Listed below are some of the frequently asked questions about the AIR grant programs. For more detailed information, refer to the Dissertation Grant Proposal Guidelines (PDF) or the Research Grant Proposal Guidelines (PDF)

Submitting a Proposal

Q: Who is eligible to submit a Research Grant proposal?

A: Institutional researchers, faculty, and other higher education professionals affiliated with a U.S. postsecondary institution, U.S. government agency, public or private policy research organization, or foreign institution working cooperatively with a U.S. institution may initiate proposals.

Unaffiliated individuals may be eligible to submit a proposal, but should contact the AIR Grant Staff at 850-385-4155 x200 before submitting a proposal.

Q: Who is eligible to submit a Dissertation Grant proposal?

A: Dissertation grants are intended to support one year of research conducted as part of the doctoral dissertation requirement and conducted under the guidance of a faculty dissertation advisor. The major portion of the research should be completed between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. At the time of the application, the dissertation should be in the early stage of development.

Q: Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to submit a proposal for a grant?

A: All persons who are affiliated with a U.S. postsecondary institution or U.S. government agency, without regard to citizenship, are eligible to submit a proposal.

Q: How do I submit a proposal?

A: Proposals must be submitted using the online application.

Proposal Content

Q: Am I required to use a NCES or NSF dataset in my research project?

A: To qualify for funding the proposal submission must meet one or both of the following criteria;

Use data from one or more of the national NCES and/or NSF datasets

Address the NPEC focus topic of "socioeconomic factors affecting access and success"

Q: What types of purchases will grant funds cover?

A: Grant funds may be used for salary support, graduate assistant salaries, travel to conferences, dissemination of results, materials and supplies needed for the project, and computer software.

Q: May I purchase a computer with grant funds?

A: Grant funds can NOT be used to purchase computer hardware.

Proposal Review

Q: Who reviews my proposal?

A: Proposals are reviewed by an anonymous panel of national experts in the field of higher education.

Q: When will I find out the status of my proposal?

A: All applicants will be notified no later than the first week of April 2010.

Awarded Grants

Q: How much time do I have to conduct my project?

A: The major portion of the research should be completed between May 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. Grant recipients are expected to present their research at the 2011 AIR Forum in Toronto, Canada held May 21 - May 25, 2011. Final reports are due by June 30, 2011.

Q: What happens if I cannot complete my project on time?

A: Investigators may request a one-time extension for up to 12 months. Other extensions may be granted upon receipt of a formal request by the investigator and the approval of the AIR Grant Staff. No additional funding will be added because of an extension.