Strategic plan implementation grant process underway

Last year, a West Coast recruiter for Admissions, renovated study spaces in Schaffer Library and expanded faculty development programs were among the projects awarded special grants to support the Union’s Strategic Plan. This week, the 2015 grant application process got underway and the College’s Planning & Priorities Group (P&P) are eager to begin the review process of this year’s batch of projects.

“P&P looks forward to receiving proposals from all across campus,” said Therese McCarty, vice president for academic affairs and a key strategic plan implementation leader. “We will be grateful, as we were last year, for the creative and innovative ideas in support of the strategic plan put forward by many colleagues and offices."

Members of the campus community may apply for grants of one-to-two years’ duration in support of projects that contribute to fulfillment of the objectives of Union’s strategic plan. The total amount available for allocation in this second annual round of grant funding is approximately $180,000.

Two types of grant applications are available:

• Planning grants of $2000-$5000 (to facilitate project planning activities such as retreats, attending conferences, consulting outside experts)

• Implementation grants of $10,000 and up (to undertake projects) Successful implementation grant proposals will:

· Contribute to one or more of the 27 main projects identified for strategic plan implementation. For full list, see below.

· Indicate how project success will be measured or observed

· Indicate how the project will be continued beyond the proposed grant funding if the project relies on further support

· Focus on funding priorities other than compensation to current employees except in unusual circumstances

· Involve activities that are not eligible for other sources of funding at the College

Interested applicants should prepare a brief one-page description and a budget for the proposed project. The material should then be directed to the senior staff member who heads the applicant’s responsibility center by Apr. 15. A member of P&P will contact the proposer if any further information is needed. Project awards will be made in Jun. and funds will be available Jul. 1.

The College’s Strategic Plan web site provides easy access to information related to the planning process. In addition, the College’s Strategic Plan Nexus site provides additional documents related to the plan.

Strategic Plan Implementation Projects