OURC/Baker Discretionary Fund

OURC/Baker Discretionary Fund is sponsored by Ohio University Research Council (OURC). This fund awards grants to faculty and staff for unique opportunities and emergencies related to research, scholarship, and creative works and activities.

Research Council (OURC) Baker Discretionary Fund | Ohio University Research Council (OURC) Baker Discretionary Fund Proposal Deadline: Open, until funds are exhausted for the year. Ohio University is committed to research, scholarship, and creative works and activities. Through the OURC/Baker Discretionary Fund, the funds are awarded to faculty and staff for unique opportunities and emergencies.

OURC/Baker Discretionary funds are very limited, approximately $2,000 per year; therefore, it is imperative that, when possible, funding should be sought through the competitive awards programs, including the OURC/Baker Fund and 1804 Fund. This fund is for projects that are unique opportunities or emergencies. It is imperative that the applicant address this criterion in the proposal.

Faculty and administrative staff on all Ohio University campuses are eligible to submit proposals in any field of study. OURC/Baker discretionary awards are primarily for tenure track faculty and benefits-eligible, permanent administrative staff. Grants to non-tenure track faculty will be considered in exceptional cases.

Contact Carma West for approval prior to submission of the proposal. Students are not eligible for OURC/Baker discretionary funds. Only those projects that are unique opportunities or emergencies qualify for funding.

The concept of uniqueness should be contextualized to the novelty of the project itself relative to the applicant’s field. It is incumbent upon the applicant to present an argument that funding is needed immediately for a project that cannot be delayed, and therefore funding cannot be pursued through the competitive awards processes. Due to the limited funds available, an individual may only receive funding once every two years.

Requests for project support during a faculty fellowship leave are allowed.

The following types of projects are not eligible for OURC/Baker discretionary funding: Those related primarily to teaching, personal or professional development, administrative functioning, the advanced degree program of the applicant, curriculum development, instructional equipment purchases, or furthering an administrative function of a department, college, or other University unit.

Funding is to support in-process research and creative activities. Travel support for attendance at conferences, short courses, and symposia or final project dissemination is not allowed. Review and Evaluation/Selection Criteria Proposals will be reviewed by representatives from the Research Division and in consultation with the Ohio University Research Council Chair.

Proposal Preparation Guidelines Prepare a brief summary of the project.

The proposal must include: a brief description of the project, including the scope and projected outcomes; a rationale about how the project presents a unique opportunity for the applicant or is an emergency; a proposed budget, with budget breakdown and justification (see below for additional guidance on the budget); and an email verifying that matching funds have been secured.

NOTE: It is imperative that applicants ensure that all projects are designed such that (1) the project methodology complies with all current restrictions and (2) that the project can feasibly be concluded within a year. Applicants with concerns should contact Carma West , prior to submission.

OURC/Baker Discretionary awards are limited to $500, and applicants are required to secure 1:1 matching funds from the department/school and/or College and/or Center/Institute prior to proposal submission. This section should include the budget breakdown by line items, total budget request amount, sources of matching funds (if applicable), and budget justification.

Funds may be requested for student wages, equipment, supplies, travel, and other bona-fide project expenses. Travel support for attendance at conferences, short courses, and symposia is not allowed. Email the proposal to Carma West .