INTERIM FUNDING GRANTS 

I. Overview

This program provides interim support for faculty-initiated research projects when federal or appropriate private foundation funding has been interrupted by an unsuccessful competitive renewal. These are generally RO1 grants or projects within Center or Program Project Grants. Nonrenewable Federal, private foundation, and industry contracts are not eligible for support under this program. With appropriate justification faculty may apply for interim funding when a need is demonstrated even when there is another funded grant.  

Because there are more requests for support than funds available, preference is given to situations where interim funding is considered integral to a future competitive renewal. Hence, the application should be in the upper (better) half of applications reviewed to be eligible. An important consideration for interim funding is the tone of the critique provided by the Initial Review Group (study section), or equivalent body. The critique should reflect an overall positive assessment of the proposal such that acquisition of additional data or introduction of new approaches accomplished during the interim grant period will improve the likelihood of funding success. 

In exceptional instances, lower half and unscored application may have problems -- such as the absence of a key reagent or technique -- that could be remedied by the interim funding mechanism. If it is thought this kind of situation pertains to the rejected application, provide the study section critique and a memorandum of explanation for preliminary review to the Assistant Dean of Research. Preliminary review submissions are due one month before the established interim deadlines. 

The size of awards will vary, depending on need; however, awards cannot exceed $45,000 for 12 months. The program supports staff salaries and supplies. Support for specialized research resources may be requested when necessary to maintain the momentum of an established research program. Such an application should be discussed with the Office of Research before preparation.  

II. Instructions and Guidelines for Interim Funding Grant Applications

A. General Guidelines

The type font width used for the grant must be a minimum of 15 characters per inch (e.g., Arial 11 points or larger), with no less than 0.5-inch margins (left, right, upper and lower). The header should contain the applicant’s last name and first name; the footer should contain page numbers.  A PDF file of the proposal as well as the original paper copy and one additional paper copy should be delivered to the Office of Research (Attention: Penny Gatsis) by the appropriate deadline. The PDF file should be transmitted by e-mail to: pgatsis@wfubmc.edu.

B. Organization of Interim Funding Grant 

1. Route Form  IRSC Route Form  

2. Endorsement: A memorandum from the Chairman or designate must support the request for interim funding and explain why interim support is justified, with assurance of re-submittal of the grant application at the earliest appropriate cycle.  

3. Grant Copy: A complete copy of the grant application for which interim funding is requested, with an updated biographical sketch. Faculty salaries should be blocked out.  A full curriculum vitae is not necessary.
4. Summary Statement: The agency's scientific critique must be included in its entirety.

5. Why Interim Funds are Needed: Briefly outline the need for interim funding with respect to the maintenance of a long-term, extramurally funded research program. If appropriate, include a discussion of the impact on key personnel, special research resources, unique animal models, etc. (Not to exceed one page)

6. Research Plan:  The applicant must outline a specific research plan that will be carried out during the period of interim funding. The application should include:

a. Specific Aims: State precisely and realistically what the research described is intended to accomplish within the interim funding period. (Not to exceed one page)

b. Background: As the original grant (Section 3) contains a Background and Significance Section, this should be devoted primarily to a point-by-point discussion of the perceived strengths and weaknesses identified by the study section and strategies for how the proposal can be improved. (Not to exceed two pages)

c. Abbreviated Experimental Plan: Here the investigator should emphasize the experimental plan proposed for the interim funding period, how the experimental approach may differ from that previously proposed, and how the new plan will generally address the perceived shortcomings of the application. The description should be succinct but specific. (Not to exceed four pages)

d. Literature Cited

e. Introduction to Revised Application: Submit a draft of the introduction that will accompany the revised application.

7. Research Support:

a. Extramural Grant Support: List all active, pending and planned extramural research grants. Include funding agency, grant numbers, dates of duration, and total direct costs.

b. Departmental Funds: List all departmental and other institutional research support funds, including start up packages, available for research.

c. Overlaps: If other support is available (as from departmental sources) or pending grants, explain need for intramural research support funds.

8. Budget:  Provide an itemized budget, typically for a 12-month period. The Principal Investigator's salary will be from departmental resources. Equipment and travel will not be supported. The budget will show a subtotal to which other resources will contribute, and by subtraction, the total funds requested from this program will be determined.

For example:

Budget for December 1, _______ through November 30, ________

Personnel
Principal Investigator	-30%	Department Support
Technician	-100%	$44,300
Supplies
Itemize	$6,700
Other
Waste disposal	$ 600
TOTAL	______ $51,600
Grant funds carried over	( 5,100)
Department interim funds	( 5,000)
INTERIM FUNDING REQUEST	$41,500

III. Review Criteria for Interim Funding Grant Applications

The IRSC will review applications for interim funding based on several criteria (link to review guidelines). An important consideration is the critique provided by the study section or equivalent panel and the strategies proposed to address perceived weaknesses and strengthen the proposal. The relationship between the Interim Funding and the investigator's ability to make progress towards reestablishing extramural support will be weighed heavily. The review committee will prioritize requests for support by assigning overall priority scores and transmitting their recommendations to the Assistant Dean for Research. 

IV. Post-Award Considerations

When a grant is awarded, the Office of Research will coordinate the establishment of the account with the Controller’s office.

Unless justified and approved by the Office of Research, expenditures are to be prorated evenly over the 12-month budget cycle. Unexpended interim funds revert to the School at the time extramural funding for the project/program is awarded.  Also, all funds remaining at the end of the project period will be returned to the school. Extensions of time beyond the 12 months are not permitted for projects awarded under the Interim funding program.