UCAR President’s Advisory Committee for University Relations (PACUR) has established a community engagement fund, funded by the UCAR President's Office, with the goal of building and extending the UCAR community through: 

• Building community capacity for interdisciplinary, convergent, and use-oriented research
• Applying UCAR science to address the needs of historically underserved communities
• Enhancing instruction relating to UCAR science at all education levels and improving the dissemination of UCAR research to policy makers and to the public.
• Increasing the diversity of participants in UCAR research and supporting the entry into and success within UCAR research of people from historically underrepresented groups.

The PCEF funds will be awarded annually through a competitive award process. PCEF  proposals are invited for activities that advance the above goals. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, workshops that build authentic and interdisciplinary partnerships, short courses or other educational and outreach opportunities for students or stakeholders, and public participatory science. Activities favored for PCEF support are those that are not readily supported by existing institutional or research grant funds.

What may be proposed?

Activities for this year’s PCEF support should  be carried out during summer or fall 2024 or early in 2025. Proposed activities can address any of the above-listed goals of PCEF. Proposals should state explicitly how they will help to build an engaged community around UCAR science.

Who may apply?

Proposals must be led by a UCAR Member Institution and include at least one other partnering institution and/or a UCP/NCAR Lab, Program, or Center. Partnering institutions need not be UCAR members. Higher consideration will be given to proposals that also include a UCAR/NCAR lab or program. 

How may funds be used?

Funds must be spent for a new activity  (not to supplement an existing one). The activity may, however, coincide with an existing community meeting or activity. Proposals can include support for expert facilitators, speakers, travel support, host facilities, including the use of virtual meeting platforms, publications, materials and supplies, and catering, but no alcohol. Proposals can allow up to 26% indirect rate and the budget may include administrative support. Joint funding or co-sponsorship is welcome, but not required. Any co-sponsorship should be fully described within the proposal. Limited salary support for senior project personnel is allowed, but must be justified within the proposal. Project funds must be spent within one year of their allocation.

Number and size of awards

The goal of this program is to fund between 3-5 activities depending on the amounts requested. Requests should not exceed $50,000. 

Timeline

• October 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024: applications accepted
• January-February 2024: Proposal reviews
• March 2024: awards announced
• Activities should be completed within 12 months of when the award is granted.

Application process

Proposals will be evaluated based on all of the following: 

• Project summary (1 page) 
• Project description (maximum of 3 pages) that addresses the following:
  • How will the proposed activity build relationships and engagement within and beyond the UCAR community? 
  • What other universities and or UCAR/NCAR Lab, Program or Center are partnering on this project? (At least one partnering entity is required.)
  • How will it contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion within and beyond the UCAR community?
  • A list of all entities and organizations that will be invited to participate in the activity.
  • A statement of specific outcomes that will benefit the UCAR community.
  • A plan for disseminating workshop results (examples include an article for EOS or BAMS, posting to the UCAR Commons, and/or contributions to social media)
• A proposed list of participants (types, groups, or invited speakers and facilitators, not specific individual attendees)
• A detailed budget, including contributions from any co-sponsors - include proposed schedule of payment of funds over the life of the award (example: 30% at start/execution, 20% at midway, 50% at end or 50% at the start and 50% at the end)
• For the lead institution and for each partnering entity
  • The name and contact information for the lead person 
  • A 2-page CV for that person
  • A brief statement how that entity will contribute to/participate in the proposed activity

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• How well does the proposed activity meet the goals of the PCEF?
• How well does the proposed activity achieve and assess specific outcomes that benefit the UCAR community?
• Can the proposed activity be successfully completed within the performance period?
• How well will the proposed activity promote collaboration and engagement across the UCAR community?

Submit your application here.

Questions?

Email Rachel Dammann at rdammann@ucar.edu for more information.