Faculty Grant Program
The application submission link will be available on September 1, 2026.
Through the Center for Rural Innovation, the Tennessee Tech Rural Reimagined Faculty Grant Program aims to continue the grand challenge of transforming rural communities across the state through partnership and collaboration with Tennessee Tech faculty and students. Involving faculty and students not only influences future generations, but it largely expands the scope of rural impact. The Center for Rural Innovation has made $50,000 available to fund faculty-led, rural related projects. Rural Reimagined looks forward to seeing your vision and ideas to serve our region. For questions or more information, contact Stefanie Byrd, Assistant Director for Rural Resilience - Center for Rural Innovation, at sbyrd@tntech.edu.
Please carefully review our Application Package and corresponding Application Handbook for all requirements and guidelines necessary for grant eligibility. Use the application package provided below to structure your proposal. Submit the completed proposal using the "Apply Here" button located beneath the dropdown menu.
- Application Package
The application package outlines the budget summary and proposal narrative structure. Please download the application package and complete it according to the included instructions. When you are finished, please submit your document using the "Apply Here" button beneath the dropdown menu.
- Application Handbook
Please carefully review the application handbook to ensure your proposal meets the requirements and qualifications concerning the budget summary and proposal narrative.
- FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to full-time Tennessee Tech faculty members and, in some cases, staff and administrators as described in the handbook.Can I submit more than one proposal?
No. An individual may submit only one proposal as Principal Investigator (PI) during each competition cycle.Do I need community partners?
No. However, projects that include meaningful external partnerships often demonstrate stronger community relevance and impact.Is student involvement required?
Projects are not required to include students, but student engagement is highly encouraged and typically strengthens a proposal's chances of being funded.Can I request release time?
Yes. Applicants may request up to one course release during the academic year, subject to program requirements and administrative approvals.Can I purchase equipment?
Capital equipment purchases are not allowable under this program. Applicants should carefully review the Allowable and Unallowable Costs section of the handbook.When can funded projects begin?
Projects funded through the Fall 2026 competition may begin incurring expenses on July 1, 2027, when project accounts are activated.Can I start work before July 1?
Faculty may conduct planning activities prior to July 1, but grant funds may not be used until project accounts are active.What if my project requires IRB, IACUC, or other approvals?
Awardees are responsible for obtaining all required approvals before beginning project activities.What happens if my proposal is not selected?
Applicants will receive a notification of non-award and may receive reviewer feedback to help strengthen future submissions.May I reapply in a future cycle?
Yes, unless otherwise limited by program eligibility requirements.Can previous award recipients apply again?
Yes, subject to program eligibility requirements. Individuals who receive a Rural Reimagined Faculty Grant as a Principal Investigator must wait three full competition cycles before applying again as a PI. Former awardees may continue to participate as collaborators or co-PIs during that period. - Previous Winner Example
Award Year: 22-23
PI First Name: Pedro
PI Last Name: Arce
Proposal Title: Expanding Sustainability Efforts through Intentional Learning: Using a Mixed Method Approach to Exploring Student Perceptions of the BioFoundry Initiative
Abstract: The BioFoundry Initiative is a pedagogical effort in Chemical Engineering which integrates the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework and biomimicry components into design processes. This proposal focuses on CHE 3550 (Fluid Mechanics) to further the understanding of student engagement in the learning processes associated with the BioFoundry Initiative to better understand and improve student learning. Leveraging a mixed methods approach that uses survey methods design and content analysis, the proposed project will offer insight into student perceptions of sustainability efforts and design, holding social implications for rural research in areas related to the utilization and recycling of water resources.