Community-Based URCA

Purpose
The community-based research (CBR) initiation grant supports proposals that represent collaborative partnerships among community partner, student, and faculty teams. Projects should advance the development of community partner capacity, student learning through the high impact practice of undergraduate research, and facilitate the evolution of faculty scholarly identity as it relates to community-identified needs. The goal of this community-based research grant is to support the agenda of each team member while simultaneously grounding the process in mutual development of all three entities.

We seek projects that demonstrate community-engagement, as defined as “activities that are undertaken with community members in a context of reciprocal partnership.” Preference will be given to those proposals that:

1. Exemplify collaborative, reciprocal processes that recognize, respect, and value the knowledge, perspective, and resources shared among partners
2. Serve a public purpose (as identified by the community member), builds the capacity of each of the individuals, groups, and organizations involved to understand and collaboratively address issues of public concern

Criteria for Eligibility
Applicants can be from any academic discipline or community agency (including non-profits, schools, and government agencies). All UNCG full-time faculty members are eligible. Students can have part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate status, and may pursue academic credit for some aspect of their research. Teams that include both undergraduate and graduate students will be given preference; however, ALL teams must have at least one faculty member, one community partner, and one student. The team is not to exceed six members, and may not include class-based projects (independent studies are allowable). The primary faculty member must have access to departmental state funds into which the grant can be deposited (unless arranged otherwise with OLCE).

Criteria for Evaluation
Applications will be reviewed based on the quality of the community-engaged research proposal. Acceptable proposals include:
(1) Research questions that originate from a need for information to address specific community-based interest, support faculty scholarship identity, and when possible are identified through relationships with community partners.
(2) Community partners, students and faculty members as participants in all stages of the research process.
(3) Analysis of the causes of community identified topics and offer team-based strategies for change.
(4) Dissemination of results to the community/agency involved in the study, as well as to the UNCG and greater academic communities.
(5) Clearly articulated student learning outcomes.

Funding
Project Award: up to $1,500 may be requested to support the research project; awards will be transferred to the faculty member department’s state fund for research support or additional student support upon proposal acceptance. These funds cannot be used to pay the faculty member. All funds must be spent by May 31, 2024.
Undergraduate Researcher: up to $3,000 may be requested for undergraduate student research stipends through the Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creativity Office (URSCO) and are awarded directly to the student.

Graduate Researcher: up to $1,000 may be requested for a graduate research assistant; research awards are awarded directly to the student by the graduate school and/or OLCE.

Expectations of Funded Research Teams

1. Participation in relevant professional development events sponsored by OLCE.
2. Undergraduate researchers must present at the Spring Undergraduate Research & Creativity Expo sponsored by the URSCO.
3. Graduate researchers must present at the Spring Graduate Research & Creativity Expo, Spring.
4. Research team must submit an electronic report of the study’s findings by May 12, 2024.
5. All members of the research team must complete an evaluation of the CBR grant program.

Desired Outcomes
There are numerous outcomes of community-based research that result in benefits to faculty members, community partners, and students. A few highlights of desired outcomes for stakeholders include:

Faculty:

• Enhanced relationships with community partner.
• Growth in scholarly identity around engaged teaching, research, and public service.
• Professional development through shared learning.

Community Partners:

• Support of agency’s mission and goals.
• Fulfillment of valuable needs and increased organizational capacity.
• Expansion of visibility and constituency base through collaboration with the University.

Students:

• Improved research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Enhanced understanding of local and societal issues within a global context.
• Gains experience in teamwork, service, and community leadership.
• Develops awareness of civic identity.

Ready to Apply?

• The application process for the CB URCA is the different than that for all URCA. Requests for support through this program must also address the requirements of the Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement (OLCE).
• We will begin accepting requests for support for 2023/24 in March. Deadline is April 16, 2023.

• Please insert Graduate Student Information in the Additional Comments section at the end of the form.

All awardees must present their results during the annual celebration of undergraduate scholarship held each spring: Carolyn and Norwood Thomas Undergraduate Research and Creativity Expo

All non-consumable items purchased in support undergraduate research/creative inquiry become property of UNCG.