Faculty Grants

Applications from Harvard faculty or preceptors for small research grants of up to $5,000 are considered on a rolling basis.
Proposals should include:

1. Research project proposal with title, research question and scope, methodology, project timeline and objectives/output. Explain the purpose and significance of the research and how will it contribute to Chinese studies.
2. Project participants with names of Harvard faculty involved in project and of potential RAs if applicable.
3. Research Assistant (if applicable) job description and responsibilities, anticipated start and end date, number of work hours and rate of compensation.
4. Funding request– explanation of need with an itemized budget of estimated research costs. Please note other sources of funding support secured or applied for.

Faculty members planning to organize a conference on a theme related to China studies, or with significant participation by China scholars, are invited to submit a proposal in application for a Conference Grant. Please apply at least six months in advance of the planned event.

The maximum award for a conference grant is $10,000. Preference will be given to proposals that have secured additional funding.
 
Proposals should include: 
• Narrative (at least 1-2 pages) explaining: 
– Conference title and theme
– Rationale—why is this important? What are the objectives?
• List of target participants, including Harvard faculty and Chinese colleagues, as well as other international scholars as appropriate
• Time frame and organization plan, to include the conference dates, preparation plan, and proposed format for the proceedings (such as panel discussions, paper presentations, free discussions) and a draft agenda, when available.
• Preliminary budget of itemized expenses (please note that the Fairbank Center cannot fund speaker honoraria or per diem). Please include details of other sources of funding secured or anticipated.  
• Administrator contact in the faculty’s home department who will support coordination of funding and expenses related to the conference.   
• Summary of request. Please identify which expense items or logistical supports are being requested from the Fairbank Center.

Grants for Harvard faculty or postdoctoral scholars proposing to organize a book workshop or one-day workshop for discussion of a topic in Chinese studies. The maximum award for a workshop grant is $5,000. Preference will be given to proposals that will have additional funding or logistical support from a department or center.

A workshop grant proposal should include:

• Narrative (suggested length 1-2 pages) 
– Workshop topic
– Rationale—why is this important? What are the objectives?
• List of target participants, including Harvard faculty and Chinese colleagues, as well as other scholars as appropriate.
• Time frame and organization plan, to include the dates, preparation plan, and proposed format for the proceedings (such as panel discussions, paper presentations, free discussions) and a draft agenda, if available.
• Preliminary budget (please note that the Fairbank Center cannot fund speaker honoraria or per diem). Please include details of other sources of funding secured or anticipated.  
• Administrator contact in the faculty’s home department who will support coordination of funding and logistics for the workshop.   
• Summary of request. Please identify which expense items or logistical supports are being requested from the Fairbank Center.

This grant is intended to support faculty working on new undergraduate and graduate courses in or related to China studies. Applications for up to $5,000 will be considered on a rolling basis. Proposals should be submitted at least six months in advance of the proposed course. 

Grant funds may be used to hire a research assistant to help with materials and reading lists, development of videos and slide presentations, or for travel required to collect materials or develop curriculum. Preference will be given to Gen Ed course development. Faculty members may apply a maximum of two times, for a maximum of two courses. 

Faculty proposals for Fairbank Center course development grants should include:

• Narrative (suggested length 1-2 pages)
– Course description
– Rationale—what is needed for development of this course? 
• Time frame, organization plan, and frequency.
• Preliminary budget, with itemized estimates for materials, travel, or RA hours required for course development work. 
• Confirmation of course approval from department head.