Seed Grant and Pilot Funding Program RFP FAQ

What climate and energy and society-related topics are of interest to the Irving Institute?
All! Bring us your great ideas, we want to learn what your interests are.

What do you mean by "climate and energy solutions"?  
This theme is purposefully open ended, and may apply to finding solutions for climate adaptations (adjusting to current or expected effects of climate change), mitigations (reducing or preventing emission of greenhouse gases), communications and engagement. 

What do you mean by "strong potential for impact"?  
We are looking for projects that will transform understanding of climate, energy & society and may be implemented regionally or globally within 5-10 years.  We are also looking for projects that have a high potential for additional funding and scaling globally.

Can faculty propose a new class?  New FSP?  
Yes! Yes!  

Can proposals include collaborators outside Dartmouth?
Yes, but funds can only go to Dartmouth entities (faculty, postdocs, staff, students).

Are there special requirements for hiring student workers?
No.

Can I serve as faculty advisor for a postdoc project proposal as well as proposing a project with my own team?
Yes.

Can postdocs from the same research group submit individual proposals?
Yes, but they should be explicit about how they are different from and connected to others in the group.  

Can students propose projects?
No. We offer student grants for research, internships, and professional development throughout the year.  Check the student section of the Institute website for dates and application guidelines.

Do we have to include overhead in the budget?
No, but fringe must be included on salaries.

What should short CV's include?
The basic information about academic background, disciplinary/scholarly affiliations, recent appointments, highlights of accomplishments, related funding received to date.

Can I submit multiple proposals?
Yes, but we encourage you to submit your best/most timely project idea, as funds are limited.

When can projects start?  How long can they run? When do they have to be complete?
These are 1- and 2-year projects. They should start July 1 and run through June 30 of the following year or year after.  Unspent funds will be reabsorbed by the Irving Institute after 24 months. We will consider extension requests on a case-by-case basis.

How will funds be distributed and tracked?
Via the Irving Institute. You will receive an account chart string to direct expenses and monthly overview statement of remaining funding. You should track expenses on your end as well. Funds should not be reallocated without prior approval. Any fund extension will require prior approval.

Is administrative support available to help interdisciplinary teams develop and run projects, such as joint symposia?  
The Irving Institute cannot currently provide this sort of support.  Indicate what kind and how much support you envision would be needed so that we can learn and think creatively together about how those needs could be met.