Q: Are there resources that I can use to find philanthropic and/or nonprofit funding for my proposal?
A: Yes, below is a general link for you to access this information:
https://libguides.asu.edu/gettingpublished/funding
In addition, below are other links that will provide additional guidance (you will need to use your ASU login information for these):
https://funding.asu.edu/search-for-funding/philanthropic-funding
https://fconline-foundationcenter-org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/fdo-search/member-index/
Q: Can a seed grant be used for conference travel?
A: No, conference travel will not be supported. Please apply to your college or school for travel funds.
Q: Do fellowships (e.g. covering faculty sabbatical salary or postdoctoral salary) fulfill the external funding requirement for the ISSR seed grant program?
A: No, fellowship applications designed to cover faculty or postdoc salary do not qualify for ISSR funding. To fulfill the external funding requirement, you must apply for research funds. (Note: Fellowship and career grants that are intended to support research would fulfill this requirement. Some examples include but are not limited to: Fulbright research awards, NSF CAREER awards, or Guggenheim research awards, however, you will need to make your case explaining how the award fits ISSR criteria).
Q: Is my department required to provide matching funds if I receive an ISSR seed grant?
A: No, matching funds are not required for any seed grant.
Q: Can Post Docs apply for ISSR Seed Funding?
A: With dean and/or department approval, the ISSR will support post docs. This will usually require a faculty member to be listed as the co-PI on the external grant.
Q: Can a graduate student apply for ISSR Seed Funding?
A: No, a graduate student cannot apply, however they can participate in the faculty research project
Q: Can I use the seed grant to cover summer salary or a course buy out?
A: No, the seed grant cannot be used for this purpose. The funds can be used to hire an FA to teach your course with dean or departmental letter indicating approval.
Q: Can two colleagues apply separately for the seed grant using the same proposal?
A: No, only one person can submit the proposal for a seed grant. You may have as many co-pi's on the proposal as you want. Proposals can only be funded once.
Q: I am still in the process of identifying the best grant program for my project. Can I still apply if I don't have a specific program targeted for the external grant?
A: No, since the goal of the seed funds is to produce a fundable external grant, we require that you: (1) have a specific program or programs identified: (2) consult by email or telephone with the program manager; and (3) report the results of that consultation. For the agencies that don't allow prior contact with program managers, we require that you explain how the award will fit the ISSR criteria.
Q: Do I need to figure the 8.5% ASC fee into my budget outline and include it in the total amount requested?
A: Yes, we will only fund what is in your budget, so we ask that you include the ASC fee into your total budget.
Last updated: 12/02/2025