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CRSCA Discretionary Fund

Academic Year: 2025-2026
Deadline: Open

Statement of Purpose

This fund is for projects that are unique opportunities or emergencies. It is imperative that the applicant address this criterion in the proposal.

Therefore, all potential applicants are required to Carma West to discuss their request prior to submission.

Ohio University is committed to supporting research, scholarly and creative works and activities. Through the CRSCA Discretionary Fund, the University makes funds available to all undergraduate, graduate and medical students for unique opportunities and emergencies.

CRSCA Discretionary funds are limited, and funding should be sought through the competitive awards processes, whenever possible.

Eligibility

Undergraduate, graduate and medical students on all Ohio University campuses are eligible to submit proposals in any field of study.

Only those projects that are unique opportunities or emergencies qualify for funding. It is incumbent upon the student to present an argument that funding is needed immediately and that the project cannot be delayed and therefore funding cannot be sought through the competitive awards processes. Because of the limited funding available, an individual may only receive funding once every two years.

Examples:

  • An investigator needs to collect a few more lizards in the CA desert during the next month before the lizards hibernate for an ongoing experiment.
  • An applicant is granted a last-minute interview with an individual who is a critical resource and has very limited accessibility.

Conducting an experiment on a timeline that does not allow seeking other funding, does not meet the qualification of “emergency.”

Review and Evaluation/Selection Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Creative Activity in consultation with the CRSCA Chair.

Proposal Guidelines

Prepare a brief (maximum 2-page) summary of the project.

The proposal must include:

  • a brief description of the project, including the scope and projected outcomes

  • a detailed rationale about how the project presents a unique opportunity or is an emergency and why other standard funding mechanisms (e.g., GSS Travel Fund) could not be sought.

    Note: By its nature, an opportunity to engage in research or creative activity provides enhanced and novel experiences for a student; however, this is not a sufficient argument for uniqueness. The concept of uniqueness should be contextualized to the novelty of the project itself relative to the applicant’s field.

  • a proposed budget, with budget breakdown and justification.
  • proof of the 1:1 budget match (an email from the unit/individual providing the funds).
  • Student PID number, department, status (UG, G or med) and name of faculty mentor

For proposals requesting money for dissemination, the proposal must also include:

  • proof of invitation for presentation
  • a statement regarding the significance/importance of the presentation venue

Note: We will only fund dissemination of research or creative activity, e.g., conference presentations, exhibits or performances in rare circumstances where the applicants can demonstrate the prestige of the venue and very unique opportunity for the dissemination.

Example: The applicant is going to present their film on the emergence of a new government at the invitation of the United Nations. (Yes, this is a real example.)

Budget

CRSCA Discretionary funding is limited to $500 and requires a 1:1 match from the department/school and/or College and/or Center/Institute and/or faculty mentor.

Funds may be requested for equipment, supplies, travel, and other bona-fide project expenses. Funds may also be requested, in rare circumstances, for dissemination of research results and creative works, including presentation at a conference, exhibit or performance.

All expenditures must comply with university and/or college policies and guidelines. It is suggested that if you have any budget questions concerning what will be allowable, that you contact your mentor and/or college financial representative PRIOR to submitting award request. As per University policy, 41.121, all recipients must work with their respective department and faculty mentors to access funds. Funds will not be dispersed directly to recipients.

Students who are traveling beyond 100 miles of their Ohio University campus or to another state must register with the Office of Global Opportunities: Travel Registration.

For more support on domestic and international travel, risk ratings for destinations and planning an international experience, students are encouraged to contact the Office of Global Opportunities.

Proposal Submission

Email the proposal to the Carma West.

Other

Awardees are expected to participate in the next Student Research and Creative Activity Expo.