Research and Creative Work Grant

Grant applications are currently closed.

Overview

Enriching and generative engagement among experts and community partners demands rigorous attention to ideologically and pragmatically theorizing what it means to work collaboratively. Working together necessitates empirical research and demands critical design both within and outside of disciplinary expertise to create impactful projects, platforms, publications, and other models that identify and address specific needs and topics. 

To do this kind of work methodically and conscientiously, AAP is dedicated to supporting the time and attention meaningful community collaboration exacts. Research and Creative Work Grants allow faculty and students to develop meticulously thought-out modes of engagement in their work and to foster symbiotic partnerships.

Award

Faculty — Up to $7,500
Students — Up to $3,500

Timeframe

Application open: January 14, 2026

Due: March 6, 2026

Eligibility

• Open to all AAP faculty and students. 
• All applicants must be Cornell AAP affiliated in the 26–27 academic year.
• All applicants must have a Cornell AAP affiliation at the beginning of their proposed project to receive grant funds.

Application Materials

Formatting

Helvetica regular font; 10pt font size. 

Three-page proposal

Your proposal should outline what your project is, who is involved, and what its deliverables will be. You should clearly articulate how the work addresses a specific community interest, problem, or public concern; how the work includes working with and learning from a community partner; how the work connects and integrates community-engaged experiences with educational content; and how you will incorporate structured, documented critical reflection into the work. Additionally, you should introduce any community partners, explain why you are collaborating with them, and include a timeline that considers longevity after this project concludes and a budget outline.

Condensed CV or resume

Your condensed CV or resume should only include projects relevant to what you are proposing. Please do not include more than 15 projects.

One-sentence summary

As directly as possible: What is your project?

Short response

How will this project address a specific community interest, problem, or public concern? How will you document critical reflection on its engagement?

Community partners

In your proposal, you should provide details about the nature of any collaborations as well as a rationale for the partnership. Here, please provide a list of community partners, including names of key collaborators and contact information. (AAP defines community partners as non-corporate and non-government groups, organizations, or public entities that share the college's commitment to equity and dialogue.)

Letter of collaboration

Provide a letter written by your community partner that expresses support for your proposed project or collaboration.

Budget breakdown

Present all costs with relevant detail and purpose.

Budget total

Simply state the total amount you are requesting.

Questions and Additional Information

For questions and additional information, please contact Sydney Boyd, Program Manager for Strategic Initiatives.