Collaborative Research

Do I have to apply through Grants.gov? Yes. All applications to this program, both from institutions and from individuals, must be submitted via Grants.gov. Instructions are in the guidelines.

May I apply for a Collaborative Research grant as an individual, or must I apply through my institution? Only adjunct faculty and those who are not affiliated with a U.S. nonprofit institution with IRS 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status may apply as individuals. Individuals affiliated with such an institution must ordinarily apply through that institution. If the project can be better hosted by a different institution, they may then apply through it.

I applied for a grant last year and was unsuccessful. Will this be held against me if I apply again this year? No. NEH regards all applications as new applications.

I am not a U.S. citizen, but I am a legal resident. Am I eligible to apply as an individual for a Collaborative Research grant? Yes, if you will have been a resident of the U.S. for at least the three years immediately prior to the deadline.

I am a U.S. citizen teaching at a foreign university. Am I eligible to apply for a Collaborative Research grant? Yes. You may apply directly to the program as an individual, or you may apply through a sponsoring U.S. institution.

I am a U.S. citizen collaborating with someone from another country. May I include this person on the project budget? Yes, collaborators may be from other countries.

I am a graduate student completing my Ph.D.. May I apply for a Collaborative Research grant? No. Persons enrolled in academic programs are not eligible to apply for Collaborative Research grants. If you have passed your dissertation defense and are waiting for the conferring of your degree, you are eligible to apply if you are a U.S. citizen or will have been a resident of the U.S. for at least the three years immediately prior to the deadline. In this situation, you must submit a letter from the dean or a member of your doctoral committee testifying to your eligibility.

Do I need to have an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. to apply for a Collaborative Research grant? No. However, your résumé should include publications, presentations, and other related experience that demonstrates your ability to carry out the project you are proposing.

How many collaborators must a project have to qualify for a Collaborative Research grant? Collaborative Research projects must have at least two participants.

May a Collaborative Research grant be used for an interdisciplinary project? Interdisciplinary projects are allowed and even encouraged. Résumés of the participants should demonstrate pertinent expertise.

My project is a conference. Do I need commitments to participate from all invited conference participants before applying? No. However, it is preferable to have commitments from as many participants as possible.

May I apply to translate a work into English if an English translation of it already exists? Yes. However, the problems or inadequacies of the earlier translations of the work should be explained in the narrative.

What help is available for applicants? The staff of the Collaborative Research program will answer questions and review drafts of proposals submitted at least six weeks before the deadline. A response cannot be guaranteed if the draft arrives later. You may contact staff by telephone (202-606-8200) or e-mail (collaborative@neh.gov). In addition, you may request copies of proposals that have been successful.

My application for a Collaborative Research grant was unsuccessful. Is there anything I can do to increase my chances for success next time? You may ask for copies of evaluators' comments about your project. Requests should be filed by e-mail (collaborative@neh.gov). You may also submit a draft proposal for comment by NEH staff up to six weeks prior to the deadline.