Funding Opportunity

NOTICE:

Were you awarded funding for your creative project, activity, or event? We know that your plans may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are shifting the timing of your project, just let us know by emailing yearof@pitt.edu. You will be able to use your funds for activities during the Fall Term 2020.

Announcement of Application Deadline:


The Year of Creativity Funding Group has been inspired by the outpouring of strong proposals for Year of Creativity funding support. In order to give applicants time to submit proposals for thoughtful review before the funding expires, a deadline for proposals has been identified. Proposals submitted by January 31, 2020 will be considered for full or partial funding.

Request for Proposals: Year of Creativity Funding Opportunity 

“No single virtue better describes what humans do best than creativity.”  –Provost Ann E. Cudd

The Year of Creativity is an unprecedented opportunity to inspire creative thinking, making, and doing throughout the University of Pittsburgh community for the 2019-2020 academic year and beyond. The Steering Committee invites applications for up to $5,000 to support new initiatives, events, performances, productions, convenings, experiments, practices, and other possibilities toward reaching this goal. 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. Important information about the funding opportunity can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section below this Request for Proposals.

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.

Creativity occurs through a confluence of factors, a few of which are listed here to inspire, not limit, your vision and how you share your ideas with us. 

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; 
  • 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; 
  • generates “Aha!” moments, curiosity, and joy; 
  • inspires transformation and challenges preconceived notions; 
  • fosters community and encourages connections on and off campus; 
  • leaves a lasting impact on the university and community. 

We invite proposals submitted through the funding portal from students, faculty, and staff at all University of Pittsburgh campuses. While narrative proposals are required for submission, you may also submit thoughts, videos, art, and other expressions that best complement your proposal. Proposals may be submitted on a rolling basis beginning immediately, for as long as funds endure. Applicants will receive a response within one month of submission.  

We look forward to your proposals and hope that the process of imagining them is as inspiring as the work itself.

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

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 email, yearof@pitt.edu 

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 accessible from the Year of Creativity website.  

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.  

Can I submit a proposal for a Year of Creativity project or experience that will take place in the 2020-2021 academic year? 

Yes. If the proposal is then approved for funding, those funds will be disbursed to your departmental account during this fiscal year for you to use for your 2020-2021 project.  

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. Download the Sample Budget »

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. 

Can I see a sample funding application?

Yes. Here’s one that addresses all the factors being considered by the selection committee: Download the Funded Project Sample »

My proposal did not receive funding. Can I revise and resubmit?

Yes!

Funding Use Guidelines

I want to use Year of Creativity funds to buy equipment for our project/event. Is this allowed? 

Equipment purchased with University funds belongs to the University. If your budget includes equipment to be purchased with Year of Creativity funds, please make sure the narrative states which University department has agreed to take on the equipment after your project or event is complete. 

Does the University have technology/equipment that I can borrow for my project so that I can focus my proposal’s budget on other materials and ways to actively engage participants in the creative process?

Yes! Hillman Library Equipment Office, the Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Center for Creativity have equipment that can be used by University faculty, staff, and students.

I want to use Year of Creativity funds to provide food or cover catering costs for our project/event. Is this allowed? 

While not prohibited, this will be considered on a case by case basis. We understand the value of food in developing a sense of community with others, but are primarily interested in using Year of Creativity funds to make possible opportunities for active creative engagement.

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. View the guidelines and application for this program.

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 yearof@pitt.edu.