1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Research-Grant Program is designed to encourage and facilitate research efforts by members of Iota Theta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.  It is intended to enhance the individual member's scholarship and ability to pursue research activities in all areas related to nursing.  This program supports the dissemination of research through presentations and publications.

2.0 ELIGIBILITY

All members of the Iota Theta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, who are in good standing, are eligible to apply for grants under this program.  Members of the Scholarship Committee are not eligible to apply for grants as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator.  This program is not intended for purchase of equipment for non-research purposes or to satisfy requirements for a degree.

3.0 REVIEW OF PROPOSALS

Awards are made by the Executive Committee of Iota Theta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau, based on recommendations by the Scholarship Committee.  The proposal evaluation criteria are used to establish the recommendations.  By majority vote, the Scholarship Committee will recommend which proposals will be supported and the level of support that will be provided.

4.0 GUIDELINES AND FORMAT

The proposal should provide a clear and complete narrative account of the proposed research project.  It must be focused toward enhancing the respective member's research skills/program. Proposals will be blind reviewed for clarity, significance and relevance.

The proposal should clearly indicate a date for the completion of the project.  This must normally be no longer than twelve months from the proposed beginning date.

Proposals should follow the format given in Section 8.0.  Proposals should not exceed six double-spaced pages including the cover and budget pages.  The original and six copies of the proposal must be signed by the member.

If two or more members collaborate on submission of a proposal, one must be designated the Principle Investigator with responsibility for budget expenditures and coordination of the effort, and others as Co-Investigators.

Funds available for this solicitation will enable the Scholarship Committee to make awards up to $500.00 per year. 

5.0 IOTA THETA SHOWCASE

All research-grant awardees are required to present their results at the Iota Theta Showcase in Nursing Research Excellence or its equivalent a year following the awarding of the grant.  In addition, the awardees are required to prepare a paper which will be included in the proceedings of the Research Forum.  The paper will be considered as the deliverable and final report on each research-grant.

6.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

The principle criteria considered by the Scholarship Committee in evaluation of a proposal is its relevance to Sigma Theta Tau's mission of scholarship and research.  Specific proposal-related evaluation criteria are:

1.  Overall scholarly quality of the proposal.

2.  The Principle Investigator's (and Co-Investigator) capabilities to perform the research.

3.  Scholarly contribution to the discipline.

4.  Clarity of research plan and reasonableness of the proposed budget.

5.  Adherence to instructions and Sigma Theta Tau purpose.

7.0 AWARDS

The Scholarship Committee will notify the members of Iota Theta Chapter each May in its newsletter of the timeline for the Research-Grant Program.  In general, the deadline for the submission of the proposals will be August 15 of each year.  The Scholarship Committee will meet within one month after the closing date to review proposals.  Based on the recommendations of the Scholarship Committee, the Executive Committee will notify the selected researchers by Oct. 1.

8.0 PROPOSAL

The proposal should follow the guidelines listed below:

I.  Introduction

In an introductory paragraph give a statement describing your research proposal, not to exceed one-hundred fifty words,.

II.  Proposal

A.              Statement of overall objectives and outcomes of the research (ie: specific aims).

B.              Relation of proposed research to present state of knowledge in field (ie: background and significance)

C.              Methods and data collection procedures, and proposed analysis of data (ie: evaluation criteria).

III.  Budget Page

A.    Salaries and wages (Include statement as to what person will do)

Funds may be used to support salaries and wages for individuals other than a member of Sigma Theta Tau if their work is important to the completion of the research project by the member.  Typical examples are, graduate and undergraduate student support required in the acquisition, development and preparation of research materials and date, and computer operation assistance.

B.    Operating Expenses

1.  Supplies

2.  Duplication/Reproduction

3.  Postage

4.  Software

C.    Travel

Funds are not provided for routine attendance at professional meetings, but there are available for travel required to complete the research.  Justification of travel and explanation of role in accomplishing the research project must be included in the proposal.

D.    Equipment/Instrumentation

Any equipment/instrumentation acquired under the grant is owned by Iota Theta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau.  All purchases for equipment must be supported in the proposal relative to need for accomplishment of the proposed research effort.