President’s Innovation Fund

Priority will be given to projects aligned with the goals of Canisius University's strategic plan, Answer the Call, with the potential to be revenue positive within three years. A maximum of 10 microgrants of up to $20,000 will be awarded each year. PIF grants may be renewable for up to three years. After three years of PIF funding, projects with proven positive impact will be eligible for inclusion in the divisional annual operational budget. Annual progress reports are required for subsequent funding consideration, and decisions are made alongside regular application reviews during the academic year. Projects deemed non-viable following review of progress reports will not automatically receive continued funding. 

Full-time Canisius faculty and staff are eligible to submit proposals for grant funding from the PIF. The applicant must also serve as the project lead if funding is awarded. Individuals may participate in multiple proposals per award cycle but can lead only one project.

Proposals must be submitted by May 1. Decisions will be made by May 31. Grant funding will be dispersed beginning on September 1.

Proposals must be submitted via the Google Form and include: 

• Cover Page

• Proposal Narrative*

• Letter of support from the project lead’s supervisor, or Dean, or Vice President (only one letter necessary)

• Estimated Budget*

* See below for more details

Optional: 

• Letter(s) of collaboration from project co-participants

• Other funding sources besides the PIF

The budget should include:

• Overall estimated expenses

• Estimated line item expenses

• A brief narrative explaining each budget item 

• Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to: travel, supplies, equipment, and data collection support. Funds must be used within the allocated year unless special extensions are approved.

The proposal narrative should not exceed three pages and must include:
 

• Project Title
• Project Description: What is the challenge/issue being addressed? How will the project address the challenge/issue identified? What is the potential impact of the project? What evidence/data supports the identification of challenge/issue and the potential of the project to address the challenge/issue identified? What makes the project innovative? What are the risks to the project’s success and how will those risks be mitigated? What additional institutional support, e.g., equipment, physical resources, is needed for the project to succeed?
• Relation to Strategic Plan: Which strategic plan goal(s) is/are addressed by the project? Explain how the project relates to identified strategic plan goal(s)?
• Key Objectives & Measurable Outcomes: What are the project’s key objectives, measurable outcomes and success criteria? Provide a timeline of proposed project activities. Describe how the project has potential to support revenue generation, if applicable.
• Suitability for PIF: Why is the project suitable for funding from the PIF?

All proposals will be reviewed and evaluated based on the criteria listed below. Selected proposals may require presentations to the Senior Leadership Team for further discussion.

1. Alignment with the strategic plan

2. Potential impact on university revenue over the next three years

3. Demonstrated collaboration with campus partners

4. Requested level of resources

5. Likelihood of successful completion

Proposals not recommended for funding will receive a written proposal evaluation and may choose to revise and resubmit the proposal in the future.

Annual reports are required within 30 days after each funding year. Supplemental information will be provided in advance of the deadline, but reports will be required to detail objectives, outcomes, expenditures, and progress. Reports are to be submitted to the Office of the President for review, and continued funding may depend on project viability and progress.

1. Am I able to submit a personnel request through the President’s Innovation Fund?
   
   No, proposals for the President’s Innovation Fund may not be for additional faculty or staff members. These requests must go through the annual operational budget process.
   
   

2. I have an idea, but I would like some clarification on alignment with the strategic plan. Who can I ask for help?
   
   Members of the Senior Leadership Team are conversation partners to work through proposals and planning. You may reach out to any member of the Senior Leadership Team to work with you to make your proposals most effective.
   
   

3. I’ve created my proposal, but I need some data to strengthen my proposal. Who do I ask?
   
   The following campus partners are prepared to assist with data inquiries:

            Danielle Ianni: Enrollment & Marketing

            Ron Haberer: Financial & Budgeting

            Lauren Young: Institutional Research

            Lisa Seely: Classroom capacities and utilization

4. May I request furniture or upgrades/improvements to physical spaces on campus? 
   
   No, proposals for the President’s Innovation Fund may not include capital requests. These requests must also go through the annual operational budget process.