NNGA Research Grants

How to Apply

Step 1: Optional Pre-Proposal (Due April 30)

Submit a one-page letter describing the project

Send as email attachment to Greg Miller at empirechestnut@gmail.com

This step is optional but encouraged, especially for first-time proposers

Allows NNGA to assess project potential and offer suggestions

Step 2: Submit Full Grant Proposal (Due June 30)

Send as email attachment to Greg Miller at empirechestnut@gmail.com

Maximum length: 10 pages

All proposals received by June 30 will be considered for current year funding

Cover Page Requirements:
1. Title of the project
2. Name(s), address, and telephone number of the researcher(s)
3. Objective(s) - clearly and concisely describe what will be completed
4. Duration of project in months with appropriate dates
5. NNGA funds requested
6. Brief summary of rationale and procedure
7. Signature(s) of proposer(s)

Proposal Content Requirements:

A. Rationale

• Explain why the project is important
• Describe how NNGA members will benefit

B. Procedure

• Describe steps to meet objectives
• Include realistic timetable

C. Facilities and Personnel

• Describe where project will be performed
• List necessary facilities and materials
• Describe qualifications of researchers who will perform work
• Clearly distinguish items to be purchased with NNGA funds vs. items from other sources

D. Budget

• List supplies, wages, and other expense items with associated costs
• If other funding sources support the project, show costs in separate budget columns
• Briefly describe how costs were determined (provide detailed breakdown, e.g., "Wages (200 hr @ $10.00/hr) - $2,000" rather than just "Wages - $2,000")
• Reimbursable costs are acceptable if incurred after proposal submission but before funds disbursement (proposer assumes risk until funds disbursed)
• NOTE: Indirect costs (overhead) and corporate fees (profit) are NOT allowed

Evaluation Criteria:
The research committee evaluates proposals based on:

Appropriateness of the research

Creativity and novelty of approach

Sufficiency of personnel, facilities, and budget to meet objectives

Preference for small-scale, self-contained projects not requiring ongoing funding (e.g., evaluation of cultivar planting preferred over establishing a cultivar planting)

After Approval:
Once grant is approved for funding, the Research Grant Committee chair will:
1. Notify proposer in writing
2. Provide instructions and forms for obtaining funds
3. Send NNGA Research Grant Request for Funds form

Funds Requests Process:

Initial Request: Complete NNGA Research Grant Request for Funds form and return to Research Grant Committee chair, who forwards to NNGA treasurer for check disbursement; may not exceed 85% of total approved amount

Interim Requests (if applicable): Accompany with brief progress report including accounting of past and forthcoming expenditures; sum of initial plus all interim requests must not exceed 85% of approved amount

Final Request: Accompany with final report or substantial progress report and budget report showing detailed expenditure; covers approximately 15% of total budget

Budget Modifications:

If budget changes exceed 10% of total budget amount, notify Research Grant Committee chair

Committee will accommodate and suggest reasonable changes but cannot authorize budget increases

If project terminates early, return unspent funds to NNGA

Timeline:

Research committee evaluates proposals after June 30 deadline

Funding decisions finalized at annual Executive Board meeting (usually August)

All proposers notified within one week after annual meeting conclusion

Check for up to 85% of approved amount disbursed after annual meeting

Denied proposals may be resubmitted (possibly modified) in subsequent years if deemed appropriate