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. Proposals that contribute to UNC’s strategic or key partnerships will receive priority consideration.

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?
• What are the potential benefits of the partnership to Carolina (in addition to direct benefits to the applicant)?
• 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.