Funding for activities that will build on connections between faculty members and lead to a new partnership or add a new unit to an existing partnership. Maximum award amount is $2,000.

• The partner institution should be a college or university (unless prior approval granted).
• Funds can be used to support outbound or inbound visits or other collaborative activity.
• The initiative must contribute to building an institutional partnership and not solely allow the applicant to conduct personal research or attend a conference.

Apply for an Exploration Grant

Funding for the expansion or deepening of an existing institutional partnership to new units and/or participants. Maximum award amount is $8,000.

Proposed activities should:

• Involve significant collaborative activity between the institutions beyond individual research projects.
• Engage new UNC units or faculty in the partnership or add new types of collaboration.
  
• Facilitate sustained collaborations with the partner institution (a college or university, unless prior approval granted).
• Contribute to UNC’s strategic or key partnerships and/or align with at least one Carolina Next strategic initiative.

Apply for an Expansion Grant

• Does the initiative have the potential to develop a new institutional partnership or expand an existing partnership?
• Does the initiative advance an institutional partnership beyond personal benefit to the applicant?
• Does the initiative include one of Carolina’s strategic or key partners?
• How does the partnership benefit Carolina? Does the initiative address a Carolina Next strategic initiative?
• Is the budget clear and reasonable? Are alternate sources of funding identified?

• Awards should primarily be used for travel and accommodation expenses.
• Concur must be used to book flights and process reimbursement for other travel expenses (unless approval is recevied in advance).
• Approval must be requested in advance to use the award for other types of expenses (disbursement process will depend on the approved expense).
• Funds should be utilized within six months of the award date.
• Awards may not be used for salary support, stipends, honoraria, conference registration fees or to purchase equipment.

• Submit a report (with pictures, if possible) within one month of the initiative describing the activity that occurred and how the partnership was advanced (instructions will be provided in the award letter).
• Comply with UNC-Chapel Hill’s travel requirements, including obtaining approval prior to travel, purchasing international health insurance and observing current warnings and restrictions.
• Check for IRB Compliance if involving research with human or animal subjects.