed project been
included under each lettered heading?
_______ IV. Project Budget
______Is the budget narrative no more than one double-sided, double-spaced page in length?
______Is the budget written in the correct four-column format?
______Are all the columns in the four-column budget totaled and checked for accuracy?
______Are all program-related costs itemized with costs broken down by quantity, if appropriate?
______Does the budget show all elements requiring support (not just items to be funded by the grant)?
______Are all items in the budget narrative and four-column budget related to the proposed activities described in
the narrative (Section III)?
_______ V. Letters of Support
______Have between one and four letters of support been included?
______Are letters of support on institutional letterhead or personalized stationary?
_______ VI. Sample Evaluation Instrument(s)
______Has a sample evaluation instrument been attached, as required?
_______ VII. Appendices (Optional)
Collaborative Training Grants Program
NAFSA: ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATORS
SAMPLE BUDGET
Item
Amount Requested from
NAFSA
Amount of In-kind
Contributions
Amount of Cash Contributions
Project coordinator
6 hours per week x 15 weeks x $25 per hour +
30% fringe benefits
Graduate Assistant
20 hours per week x 15 weeks x $10 per hour
Presenter Travel and Lodging
Train ticket at $200 and 2 nights lodging at
$150/night
Presenter Honoraria
1 day at $600
Refreshments
$200 per training session x 2 sessions
Training Facilities Rental
$500 room fee and $350 for audio/visual
equipment
$0
$2,925 (International
Center)
$0
$2,000
$1,000 (International
Center)
$0
$0
Printing of Training Manuals for 35 Participants
35 manuals at $12 each
$420
$0
$0
TOTAL
$3,570
$4,675
$450
$300
$350
$150
$350
$0
$250 (Catering
Services)
$500 (Facilities
Department)
$200 (Donated by local travel
agent.)
$250 (Grant from the
University Fund)
$0
$0