AIM Fund Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the AIM Fund?
The AIM Fund was initiated in 2008-2009 by President Underwood to encourage faculty creativity and collaborative projects that enhance teaching or scholarship.
What does the AIM Fund do?
The AIM Fund provides seed money to initiate interdisciplinary projects with the potential (1) to become self-sustaining and (2) to have national significance or impact.
How does a project become self-sustaining?
A project becomes self-sustaining either through continuing external funding, increased student enrollments, or new endowment income.
How do you submit an AIM proposal?
You must build a team of faculty across disciplines and/or schools who are willing to work together on a collaborative project, submit a Letter of Intent to develop a Proposal, outline the team’s proposal in a 10-page narrative application with a preliminary budget, get the signatures of all proposed team members and their deans on a cover sheet, and submit the Proposal both electronically and on hard copy.
How do I get more information about the submission and review process?
The templates for the Letter of Intent, the Cover Sheet and Application Narrative, and the Budget are posted on the Provost’s Web site, along with Submission Guidelines and a description of the Evaluation Process for Proposals.
How much funding is available?
One-year Feasibility Studies may request a maximum of $35,000. Two-year Pilot Projects can request a maximum of $200,000.
How competitive is the process?
The process is competitive, with 4 out of 12 proposals funded in 2009-2010. Copies of the successful applications from 2008-2009 are posted on the Web site.
Who makes the decision about funding?
The AIM Fund Committee (AFC) reviews all proposals submitted and recommends highly qualified proposals to the Provost for consideration. President Underwood makes the final decision, based on recommendations from the Provost.
Is the Provost or President bound to follow the AFC's recommendations?
The Provost and President consider only proposals recommended by the AFC. The AFC is advisory, however, and does not determine the final awards.
How was the AFC appointed?
The AFC has 10 members; the House of Delegates appoints 6 members and the President appoints 3 members. Peter Brown, Senior Vice Provost, is an ex officio member. Members have staggered 3-year appointments.
What happens if a member of the AFC is also part of a team submitting a proposal?
Any Committee member who is listed as a team member on a proposal will recuse him or herself from any discussion or decision involving that proposal.
How can I get help preparing a proposal?
You may contact any member of the Committee or Peter Brown for assistance with the process or to answer questions about the AIM Fund. The Committee members are listed on the Web site.