Faculty Leadership Grants

The Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts provides Faculty Leadership Grants for UNCSA faculty to explore and develop new approaches to creative learning, curriculum, projects, or research that enhances their knowledge and leadership in the creative sector.

Proposed activities should align with one or more strategic areas of the UNCSA Forward strategic plan including opportunities to enhance student learning outcomes. Awards range from $500-$5,000, depending on the number and quality of the application pool; the average award is around $2,500.

Learn about previous recipients

Grant Activity Periods and Deadlines

Application Deadline: December 15, 2022 for activities between February 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023 for activities between May 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023

Eligibility

Full-time Faculty are eligible to apply for Faculty Leadership Grants; Adjunct/Visiting Faculty MUST be employed by UNCSA when submitting a grant proposal. Adjunct/Visiting Faculty are NOT ELIGIBLE to apply if the proposed project does not occur during a period of employment.

Faculty Leadership Grant Selection Criteria

Evidence of commitment, ability and a clear plan to develop new approaches to creative learning, curriculum, projects, or research that enhances the applicant's knowledge and leadership in the creative sector;
Degree to which the grant can contribute to the applicant’s artistic growth and leadership as a faculty member;
Appropriateness of the proposed budget and activities, including travel (if requested);
Alignment with and potential to advance the UNCSA Forward Strategic Plan, including opportunities to enhance student learning outcomes.

Please note that Faculty Leadership Grant funds cannot be used to pay for

operational expenses of UNCSA or other institutions and partners
expenses that are normally funded through state or federal appropriations
Scholarship (tuition) support for students
Personal expenses

Application Process

Step 1	Discuss your idea with your Dean. Listen to their feedback and confirm their support before continuing the application process. Deans will be asked to confirm approval upon application submission. *Applications WITHOUT DEAN APPROVAL will not be considered.*
Step 2	Applicants are encouraged to include supplemental support from other funding sources, including support from the applicant’s Art School or division. Supplemental support can include monetary and in-kind support from other sources.
Step 3	Applicants are encouraged to contact Liza Vest, Kenan Institute Business Manager, for support on completing an application.
Step 4	Prepare and submit your online application and budget.
Step 5	Applications will be reviewed by the Grant Review Committee.
Step 6	Applicants will be notified regarding Faculty Leadership Grants within 30 days following the application deadline, and funding is generally available within 30 days of notification.
Step 7	If project timelines become affected due to unforeseen circumstances, grant recipients should contact the Kenan Institute for assistance.

Additional Information

Reporting

A final report will be required no later than 30 days following the completion of project activities. A narrative and financial report form will be provided by the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts.

Disbursement of Funds

The distribution of funds is contingent upon signing a letter of agreement with the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts. Grant payments will be distributed to the applicant. Original receipts must be provided for all expenditures; unspent funds and transactions without receipts must be refunded to the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are applications accepted?

Applications for the 2022-23 academic year will be launched in the Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023. Recipients are encouraged to complete activities within 12 months of receiving their grant.

Who is eligible for these grants?

Full-time permanent and adjunct/visiting UNCSA faculty are eligible to apply for Faculty Leadership Grants. Adjunct/visiting faculty MUST be employed by UNCSA when submitting a grant proposal and their project MUST occur during their period of employment.

How much can I apply for?

Grant awards range from $300 - $5000.

What is the average award?

The average amount awarded is around $2,500.

Do you require a match for this grant?

No matching funds are necessary.

Are there any funding restrictions?

Individuals may only receive Faculty Leadership Grant funding once per academic year.

When will I be notified whether my grant has been funded?

Recipients will be notified of their grant status by mid-January.

If my grant is approved, when will I receive funding?

Generally, funding is available within 30 days of approval of grants.

What can NOT be funded by a Faculty Leadership Grant?

Faculty Leadership Grants cannot be used for operational expenses of UNCSA or other institutions and partners; expenses that are normally funded through state or federal appropriations; or scholarship support for students.

If I receive a Faculty Leadership Grant award, how will I receive funds?

Administration of the grant award will be processed through the Kenan Institute for the Arts. Kenan Institute staff will review this process in detail with awardees.

Contact

For more information, contact the Kenan Institute at kenanarts@uncsa.edu or 336-770-1432.

Application