Through the College Innovation Fund (CIF), GCC provides funding to faculty and staff who are interested in piloting innovative projects that are designed to help advance student success. We encourage you to think outside the box! The more unique your proposal is, the more likely it is to receive funding. If you have any questions, please reach out to the College Innovation Fund committee at CIF@gcc.mass.edu.

WHAT WE FUND

We fund projects that take an innovative approach to supporting student success. Activities that are interdisciplinary or collaborative across areas are especially valued. Projects may include novel approaches to solving existing challenges, new partnerships or opportunities, programs for staff and faculty that allow us to better serve our students and creative ways to enhance direct support to students.

WHO WE FUND

This opportunity is open to all GCC employees. Applications may be submitted by individuals, offices, or departments. Each project must identify a project leader that is a full-time or part-time employee at the college. We encourage submissions from interdisciplinary and/or cross-divisional collaborative teams. You may also include partners that are external to the college, but the lead applicant must be an employee at GCC.

FUNDING

Each project proposal can request up to $2,000.00 for individuals or up to $5,000.00 for groups. However, please be aware that there is a cap of $10,000.00 available each year. The CIF cannot be used as a salary supplement or to buy out teaching time (applications for reassigned time are available separately) for GCC faculty and staff unless it is for adjunct faculty work outside of existing contracts.

EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

Proposed projects will be evaluated by the CIF Committee who will make funding recommendations to the President's Cabinet. The CIF application form contains specific questions that must be addressed in each proposal. Those considerations are summarized here:

Project Rationale — The proposed project involves the evidence-based identification of an area of need or opportunity related to enhancing student success.

Project Innovation, Methods and Feasibility — The project represents an innovative approach and provides justification as to its potential impact. Project activities, an itemized budget, a timeline, and personnel involved are clearly described and the project realistically fits within those parameters.

Project Outcomes, Impact and Sustainability — The proposal clearly identifies the anticipated project outcomes and describes how those outcomes will be assessed. A description of how the proposed activities can be integrated into current practice and sustained is also useful. If this will be a one time project, explain how the impact can carry forward.

FINAL REPORTING/SPENDING REQUIREMENTS

If the proposal is funded, you will be required to present a brief (7-10 minutes) summary of the project to the GCC community, including achieved outcomes along with a written summary documenting your methods and results at the May all college meeting. The written summary serves as a blueprint for future replication of successful practices. In addition, funds must be expended within 18? months of the award, or they will revert back to the general fund for reallocation to other projects.

HOW TO APPLY

Funds are distributed from a limited pool of money to be used June 1st through the next calendar year. College employees can apply anytime, but applications will not be reviewed until May 16th which is the deadline for submission. Decisions will be made between May 15 and June 1, and individuals will be notified on June 2nd.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or feedback about the College Innovation Fund please email CIF@gcc.mass.edu