Southwest establishes Innovation Grant Funds to fuel success; Now accepting applications

Innovation

Southwest Tennessee Community College proudly announces the establishment of two internal innovation grant opportunities; The Student Success Council (SSC) Grant Fund and the Institutional Affairs Council (IAC) Grant Fund. The SSC and IAC will follow a competitive, internal grant process to provide targeted funding to explore innovative approaches to enhancing student success and overall institutional effectiveness.

Faculty, staff, and administrators are invited to submit proposals for the 2020-2021 budget year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). Priority will be given to initiatives that closely align with the Focus 2020 strategic priorities of Focus on Students and Focus on Excellence and have the greatest impact on student success and institutional improvement.

IAC proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2020, and SSC proposals are due by 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2020. Awards will be announced to the respective departments by May 13, 2020. Funds will be available July 1.

The IAC and SSC will administer the application process and review, evaluate and score proposals based on the following criteria:

  • Support of College’s strategic plan,
  • Proposed impact,
  • Project goals and measurable outcomes, and
  • Implementation plan, budget, and project assessment plan.

The innovation funds are made possible through an annual institutional commitment of $20,000, with equal distributions to both councils. This year, through the generosity of the Southwest Foundation, additional one-time funding can support special projects submitted through the Student Success Council Grant process.