Grants

1. All researchers listed on the grant proposal must be current members of IVLA at the time of application and throughout the grant period.
2. Graduate student projects are eligible for funding, but a faculty advisor must be listed as a co-applicant.
3. IVLA members whose research was funded in the previous award cycle are not eligible for funding in the next funding cycle.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications should be submitted to the research grants committee chair, Eva Brumberger, via email at Eva.Brumberger@asu.edu.

Applications must include:

1. Cover sheet:
   • Include applicant name(s), institutional affiliations, contact information for the PI, and project title.
2. Abstract (150-200 words):
   • one paragraph overview of the proposed empirical research, including the research question(s), why this question is important, the methods for collecting and analyzing the qualitative or quantitative data, and its significance for the field of visual literacy.
3. Project Proposal (1,500-2,500 words excluding references) with the following information:

• • Problem Statement:

Explain the problem that the research project is addressing and the gaps it seeks to
fill; articulate specific research questions that the project will attempt to answer.

• • Significance:

Describe the significance of this question or problem to the IVLA and its members. Situate the proposed project in the context of existing work in the field, discuss the anticipated results of the project and the potential implications of those results for the study of visual literacy.

• • Methodology:

Outline the proposed method(s) and methodology or data collections and analysis. Include an explanation of why this approach was selected and its appropriateness for the project.

• • Personnel:

Describe the credentials/qualifications of each investigator as they relate to this
particular project.

• • Timeline:

Include a detailed project timeline that indicates the major activities associated with the project and the personnel involved in each.

• • Budget:

Include an itemized budget for the project.

• • Deliverables:

Discuss the plans for disseminating the project results. Please include a statement regarding compliance with the grant requirements and criteria.

• • Curriculum Vitae (CV):

Include a 2-3 page abbreviated CV for each researcher listed on the proposal.

All applications will be blind reviewed by the IVLA research grants committee. Applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision within 1 month of receiving the application.

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Eligibility
   • Applicant is a current member of the IVLA
   • Applicant has not received an IVLA research grant in the previous award cycle
   • Project can be completed within the one-year grant period
2. Contribution to Visual Literacy Research
   • Proposal addresses an important problem or issue that is relevant to IVLA and its
     members
   • Project advances knowledge and practice of visual literacy
   • Proposal makes clear connections to existing research in the field
   • Project is original and innovative
3. Methods and Methodology
   • Proposal clearly explains the research methods and methodology
   • Methods are rigorous and appropriate for the question(s) being asked
   • Researcher has included any necessary IRB approvals
   • The proposed work is matched to the training and experience level of the
     researchers
4. Budget
   • All costs and expenditures are clearly explained and align with the grant criteria
   • Budget items and expenditures are appropriate for the topic and methods
   • The proposed work can be accomplished with the funds requested
   • The potential project outcomes justify the proposed expenses
5. Deliverables
   • The plan for dissemination of the project results is reasonable and aligned with the grant requirementsrec

The research grant period is one year, and the project should be complete within that time
frame; extensions of an additional year may be requested if necessary. Any changes to the
scope of the research project must be submitted to and approved by the research grant committee. Grant recipients are responsible for informing the committee of any changes to their contact information.

Grant recipients are expected to submit the following items:

1. Upon being awarded the grant:
   • Recipients must sign a letter of acknowledgment and
     agreement, accepting the grant and the conditions for completion.
2. At the midway point of the grant period (6 months): 
   • Recipients must provide the research grants committee with a short (1-3 page) progress report on the status of the project, as well as the expenditures to date.
3. Within 12 months of being awarded the grant: 
   • Recipients should submit a proposal to present the findings of the project at the annual IVLA conference. The presentation itself does not need to take place within the 12-month period, but the conference proposal must be submitted within that timeframe.
4. Within 18 months of being awarded the grant:
   • Recipients must provide the committee with a 500-1,500 word final report on the funded project. The report should include a record of expenditures and a plan for dissemination of the work. Any publications or presentations resulting from the research should acknowledge IVLA’s grant support of the project. Recipients should submit any articles based on the project to the Journal of Visual Literacy before submitting them to any other publication.

A check for 50% of the awarded grant amount will be disbursed once the letter of acknowledgment and agreement has been received by the research grants committee. After receipt of the progress report, the next 35% of the grant will be distributed. The remaining 15% of funds will be distributed after the final report has been reviewed by the committee.