Research Grant Application Process

Application and review processes

• The UCare Fund publishes its giving priorities and application deadline annually.
• The 2011 research grant deadline is May 31, 2011.
• Funding determinations will be made by mid-August 2011. The 2011 funding cycle occurs Sept. 1, 2011 – Aug. 31, 2012.

Notification

• If an application falls outside the geographic or programmatic purview of the UCare Fund, the UCare Fund will notify the applicant immediately by letter and the application will receive no further consideration.
• The UCare Fund will send written notice of the Council’s decision to the applicant by mid- August.
• Grant recipients must complete and return the grant agreement before the UCare Fund will release the grant funds.
• Payment is scheduled after a signed grant agreement is received.

Conditions of grants and reporting

• Grantees are required to participate in a six-month, on-site visit, and to submit an interim and final report. Reporting requirements are modeled after the Minnesota Common Reporting Forms and include financial reporting.

How to apply for a research grant

• In the preliminary stages, telephone inquiries or e-mails to discuss potential projects or programs are encouraged, but not required. Inquiry letters also are encouraged but not required.
• Please use the Research Grant Application Form, which can be downloaded from this link.

Review process for research grants

• Each request for research support is carefully reviewed by a Peer Review Panel comprised of University of Minnesota Department of Family Practice and Community Health members.
• The Panel evaluates each proposal to determine if it meets established criteria; additionally, it is evaluated for its alignment with UCare’s mission statement, methodology, research significance or importance, personnel and qualifications, and budget. Points are assigned in each of the above categories.
• The Panel makes recommendations to the UCare Fund Council, which conducts a second review before making a final decision.