Seed Grants
(2020 Submissions Closed)
Special 2020 Topics Call - Coastal & Marine Research: In addition to the Foundation's main priority areas (education, arts and culture, public health, community planning), the 2020 call for submissions welcomes research proposals related to coastal and marine systems from a broad array of academic disciplines.
The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Seed Grants provide modest start-up funding (maximum 50,000 AED) to conduct applied research or to pilot initiatives that fall beyond the scope of its Doctoral and Faculty Research programs. Individuals and organizations in the United Arab Emirates and overseas are eligible to apply, and proposals are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields. Grant funds are allocated based on the proposal’s budget and may be used for a variety of purposes.
While the call for proposals is broad, anticipated outcomes should benefit the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in tangible ways. Long-term sustainability may also be considered based on the specified project goals. Up to two Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are expected to write one to two policy papers at the conclusion of their project.
Grant Objectives
- Provide opportunities for individuals or organizations to conduct applied research or pilot initiatives that will have a positive impact on the Ras Al Khaimah community
- Encourage interdisciplinary thinking and solutions to public policy issues
- Foster high-quality research and development projects that strengthen the local capacity of Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates
- Promote collaboration among individuals, businesses, academic institutions, and other government and non-government entities in Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates, and overseas
Grant Eligibility
The minimum eligibility criteria for prospective Seed Grant applicants:
- Applicant must demonstrate collaboration between at least two different organizations, one of which must be in the United Arab Emirates.
- Applicant must illustrate capacity to successfully undertake the proposed project or applied research based on prior experiences.
- Applicant must leverage matching funds, expertise, or other in-kind resources to achieve anticipated goals and outcomes.
- Proposal must focus on the United Arab Emirates, and specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. If the proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant emphasis and beneficiary of the project.
- Proposal must address an education, public health, urban planning/development, or closely related public policy issue relevant to Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates.
- Applicant must demonstrate how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s 2013-2018 Research, Capacity Development, or Community Engagement strategies.
- Proposal must address sustainability considerations and anticipated next steps for once Seed Grant funding ends (as applicable).
Selection Criteria
If applicants meet the minimum eligibility criteria noted above, they are encouraged to apply for a Seed Grant. The Grant is awarded based on merit as measured by a proposal’s relevance and overall strength. General sustainability and potential for impact are also considered in the evaluation process. The Al Qasimi Foundation Directors and Advisory Board serve as the evaluation and selection committee.
The Grant review process is competitive. While the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality proposals, a maximum of two Seed Grants are available each year. The proposals chosen for funding represent the innovative ideas that align best with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s overall mission to aid in the social, economic, and cultural development of Ras Al Khaimah.
Application Process
Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.
The Foundation is now accepting Seed Grant applications for its 2020 submissions cycle. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and then follow the Seed Grants application instructions. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the portal no later than May 17, 2020 to be considered.
- Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for interest in the Seed Grants, a brief summary of the collaborators involved (including cumulative expertise and skills relevant to the proposal), and how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s work and mission.
- CV or resume for the project leader and key collaborator(s) outlining their educational backgrounds, publications, work experience, honors and awards, and professional association affiliations.
- Proposal that includes (1) an overview of the project and its relevance; (2) literature review or appropriate background information; (3) proposed methodology; and (4) expected results.
- Anticipated timeline for the proposed project, including key milestones and associated deliverables.
- Comprehensive, detailed budget of all expected costs and a list of facilities, special equipment, or other resources necessary to implement the research or pilot project. The budget and resource list should indicate who is contributing each line item, and the Al Qasimi Foundation’s financial contribution should not exceed 50,000 AED.
- Letter of recommendation from a colleague (or organization if applying as an institution), which must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the recommending party's relationship with the applicant.
- Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed project if it will involve research activities (or plans for gaining approval if not available at time of application)
- Support letters from partner institutions in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates (as applicable)
All materials submitted for funding consideration will automatically become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned to the sender.
Application Deadline
All required materials must be submitted through the grant management portal no later than May 17, 2020. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Review generally takes 6-8 weeks based on the volume of submissions received. Applicants should receive an update on the status of their proposal by the middle or end of July 2020. Questions regarding Seed Grants, the application process, or status of a submission may be sent to grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.