Who may apply?
Any High Point University faculty, staff and/or student group (through faculty/staff advisors). Faculty members are limited to one grant per academic year.
What types of events are funded?
Possibilities include, but are not limited to: concerts, workshops, lectures, interactive digital programs, art displays, outdoor events with multiple stations, and production development for future programming. We encourage cross-curricular collaboration and seek programming that will stimulate a wide cross-section of HPU and the surrounding community (when applicable).
What costs are covered by the grants?
Priority will be given to providing funds for speaking fees, transportation, lodging, and meals. Proposals may request up to $50 per day to cover the cost of meals for each visitor. Pre-event or post-event receptions will only be considered if sufficient funds remain. Typically only 10% of reception costs will be covered by a grant; the remainder must be provided by the department or some other source. Receptions that involve significant student attendance will be given greater consideration.
How and when can I submit a grant proposal?
Proposals are to be submitted online via the Grant Application page on the cultural programs website. The proposal deadline for priority consideration is typically early April for events to be held the next academic year. If any funding remains after the initial grants are awarded, the committee will announce a call for supplemental proposals. Specific proposal submission deadlines for the current funding cycle can be found on the Home Page of the cultural programs website.
What information do I need to submit in a proposal?
When you apply for a grant, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Name and department of faculty member submitting proposal.
- A description of the proposed event, including desired dates, expected number of attendees and ability to modify following and any special equipment that will be required.
- A list of available times and locations where the event can be held. Prior to submitting your proposal, you must email Grace Curran ([email protected]) to confirm with her the availability of locations for your event.
- A statement explaining how the event will impact the cultural and intellectual life of the University. For details on what to include in this explanation, see “What criteria are used to award funding?” below.
- Proposed evaluation of the event. This might include feedback given by attendees on a survey or by students through class assignments.
- A line item budget (speaker fees, hotel, travel, meals, catering for event, etc.).
- A letter of support from the department chair stating that funds can be initially withdrawn from the department budget. (See “If I’m Awarded a Grant…” below.)
- For grant requests exceeding the maximum amount available, a letter of support from each department or organization that will providing the additional funds needed for the event.
Click here to see an example of a successful Cultural Enrichment Grant proposal.
What criteria are used to award funding?
Proposals will be judged on the basis of the impact the event would have on the cultural and intellectual life of the University. When submitting a proposal, please keep the following criteria in mind:
- How would the proposed event benefit students and/or faculty?
- Would the proposed event raise the profile of the University?
- Is the proposed event interdisciplinary? The committee would like to encourage events that involve more than one department/discipline. Therefore, preference will be given to proposals that are interdisciplinary in nature.
- Does the proposed event have implications for teaching? Part of the University’s Strategic Plan involves developing “activities that will encourage students to explore relevant connections between events and coursework.” The committee will give preference to events that include a classroom component or that ask students to participate in discussions or to complete assignments related to the event.
If I am awarded a grant, how and when do I receive the funds?
Faculty members receiving grants will initially need to pay for the event’s expenses out of their department’s budget. After the event, the faculty member will submit a post-event report and all relevant receipts to Grace Curran and expenses will be reimbursed up to the amount of the grant.
Who do I contact for more information?
Dr. Emily Gerhold, Chair of the Cultural Programs Committee: 336-841-4680 or [email protected].