Supporting Research and Discovery
Project Grants support undergraduate students in conducting original research in collaboration with a faculty mentor. These grants are designed to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and hands-on learning through sustained inquiry. Funding is intended to support new research projects that span up to one year and contribute meaningfully to a student’s academic development and to their field of study. At their core, these grants fund 'discovery'. Proposals should demonstrate a clear research question, a thoughtful approach, and a commitment to advancing knowledge, whether through scientific investigation, creative exploration, or community-engaged scholarship.
Project Grant Guidelines
Write your proposal before starting your Project Grant application. Use a Word document to save your responses as you write the proposal. When you have completed your proposal and reviewed it with your research mentor, copy these responses to the appropriate questions in the application.
Your proposal must include the following sections. Use clear, concise language and organize your ideas logically. The final narrative should be around 3-5 pages, double-spaced, not including the references or budget. Use a common academic formatting standard used in your discipline, such as APA or MLA.
I. Title
Choose a clear and descriptive title that reflects your project’s focus.
II. Abstract
Write a brief summary (150–250 words) of your project. Include:
- The research topic and purpose
- Your main research question(s) or hypothesis
- A brief overview of your methods
- The expected impact or significance of your work
III. Introduction
This section sets the stage for your research. Include:
- Background: What does your reader need to know to understand your project?
- Broader Topic: How does your project fit into a larger field or issue?
- Current Knowledge: What have others discovered? What gaps remain?
- Rationale: Why is your project important or timely?
- Objectives/Questions/Hypotheses: What exactly will you investigate?
Use in-text citations for any sources you reference. Include full citations in the “Literature Cited” section.
IV. Methods
Explain how you will carry out your research. This section may vary by discipline.
- Approach: What will you do? Describe your research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
- Timeline: Include a schedule showing when each part of the project will be completed.
- Training: Mention any required training (e.g., lab safety, ethics) and when it will be completed.
V. Research Impact and Significance
Describe why your research matters and the potential impact of your research to your field, community, or broader society. Your proposal will not address all of these areas. Focus on the areas most relevant to your project.
Consider the following:
- Advancement of Knowledge: How will your project contribute to your field?
- Broader Impacts to the Common Good: consider these examples-
- Community Engagement: Will you work with or benefit a specific community?
- Public Health and Well-being: Could your work improve quality of life?
- Policy Relevance: Might your findings inform policy or decision-making?
- Economic Impact: Could your project support local businesses or job creation?
- Educational Value: Will your work improve teaching or learning?
VI. Your Role in the Research Project
Explain your specific responsibilities.
- Project Responsibilities: Will you work independently or as part of a team? What tasks will you handle?
- Future plans: How will this project contribute to your academic and career goals?
VII. Literature Cited
List all sources you cited in your proposal.
- Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
- Include only primary sources you directly referenced.
VIII. Budget
Follow Baylor University Guidelines for budget preparation.
- Download and complete the URSA Budget Template (Excel file).
- Include all relevant costs and justifications.
- Please describe any overlapping funding that is already awarded for this project.
A. Goods and Services
- List supplies or services.
- Include vendor names, costs, and reasons for each item.
B. Travel Funds
- Itemize transportation, lodging, meals, and fees.
- Explain how travel supports your research or training.
C. Student Wages
- Provide a timeline and estimated hours.
- Include the agreed wage and justification for funding.
- Student wages are not often funded by URSA Grants. If you have a specific need or situation, please use the justification column to describe the research position and give reasons for requesting wages rather than academic credit (V9R).