Types of External Support
Grants
The sponsor identifies funding priorities generally under a broad definition of program
goals and announces a "competition" for awards. Applicants develop a proposal to fit
into one or two priority areas and submit the application for review. Most of the
sponsored research and programs at Plattsburgh are awarded through the grant mechanism.
Applications for grant programs usually occur on a yearly or semi-annual basis.
Contracts
The sponsor issues an RFP (Request for Proposals) in which the type of work - a study,
services or resulting product - is specified.
Proposals are referred to as “bids” and the time between the announcement and the
closing date is usually thirty days or less. Bidding competitions are not routinely
scheduled and each awarded contract is a negotiated, binding agreement.
Fellowships
Also referred to as awards and/or stipends, this category of external support is for
individual faculty/staff members generally to support a period of study, research
and/or teaching while on a sabbatical or other leave.
Sources of External Support
Public Sector Funding
Includes federal, state, county and city agencies. All ongoing or new programs offered
throughout the federal government are listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance,
with application deadlines published in the Federal Register (other resources are
available in the Office of Sponsored Research and Programs and the reference section
of Feinberg Library). Request for Proposals (contract bidding) are announced in the
Commerce Business Daily (available in the Feinberg Library). The State of New York
funds grant activities through various state agencies such as the State Education
Department, Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, Department
of Health, and so forth. County and city agencies sometimes have funds available to
carry out a specific project. Usual funding from a county or city agency is done on
a contract basis and no formalized or ongoing listing of available funds is maintained,
but information is gained through individual personal contact.
Private Sector Funding
Foundations: Private foundations are non-profit organizations that usually have specific
areas they are interest in funding. Most references that contain foundation listings
do not indicate specifically the activities the foundation may support. For instance,
a foundation might be listed as supporting education but really be interested in contributing
only to endowment funds of private colleges. In order to obtain accurate guidelines
and up-to-date information private foundations, the Office of Sponsored Research and
Programs routinely requests the most recent annual report and grant application guidelines
form these funding sources.
Corporate
Corporation giving has exceeded foundation grants for several years. Most corporations
are now taking advantage of laws that allow tax credits on money and other support
donated to non-profit organizations. Most seek proposals in the same manner as foundations.
Reference materials on potential corporate sponsors are available in the Office of
Sponsored Research and Programs and the reference section of Feinberg Library.
New York State & United University Professions Programs
Professional Development Individual Award Program (PDIAP)
The State of New York/United University Professions Professional Development & Quality
of Work-life Committee’s Individual Development Awards Program is intended to assist
eligible full-time and part-time employees in the Professional Services Negotiating
Unit (08) in the development of their full professional potential in preparing for
advancement. Up to a maximum of $1,000 per proposal may be awarded (average award
is $200–$350).
NYS/UUP Campus Grants & Campus Grants on Technology
In the past, the State of New York and United University Professions mutually agree
upon the following objectives for campus grants:
- Encourage cooperative problem solving;
- Strengthen professional development;
- Enhance the quality of working life and the creative use and understanding of technology;
- Foster safer working conditions, while expanding affirmative action programs;
- Provide professional enrichment opportunities;
- Increase communication.
Additional Joint Labor Management Programs
- Grants for Employees with Disabilities
- Special Project Funds
- Wright Memorial Safety and Health Training Program
- Enrollment Enhancement Program
- Employment Counseling & Placement Program
- Retraining Fellowship Program
For more information on joint labor management programs, call 518-564-2155.
Dr. Nuala McGann Drescher Affirmative Action/Diversity Leave Program
This program is intended to enhance employment opportunities for minority group members,
women, employees with a disability, or Vietnam-era veterans in the Professional Services
Negotiating Unit (08) by assisting them to prepare for permanent or continuing appointment
within SUNY. In the past, these leaves were for one full semester and covered both
salary replacement and project-related expenses.