Students may apply for competitive grants of to support their own research. These efforts must be associated with curricular programs including:
a) senior thesis;
b) independent study (360 or s50);
c) independent, individualized research within the context of
an academic course.

No grants exceed $300.

All Bates students are encouraged to apply. Students working on group projects may submit group applications. Qualified students may receive more than one grant per year, though preference is given to students who have not received previous funding in the academic year.  These requests for additional funding will not be considered until the last round in Short Term.

Students may request funds for purposes that pertain directly to their specific research or creative project goals or to sharing the results of their work with others. Some examples of funded expenses include:

• research supplies such as chemicals, animals, etc.
• studio art thesis supplies, design supplies, musician fees, and other costs associated with artistic production
• analysis of samples by outside labs
• travel to research sites or collections where relevant materials are available, such as museums, libraries, or laboratories
• compensation of interview subjects
• compensation of subjects who participate in research studies
• books, psychological tests, software packages, or databases not otherwise available on campus
• costs associated with presenting research at online conferences.

Consideration is given to the additional research costs that may be incurred by students studying remotely.

Funds may not be applied to regular course supplies (such as textbooks, art supplies, consumable supplies), inter-library loan fees, or supplies normally purchased by the department. Funds may not be used to support the ongoing expenses of a faculty research laboratory, to produce the thesis document, or to purchase personal gear (hiking boots, packs, etc.).

Application deadlines have been designed to make funds available to students when they are beginning to design semester- or year-long projects. Awards are usually announced within three weeks of the application deadline but cannot be guaranteed.

The ending date of the project must be stated on the application. Funds awarded but not spent in the time period determined by the student and indicated on the application are returned to the budget and made available to other students.

1. Is the application complete? Is the abstract clear and
   concise?
2. Is the project well-defined and realistic?
3. Has the appropriate faculty sponsor and has he or she
   provided a written endorsement of the project?
4. Is the budget itemized and reasonable?
5. Do the funds requested reflect the kind of support which will
   make a difference in the project?
6. Do the funds requested meet expenses which are not
   covered by the student’s department or program?
7. Can the project be completed in the amount of time
   specified?

Since funds for student research are limited and demand for support is high, this program is competitive. Students are encouraged to consult the “Tips for Successful Grantwriting,” and to prepare the most complete and concise proposal possible.

Applications must include 1) the title of your project 2) a one paragraph (NO MORE THAN 150 WORDS!) abstract of the project written for the general reader, 3) a brief narrative description of the project, and 4) a detailed budget. In the narrative, describe the project and explain how Bates Research funds will support your research efforts. The abstract and narrative should be clearly marked to indicate what it is. Please be concise and protect the environment: do not exceed two (2) pages double-spaced for your narrative.  Abstract and budget may be separate. Please TOTAL your budget. Please also secure a written endorsement of your project by a faculty member and either attach it in the application OR have the faculty member send it via email to Alison Keegan (akeegan@bates.edu).  ALL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 11:59 PM on the DUE DATES ABOVE.

The Bates Student Research Committee is comprised of Wes Chaney, Edili Lopez (ex officio), Nathan Lundblad, and Justine Wiesinger.

Need help figuring out what makes a good proposal? Visit this page for grant writing tips.

Students whose projects involve the use of animal or human subjects must indicate, on the application form and in the narrative, if their project was subject to review by the Animal Care Committee or the Institutional Review Board, and if so, whether the project was approved.

Students who receive Bates Student Research Fund grants should contact the Office of the Dean of the Faculty for information on obtaining reimbursements. Reimbursements must be completed within two weeks of expenditures. No reimbursements for expenses can be secured without receipts. Grantees are expected to keep accurate records of expenses and to submit receipts to the Office of the Dean of the Faculty.  Read carefully the guidelines for reimbursement, there have been changes, especially regarding human subjects reimbursements.

Funds remaining at the conclusion of the project are returned to the BSRF budget.

Supported by the Ellis Fund, the Natt Family Fund, the Sargent Student Research Fund, the Dr. Jason M. Tanzer Fund, the Aaron R. Winkler ‘92 Fund for Biology Research, and the Anthony B. and Raeflyn R. Pelliccia Fund for Student Research.

Remember to save your receipts because we can’t reimburse you without them! For a complete list of guidelines, please visit this site.

Students must submit an application form and all the required materials combined into a single PDF by 11:59PM on the dates listed above.