Graduate Research Awards Demonstrating Excellence

The Graduate Research Awards Demonstrating Excellence (GRADE) is a semi-annual competition for graduate students working in the humanities and arts to support conference participation where students present a paper or perform or display their work for those in the arts. Applicants who come from units outside of traditional arts and humanities fields should amply demonstrate how their work engages with multi- and inter-disciplinary arts and humanities methods and archives. 

  Deadline

FALL 2025
September 15
Note: The CHA cannot fund projects retroactively.

SPRING/SUMMER 2026
February 15
Note: The CHA cannot fund projects retroactively.
 

Award 

Domestic Travel: $850
International Travel: $1200

Please note that starting January 1, 2025, this award may affect your financial aid package. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be full-time master's or doctoral-level graduate student
  • Applicants must be participating in a conference presenting their own work
  • Applicants applying for summer research awards must be enrolled in coursework the following fall
  • Applicants may not receive more than one GRADE per academic year
  • In an effort to serve graduate students working in arts and humanities at CU Boulder, applicants who have not been previously funded by this award will be prioritized
  • Award recipients are responsible to fulfill and request approval to travel according to existing CU policy.  For more information, visit CU’s travel page
  • If the conference you plan to attend is virtual and no travel is required, please apply. The GRADE award will cover your conference registration fee.
  • Applicants should demonstrate how their research connects to arts and humanities and their commitment to arts and humanities. Applicants who come from units outside of traditional arts and humanities fields should amply demonstrate how their work engages with multi- and inter-disciplinary arts and humanities methods and archives.
  • Funds must be spent in the granting period (fiscal year) in which they are awarded. Unused funds should be returned to the CHA prior to fiscal year-end.
  • If a student will be using the Hazel Barnes Flat, they cannot apply for a GRADE to fund their research in the UK while they are using the Hazel Barnes Flat and if they have accepted the Schwalbe travel award (which is $1500 for graduate students). A student can refuse the Schwalbe award and accept a GRADE; however, the Schwalbe supplies more money than a GRADE.
  • Funding will not be granted retroactively. 

Application Procedure

Complete the Application Form. You will need the following:

  • Personal Information (name, email, department affiliation, student ID)
  • Project Title
  • Destination (Conference location)
  • Dates of Conference
  • Project Proposal: submit a single document (PDF) including:
    1. Project details: Explain how attending this conference to present your research relates to your dissertation, thesis, or other research or creative work project (1-2 pages)
    2. Budget: include itemized expenses (conference registration fee, airfare, accommodations, shuttle, per diem, etc.) (1-page)
    3. A copy of the letter or email confirming acceptance to the conference or showing an invitation to participate in a performance or exhibit
  • Optional: Letter of support from an advisor or faculty member, submitted with the application

Selection Criteria

Applications are reviewed by a rotating committee. The excellence of the project is the main criterion for selection. Applicants should demonstrate how their research connects to arts and humanities and their commitment to arts and humanities. Applicants who come from units outside of traditional arts and humanities fields should amply demonstrate how their work engages with multi- and inter-disciplinary arts and humanities methods and archives. 

Expectations

  • Within one month of the completion of the grant period, recipients are required to submit a final report summarizing the project and describing the impact on your research.
  • Acknowledgment of the Center for Humanities & the Arts (CHA) is required on all promotional/published materials for projects funded by the CHA. Use this language for credit: “This project is supported, in part, by a grant from the Center for Humanities & the Arts”
  • Download the Center for Humanities & the Arts logo here.

  Apply Here 

Questions? Email chagrants@colorado.edu

For other Center for Humanities & the Arts (CHA) graduate student opportunities, visit our webpage: www.colorado.edu/cha/funding-and-resources/graduate-student-opportunities