Welcome to the Year of Creativity Funding Opportunity FAQ. Here we will curate a living list of questions and answers that may arise as you consider applying for the Year of Creativity Funding opportunity. If you have any questions or concerns not answered by this FAQ, please feel free to contact the Year of Creativity Project Manager, Shawn Reming.
What is the Year of Creativity Funding Opportunity?
The Steering Committee for the University of Pittsburgh Year of Creativity invites applications for up to $5,000 to support new initiatives, events, performances, productions, convenings, experiments, practices, and other possibilities that inspire creative thinking, making, and doing.
Proposals should indicate how applicants would match the grant through funds, time, energy, materials, equipment, space, or other contributions commensurate with or greater than the amount requested.
How to Apply
Where do I apply for the Year of Creativity Funding Opportunity?
All applications for Year of Creativity funding must be submitted through the funding portal on the Year of Creativity website or directly accessed here.
Who is eligible to apply for Year of Creativity funding?
Students (graduate and undergraduate), faculty, and staff at all University of Pittsburgh campuses
What information do I need to provide with my application?
Applicants must provide (1) a project narrative of no more than 500 words, and (2) a detailed budget that demonstrates all sources of funding currently secured or applied for in addition to funding requested from the Year of Creativity. The budget template is part of the application portal; it can also be downloaded here.
Applicants may also include supplemental materials: thoughts, videos, art, and other expressions that complement the proposal. Such supplemental materials are not required.
The submission form will ask for the applicant’s contact information and a University account number (if known) where funds can be deposited if awarded.
When can I apply for Year of Creativity funding?
The Year of Creativity Request for Proposals launched on July 31st, 2019 and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in August, for as long as funds endure.
How do I fill out the Budget Template?
The Year of Creativity Funding Working Group has created a Sample Budget to help guide you through the process. It can be downloaded here.
What are some qualities of a successful proposal?
We are looking for proposals that include opportunities for active engagement by participants--new initiatives that inspire creative thinking, making, and doing. We encourage applicants to think beyond traditional models such as lectures and seminars.
Students
If I am -- or my group is -- awarded funds, how do we receive the funding?
Student groups are provided an account number by SORC; please contact that office to find out the appropriate University account number to which the Office of the Provost may transfer funds.
If your proposal is not affiliated with an official student group, funding can be released to your department. For example, a student in the English Department who proposes a project of their own can, with the approval of the Department, have awarded funds dispersed to the English Department; the Department would then handle dispersal of funds to the student. Students should come to an agreement with their Department before funds are requested.
My student project/program/event wants to apply Year of Creativity funds to food or snacks. Is this allowed?
While not specifically prohibited, this will be decided on a case by case basis. However, there are other options available to provide snacks for events open to the student body. We suggest you consider applying for the Donated Food Services program administered by the Department of Housing, Food Services, and Panther Central. The guidelines and application for this program can be found here.
Staff and Faculty
Staff and faculty should follow their unit’s standard guidelines and practices when applying for University opportunities of this sort. While the application process for this funding opportunity does not require a letter of support from the department chair or supervisor, for example, that practice may be the standard for your department and should then be followed. Such letters can be submitted as supplemental material through the submission portal. The committee recommends alerting your chair/supervisor and your financial administrator prior to submitting an application.
Creativity and the Proposal Evaluation
What does the Steering Committee mean by creativity, and how will proposals be evaluated?
Creativity occurs through a confluence of factors, some of which are listed below. These factors will be considered during the proposal evaluation process.
Creativity:
- manifests in all divisions, departments, disciplines, programs, administrative units, student support areas, student organizations and clubs, and community engagements, on and around all campuses of the University;
- emerges at the intersections of disciplines and fields, through new collaborations, associations and interactions;
- arises through physical and material processes of creating—writing, drawing, moving, coding, painting, sculpting, programming, playing, solving, mixing, designing, building, constructing, composing, improvising, assembling, associating, experimenting;
- inspires transformation and challenges preconceived notions;
- generates “Aha!” moments, curiosity, and joy;
- fosters community and encourages connections on and off campus;
- has the potential to leave a lasting impact on the University and community.
Values:
Proposed projects should operate within the values and standards articulated in the Pitt Promise.
Other questions?
This FAQ is a work in progress, and we welcome additional questions. Please contact Shawn Reming, Office of the Provost, at yearof@pitt.edu.