The Transdisciplinary Global South Community-Based Learning Program Development Grant will support costs associated with the development and implementation of transdisciplinary community-based learning programs focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or other Global South issues (in alignment with the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy priorities). The grant is funded by the Office of the Provost and administratively supported by Illinois International.

The purpose of the grant is to develop University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students’ global competencies through community-driven global experiential learning and service models. The grant will support costs associated with the collaborative design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of the proposed programs.

Eligibility

Tenured, tenure-track, adjunct, or departmentally approved specialized faculty or instructors from any academic unit at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Awards

Up to $10,000 per participating academic discipline for program development and an additional $3,000 per participating academic discipline specifically for faculty stipends. A minimum of two disciplines is required. Participation of more than two is preferred and highly encouraged. Total fund availability for this grant initiative is $156,000.

Award Conditions

A minimum $2,500 commitment from each participating academic department to support the development of the program.
The program must be offered in equal partnership with a community located in a Global South country (as defined by the United Nations’ Finance Center for South-South Cooperation). It must advance mutually beneficial relationships with extensive application of experiential pedagogy principles and adherence to the Guidelines for Community Engaged Learning Experiences Abroad developed by The Forum on Education Abroad.
Participation in an experiential pedagogy training applied to learning abroad is required.
Programs must be focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or other Global South issues.
The credit-bearing course(s) offered under this grant program must be team-taught by at least two faculty members from different academic disciplines (e.g., the problem to be addressed is environmental justice for citizens of Peronia City in Guatemala and the courses offered will address the needs of the Peronia community from the perspective/disciplines of law and environmental science).
All university international travel policies apply, including export control regulations, and must be verified prior to program departure.
Eligible expenses include:
Faculty travel expenses for planning purposes (e.g., community identification, agreement development, needs assessment). Expenses may include visas, economy airfare, lodging, and per diem.
Faculty travel expenses for program implementation. Expenses may include visas, economy airfare, lodging, and per diem.
Faculty stipends up to $3,000 per discipline.
Direct program related expenses (e.g., local partner expenses and program marketing).
Ineligible expenses include salaries, equipment for individual use, or student scholarships.
Funding will be provided on a reimbursable basis.

Application Documents

The application should be submitted by the lead department on behalf of the entire coordinating team. The lead department will be responsible for the management of funds, coordination with on-site community partners, and submission of the final report to Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange.

Executive Summary. Up to one page specifically addressing how the program goals align with the priorities of the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy, as well as the needs of the local community.
Detailed Proposal. Up to five pages discussing the following:
Description of the local community and their overall needs.
Joint identification of the community need(s) and the transdisciplinary approach to address it.
Joint articulation of program goals; expected global learning outcomes, key activities, and metrics of success.
Monitoring and evaluation plans.
Program sustainability plans (i.e., beyond the life of the grant).
Itemized Budget with Narrative. Narrative should briefly explain each expense item.
Project Timeline. Up to one page outline of the specific milestones in the program development process.
Letter of Program Approval/Support. Sent from the college or school administrator with oversight of international programs/activities.
Faculty CV(s). Limited to two-page for each program leader that includes information most relevant to the proposal.

Proposal Review Criteria

Executive Summary

Provides a clear overview of the proposed program.
Demonstrates direct alignment of the program goals with the priorities of the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy, as well as the needs of the local community.

Proposal

Jointly developed program goals clearly align with the priorities of the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy.
Specific, measurable, and relevant global learning outcomes.
Clear articulation of the transdisciplinary approach to real-life community needs in equitable partnership with a local community.
Brief outline of the roles and responsibilities between the two leading departments.
Direct link between community and/or organization’s needs, goals, outcomes, and learning activities.
Sound monitoring and evaluation, as well as a sustainability plan beyond the life of the grant.

Project Timeline

Clear articulation of milestones to be met.

Itemized Budget & Narrative

Clear, accurate, and complete budget.
Explicit link between program goals, outcomes, and budget.
Description of other sources that will be used to support the program (if applicable). Additional departmental support is highly encouraged.

Letter of Approval/Support

Letter issued by college or school administrator overseeing international programs.
Letter notes the importance of the activity for the school or college.

CV of Applicant(s)

Two-page CV. It should include information most relevant to the proposal.

Post-Award Requirements

Successful grant recipients will be required to complete in the following:

Outcomes Report. An outcomes report is due to Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange (IAGE) within 45 days after the conclusion of the program. The report should summarize the activities completed and provide primary outcomes achieved by the grant award.
Public Presentation. If requested, a willingness to present information about the funded activity to a university-wide audience during an Illinois International sponsored event.
Share Experience. While the exact format may vary, the program leaders or participating students will be asked to share their perspective and experience to help inform future grantees and promote the university’s Vision 2030 Global Strategy.

Deadlines

Submission – Proposals are due January 15, 2024. To submit, use the online Webtools form.
Notification – Award notifications will be sent by February 15, 2024.
Activity Period – All grant supported activities should occur between May 15, 2024, and June 30, 2025. An extension may be granted with reasonable justifications.
Final Report – A summary of project outcomes (1-2 pages) is due within 45 days after the completion of the project.