Small Research Grant
The Small Research Grant (SRG) offsets fully/partially the cost involved with pursuing independent research that otherwise would require self funding. This grant will not serve as an addendum to offset excess expenses incurred by researchers from pursuing work related to other projects that have alternate funding resources. This grant will not serve as an addendum to offset excess expenses incurred by researchers from pursuing work related to other projects that have alternate funding resources.
Please note that for working with human subjects, an IRB approval is REQUIRED before your application submission. Applications for research that has not received IRB approval will be deemed ineligible.
APPLICATION DATES AND TIMELINE
Consider the following policies before applying:
Grants are typically reviewed and awarded on a monthly basis during the academic year.
Refer to the official GRAC deadlines calendar here for application deadlines, eligibility periods, and expected decision notification dates.
Applications should MUST be submitted before expenses occur.
The use of AI in the development of application materials is prohibited and will result in your application being deemed ineligible.
BEFORE APPLYING
- Review Eligibility Requirements
- Purdue graduate students may only submit one application per semester.
- Purdue graduate students may only receive one award per fiscal year (Summer 2024 – Spring 2025).
- If you choose to forfeit an award, you may not be eligible to apply again until the next semester.
- Incomplete applications are not eligible for funding.
- Applicants must use their Purdue email when submitting, failure to do so will result in an ineligible application.
- Read Reimbursement Policies
- Applicants should understand the reimbursement procedures and policies here before traveling or making any purchases related to the applicant’s grant application.
- Proper documentation must be submitted for full reimbursement.
It is ultimately the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that they are following all policies and procedures regarding their grant application and reimbursement request. Any application found not to follow the correct policies and procedures will be deemed ineligible and/or denied reimbursement. Remember that GRAC awards are reimbursement-based, and an award offer does not guarantee that your reimbursement will be approved.
FUNDING
Funding amounts are determined based on a budget submitted by the applicant, with a maximum of $750.
The Small Research Grant will support graduate students in the purchase of:
- Equipments (both hardware and software) relevant for research mentioned in the application
- Equipment can include lab supplies, chemicals and other lab materials, systems for running data, etc.
- Funds to compensate the time/effort of participants relevant to the research mentioned in the application
- This can include travel-related expenses to research locations and corresponding lodging, food, costs of prints/scans (for places like archives).
- Applications requesting compensation for of participants (human subjects) are required to have IRB approval prior to applying.
Applicants are required to justify the amount of funding they are requesting, as described in the application instructions and rubric. Allocation decisions are based on the number and quality of applications in a given funding round. Funding is not guaranteed.
APPLICATION
See the printable instructions document for complete instructions.
Applications are planned to be open on July 15th, 2025 for the August 2025 round.
After Applying
After completing the application, the survey will provide you with a copy of your responses. It is the applicant’s responsibility to double-check the completion and accuracy of your responses.
Changes to an application may be made by submitting a new application prior to the application date. Should changes be made, you must notify the professional and small research grant vice chair so that the most updated application is reviewed.
Applicants should review the reimbursement procedures and policies before making any purchases related to their grant application. Note that an award offer does not guarantee that your reimbursement will be approved. Receipts for all approved purchases must be submitted to the PGSG treasurer for reimbursement.
Application Point Breakdown
There are 8 criteria for points, with 2 eligibility criteria worth 1 point each, 4 research proposal criteria and 2 budget proposal criteria, worth 8 points each, for a total of 50 points
*Zero points given to each criterion unaddressed
Eligibility: (2 points, to be completed by the Vice Chair)
- The application includes a written document from the student’s Primary Advisor (for Ph.D. students) or the Chair of their Plan of Study Committee (for Masters students) stating that the work in the application is independent and not being funded fully/partially by any other funding source: 1 point
- The budget falls within the $750 maximum request per application. (1 point)
Research Proposal: (32 points)
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- The proposal clearly describes the nature of the applicant’s research needs and any additional circumstances contributing to their financial need. (8 points)
- The proposal includes a detailed description of the research equipment or funds needed for compensating participants relevant to the research. (8 points)
- The proposal contains a justification for the purchase of equipment or funds for participant compensation that cannot be covered by other funding sources. (8 points)
- The proposal provides a clear explanation of how the purchase of equipment or funds for participant compensation will support research development. (8 points).
Proposed Budget: (16 points)
- The budget is clear and well-organized with all expenses listed as line items. (8 points)
- The budget provides written justifications for each expense, including a description of other avenues for funding the applicant, has been explained. (8 points).