The Collaboration Venture Fund

The Collaboration Venture Fund for Law School and University faculty and staff will fund collaborative projects that help advance the deeper partnership being forged between the two institutions. This annual fund is intended to foster the development of joint activities, collaborative research and academic programs between the two institutions and to serve as a vehicle to create or extend areas of collaboration, sponsored funding, research and program development.

Some examples include:

• A collaborative proposal to support existing or develop additional research or programming in a particular discipline.
• A collaborative proposal to increase new enrollments or expand opportunities for students.

The maximum award for proposals with a singular focus is $2,500 (except in unusual circumstances). Proposals that demonstrate an extensive impact on research for both institutions will be considered for funding up to $6,000. These awards do not include salary cost recovery.

All Law School and University faculty and staff are invited to submit proposals but only proposals that reflect the joint activity of both institutions will be accepted. Except in unusual circumstances, proposals should address activity completed by August 3, 2021.

The deadline for proposals is May 1, 2020.

Proposals should be limited to five (5) pages, double-spaced, in 12 point font.

Proposals should include an abstract of the project and its objectives including specific as to how the Albany Law and UAlbany faculty or staff will collaborate on the project.

Proposals should also include the following information:

• The names and contact information for all collaborators involved in the project.
• The name and contact information of the primary contact person on the project.
• The proposed budget and budget justification.

A description of the project, including how the proposed program/project will align with the key goals of the collaboration venture fund.

The specific objectives of the project, including whether the project will create, enhance or foster the development of joint programs or activities, collaborative research or additional academic programs between the two institutions.

A timeline for the project that proposes the length of the project/program and when specific tasks/activities should be carried out over the period of the project/program.

Proposals must be submitted electronically to [email protected] by May 1, 2020, with the subject line "Law Partnership Funds Proposal." 

Proposals will be reviewed by the members of the Affiliation Implementation Team using a common rubric. 

Applications will be reviewed based on the quality of the proposed project. The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals: 

• Whether the proposal was jointly submitted by Law School and University faculty or staff. 
• The likelihood that the proposed activity will create or enhance collaborative training or research between the two institutions. 
• Sustainability of the program either through existing funds or new external funds. 

Preference will be given to proposals that: 

• Have the potential to lead to increased enrollments at both institutions.
• Can be linked to external funding sources and opportunities. 
• Propose additional areas for research and/or areas for program development. 
• The feasibility of completing the project within the proposed timeframe. 
• The reasonableness of the proposed costs of the project/program. 

If your proposal is selected for funding, the collaborators will be asked to submit a final progress report that details the key accomplishments for the project or program. 

• Final Report Due: August 3, 2021. 

 Note: Applications submitted after the due date will be reviewed pending funding availability and decided on the first-come-first-served basis.