Provides funding for activities that are exploratory in nature and will lead to a new partnership or expand an existing partnership. Maximum award amount is $2,000.

Proposed activities may:

•   Involve any partner institution in another country

•   Fund outbound or inbound visits or other collaborative activity

Apply for an Exploration Grant

Provides funding for the expansion or deepening of an existing partnership. Award amounts range from $2,500-$8,000.

Proposed activities should:

•   Engage UNC schools or departments (or other UNC faculty) that had not been previously involved in the partnership or add significantly new types of collaboration to the partnership

•   Facilitate sustained interactions or continued collaborative activity with the partner institution

•   Align with at least one Carolina Next strategic initiative or contribute to UNC’s strategic or key partnerships

Apply for an Expansion Grant

•   Does the proposal have the potential to develop a new partnership or make a catalytic impact on an existing partnership?

•   How is the proposal tied to Carolina Next strategic initiatives? In what other ways does the proposed activity benefit UNC-Chapel Hill?

•   Does the proposal include one of Carolina’s strategic or key partners?

•   Does the proposal expand a partnership to a new Carolina unit or engage new participants?

•   Is the proposal adequate and appropriate to achieve the expected results?

•   Is the budget clear and reasonable? Are alternate sources of funding identified?

•   Does the proposal go beyond personal research and projects to advance a partnership?

•   Use awards primarily for travel and accommodation expenses.

•   Use Concur to book flights and to process reimbursement for other travel expenses.

•   Ask for approval in advance for other types of expenses (disbursement process will depend on the approved expense).

•   Utilize funds within six months of the award date.

•   Awards may not be used for salary support, honoraria or consulting fees.

•   Submit a report (with pictures, if possible) within one month of the initiative describing the activity that occurred and how the partnership was advanced.

•   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.