Strategic plan Innovation Grant (SIG)
As part of Clayton State University’s commitment to advancing social mobility, academic excellence, and innovation, the Strategic plan Innovation Grant (SIG) supports faculty and staff in their scholarly, creative, and research pursuits across all disciplines. The program is designed to foster work that contributes meaningfully to the university’s mission and aligns with the goals of the Strategic Plan: Transforming Today for Tomorrow.
Purpose
The Innovation program provides funding for the development, enhancement, or launch of research, scholarly, creative, and institutional innovation projects. These grants are intended to support:
- Efforts that promote student success and elevate social mobility
- New research or creative projects
- Collaborative interdisciplinary initiatives
- Work that enhances university operations or services
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Pilot projects with the potential for external funding
Strategic Alignment
The Innovation Grant program directly supports the Strategic Plan. Projects are encouraged to align with one or more of the following priority areas:
- Building Academic and Career Pathways
- Driving Student Success and Social Mobility
- Growing Enrollment
- Increasing Community and Corporate Engagement
Additionally, proposals that strengthen Clayton State’s foundational capabilities—achieving financial sustainability, advancing operational excellence, enhancing university well-being, strengthening reputation and brand awareness—are highly encouraged.
Eligibility
- Open to full-time faculty and staff employed at Clayton State University.
- Individuals may only serve as principal investigator on one active Strategic plan Innovation Grant award at a time but may collaborate on multiple projects.
- Applicants must remain employed at Clayton State University for at least one year following the completion of their funded project.
Funding and Timeline
- Award Amounts: Up to $3,000 per project (amount may vary based on scope and available funding)
- Application Deadline: The priority deadline is May 30, 2025. Applications are accepted until funding is exhausted.
- Funding Period: Funding for this program is limited. Applications will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.
Proposal Guidelines
Proposals must include:
- A completed Strategic plan Innovation Grant Cover Page
- A clear project narrative (up to 3 pages) outlining objectives, methods, anticipated outcomes, and alignment with CSU’s Strategic Plan
- A detailed budget and justification
- A timeline for project completion
- A brief statement of impact describing how the project supports student success, operational improvement, or external funding potential
Please ensure that your proposal is written in a manner accessible to reviewers from diverse academic and professional backgrounds. Avoid excessive jargon and clearly articulate the significance of the work.
Proposal Submission and Review
All completed proposals must be submitted electronically via the Qualtrics Survey link below.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Strategic plan Innovation Grant Review Committee, which includes representatives from the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), and Information Technology and Services.
Deliverables
Grant recipients will be expected to:
- Submit a final report summarizing the outcomes and impact within 30 days of completion and/or final reports are due no later than March 31, 2026.
- Present findings or outcomes at a university event, such as Extended Cabinet by March 31, 2026.
- Acknowledge the Strategic plan Innovation Grant support in any public presentations or publications resulting from the project.
Questions?
Please contact the Office of the Provost at presoffice@clayton.edu for additional guidance.