Venture Grant Application Process

Eligible Requests

We support projects from faculty and staff within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs, the Division of Administration and University Outreach, and Intercollegiate Athletics.

We do not approve projects for the purpose of funding:

• Scholarships
• Faculty/staff salary or benefits (not grant specific)
• Curriculum development
• Basic day-to-day operational expenses
• Costs for capital projects such as renovation, restoration, rehabilitation, or construction

Grant Requirements

Grantees are expected to complete the project within the planned timeline.

• Grantees must expend award funds according to plans outlined in submitted proposals.
• Funds may not be expended for generally related purposes.
• Support of the NIU Foundation must be acknowledged in any communication/publicity/publications related to the funded project/grant purpose ("This program was made possible in part by support from the Northern Illinois University Foundation").
• Grantees must submit a final report to the grants committee; generally one year after grant is awarded. This report will be shared with the NIU Foundation Board of Directors.
• Changes to timetable, budget, or goals of approved projects must be submitted in writing and approved by the grants committee. An interim report and budget revision will be required.
• In the event that a project director or account signer needs to hand over their duties to another party during the project, the following is required:
  • Contact your NIU Foundation staff liaisons and financial services team with the new director/account signer name.
  • Email a brief explanation for the change and any impact this may have on the project.
  • Arrange a time for the incoming director/account signer to complete the required Venture Grant orientation.

Grant Review Process

Proposals meeting the stated criteria shall be reviewed by the provost or respective vice-president and forwarded to the NIU Foundation Grants Committee.

• All other proposals from eligible divisions that meet the stated criteria shall be considered by the committee.
• We will acknowledge your application within two weeks of its receipt.
• Finalists may be asked to meet with the grants committee for further clarification of proposals.
• The grants committee will determine final approval and notify the NIU Foundation Board of Directors of their selections.
• Applicants will be informed in writing of the grants committee's decisions in mid-December.
• We will contact you if we have questions or require additional information.

To Apply

Please submit an application containing all of the items specified below, including all requested attachments. Your application must include:

1. Signature Sheet for Venture Grant Funding
2. Summary of Proposal (approximately 250 words)
   The summary should describe the methods, goals, and significance of the project. Summary proposals must be clear, readable, and free of technical jargon. The significance of the project should be understandable to someone outside the field of specialization.
3. Narrative (no more than 3 pages)that includes:
   • Specific description of the project to be funded and a research plan detailing current work and work to be accomplished during the grant year.
   • Clear connection to Background, Purpose, Strategic Imperatives, and Priorities detailed on page 1of this Guidelines document.
4. Project Budget including expenses, income, and available matching funds.
5. Appendices (Attachments)
   • Support letters or endorsements (maximum of two)
     • Applications from within Academic Affairs must come with letters of support from the department chair or director, as appropriate, and the dean.
     • Applications from within the Division of Administration and University Outreach and Intercollegiate Athletics must come with letters of support from the applicant's supervisor and the Vice-President for Administration and University Outreach or Associate Vice President/Director of Athletics.
   • One page vitae or biographical sheet

Download Sample Proposals 

Huskie Enterprise in Leadership and Philanthropy (PDF)

Exploring New Earthly Realms (PDF)

Engaging Student Learning through Highly Interactive Virtual Environments (PDF)