Core Facility Assistance Grant Program (CFAG)—FAQs

Funds are limited. The goal is to fund as many impactful proposals as possible. The maximum award for category 2 is $20K. Although there are no upper limits for categories (1) and (2), proposals that demonstrate greater impact at a lower budget will be viewed favorably by the review panel. 

Yes, multiple proposals from a core director or PI may be submitted and potentially funded. PIs, working with Core Directors, can also apply for funding through the Core Facility Voucher Program available through a link on the Shared Instrumentation website.. 

Yes, a proposal may address more than one category. The review panel will view proposals that address more than one category favorably.

The start and end dates are July 1, of the award year to June 30, of the following year. We aim to fund the selected projects by June 30.. Awardees will then have up to one year from that funding start date to complete the project.

No. Funds cannot be used for salaries. 

No. Funding requests cannot be used to eliminate past deficits.

Yes. If your project involves cost-share, letters of support outlining financial commitments must clearly and explicitly demonstrate the availability and source of funds.

Reviews will start immediately following the close of the application submission window with notifications of funding within 30 days from the close of the application period.  All awardees are notified on or before June 30. Final notification will be on or before June 30..

Proposals will be initially screened to ensure projects meet eligibility criteria. Proposals are reviewed by a review panel comprising Core Directors and PIs. The majority of the panel must recommend funding based on the following criteria outlined in the solicitation.

• Impact: Benefit to core facility operations, users and enhanced safety of the University’s research infrastructure. 
• Technical Expertise: Merit and quality of research and its potential to advance knowledge relevant to core facilities. 

Inter-/multidisciplinarity: Potential to foster collaborations and partnerships across scientific research disciplines; team development for future collaborations centered on core facilities.

Conflicts of interest will be avoided at all costs. Reviewers will be asked to disclose any potential conflicts before agreeing to serve on the review panel. 

Prior collaborations and departmental, financial and familial conflicts are generally avoided.