Call for Proposals: Preventing Genocide & Mass Atrocities

Call for Proposals
2014-15 Academic Years
“Genocide & Mass Atrocities: Responsibility to Prevent”

Preliminary Proposals due November 4, 2013

The steering committee associated with the University of Oregon initiative “Genocide &

Mass Atrocities: Responsibility to Prevent” invites proposals to fulfill its mission as

stated below.

 

“Genocide and Mass Atrocities: Responsibility to Prevent” strives to harness the rich

scholarship and experience of academics, policymakers, and advocates around the world

to establish a movement toward lasting change in both international and domestic

contexts. It is an effort to bridge scholarship and advocacy, while raising awareness,

engaging the campus community, and encouraging action.

 

Through a generous commitment from the Carlton Raymond and Wilberta Ripley Savage

Endowment for International Relations and Peace, the initiative will provide up to

$20,000 annually to support eligible programs proposed by UO faculty, staff, and

students. Because this is the second year of the proposal and award process, we are

limited in our ability to provide historical information about average award amounts.

 

Applicants are encouraged to consider one-year or two-year proposals. The second year

of funding for two-year proposals will be contingent upon demonstrated progress

consistent with the project timeline during year one.

 

Selection Process & Criteria

The selection committee consists of university faculty, staff, and students from a number

of disciplines.

 

This initiative seeks to support a variety of projects and/or programs that effectively

address the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities. Successful applications will

propose research, education, or action intended to reduce the likelihood of future

genocide or mass atrocities. Proposals should explain how the committee’s investment

can be leveraged to have continuing effects. The selection committee will focus on the

following criteria when reviewing proposals:

 

  • Potential for the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities
  • Feasibility of the project/program as described
  • Capacity of the individual or organization to complete the project (or implement the program) successfully during the indicated timeframe
  • Scale of impact
  • Potential for amplification/multiplier effect
  • Sustainability - potential for continuation and/or replication beyond funding period

 

In addition, the committee may consider:

  • Strength of links to the undergraduate community and level of student involvement
  • Strength of links with national and international organizations
  • Strength of links between groups (student/faculty, community/university, crossdisciplinary,etc.)
  • Value of the project/program to the university community
  • Degree to which the project/program incorporates and/or encourages action/advocacy
  • Degree to which the project/program incorporates, elevates or places at the forefront indigenous voices and works to reduce ethnocentrism
  • Relationship to other initiative activities

 

Duties and Conditions

1) Proposals must be related to the prevention of genocide and mass atrocities.

2) Proposed programs or projects must commence no earlier than June 16, 2014. The funded portion must be completed no later than June 30, 2015 for one-year projects/programs or June 30, 2016 for two-year projects/programs. If the grantee is unable to use the award during the period for which the award is initially granted, the award is forfeited. Awards cannot be deferred; however, the grantee may reapply during the subsequent application period.

3) Proposed programs or projects must be independently administered. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to independently organize and administer the project successfully.

4) Applicants’ home department or unit must oversee administration and proper stewardship of the funds, in accordance with OUS rules and in coordination with the Office of International Affairs, from which the award funds will be dispersed. Community members or students may partner with an existing UO department or unit to fulfill this requirement. If applicable, please indicate such in preliminary proposal.

5) Details of any relevant project/program events (dates, times, locations, speakers, open registration for a new course, etc.) will be provided to the initiative steering committee as early as possible, preferably three months prior to the item(s) of relevance.

6) Projects and programs must include “Genocide & Mass Atrocities: Responsibility to Prevent” and “The Carlton Raymond and Wilberta Ripley Savage Endowment for International Relations and Peace” as supporters on all printed materials, websites, and outreach communications, including press releases and event notifications. The initiative steering committee must review and approve all written outreach and advertising/publicity regarding funded programs and projects prior to publication.

7) Within one month of completion of all work associated with the award, the grantee will submit a report to the initiative steering committee. Such report will include a description of how the funds were used, an explanation of funded activities, and a summary of the outcomes achieved through the grant, as well as through the project/program as a whole.

8) Applicants should propose new programs/projects or propose to enhance ongoing programs/projects.

9) The applicant or committee may propose a cooperative agreement such that the initiative steering committee will work together with the applicant to further the project as a condition of the award.

10) Applicants should, whenever possible, collaborate with the committee to integrate students pursuing related coursework or activities in project/program activities supported by grant funding.

 

Application Process

Phase I: Interested applicants should submit a preliminary proposal that includes the

following components:

  • Two-page project/program summary
  • Estimated project/program budget
  • Estimated timeline
  • Signature indicating support from Dean or Department Head, including willingness to oversee administration of award funds should the proposed project/program be selected to receive funding.

 

Proposals must be written in language accessible to readers from several disciplines. The preliminary proposal is intended to provide the necessary information for the selection of finalists who will be invited to submit full proposals. Preliminary proposals should be provided as Word documents to ljohns10@uoregon.edu by 5 p.m. on November 4, 2013.

 

Phase II: The steering committee will contact applicants being considered by November 15, 2013 and will invite this select group of applicants to submit fuller proposals to be received by December 4, 2013. Phase II proposals should include the following:

 

1) Cover letter (one page maximum) that includes a summary of the program or project, the amount of the request, and contact information (including email address) for all applicants.

2) Description of the project (10-page maximum). Describe the nature and significance of the proposed program or project, target audience/participants, a plan of work, volunteers and/or staff who will carry out the program or project, and other relevant information, including publicity plans if applicable. Please indicate if there are co-sponsors and include timelines for planning and executing the program or project. Describe how the impact of the project will be empirically evaluated. Proposals should address any links between units and groups, as well as between the university and the local, national, or international community.

3) Statement of qualifications and resume (resumes limited to two pages per person). Please describe your qualifications to carry out the program or project. Explain your experience in administering similar projects and your capacity to complete the project. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate strong departmental support.

4) Project budget and amount requested (Grant Request). Please include a detailed budget for the project or program and the amount requested from this initiative funding committee. Please indicate other sources of support and any cosponsors. Be sure to include expenses for outreach and publicity.

5) Supporting materials. Additional materials are NOT required. If, however, your proposal relates to curriculum development or other programs that warrant supplemental materials, please do include them. If you submit supporting materials, please limit them to a maximum of four pages.

Proposals must be written in language accessible to readers from several disciplines.
 

Phase II proposals should be provided as Word documents to ljohns10@uoregon.edu by 5:00p.m. on December 4, 2013.

 

Phase III: Applicants whose full proposals are under consideration will be invited to interview with committee members in mid-January.

 

Projects selected to receive funding for the following academic year will be announced by mid-February 2014.

 

Please direct inquiries and applications to Laura Johnson at ljohns10@uoregon.edu.