Regional Development Grant FAQs
What kinds of projects are suitable for the Regional Development Grants?
The Regional Development Grant (RDG) program is open to a broad range of project ideas related to economic development in biotechnology throughout North Carolina. Focus areas for eligible RDG projects are listed in the guidelines. The program seeks projects that have a strong collaborative approach, input from business and industry, and demonstration of broad regional impact. A list of some of the topics of funded projects is provided on this website.
Applicants are invited to contact Deborah De, the RDG Program Manager, to discuss potential projects.
Are research projects allowed through the Regional Development Grants?
Most scientific research project proposals are submitted to the NC Biotechnology’s research grant programs. However, you can contact the RDG Program Manager if you are not sure which type of grant would be the best match for your idea.
I have an idea for an educational project that relates to biotechnology workforce development. Is this a suitable idea for a Regional Development grant?
Most ideas for curriculum development and educational projects are submitted to the NC Biotechnology Center’s Education and Training Program grants. However, you can contact the RDG Program Manager if you are not sure which type of grant would be the best match for your idea.
I have received a Regional Development Grant in the past. Can I apply for another one?
Yes. However, the second proposal must be for a new project with new objectives and not a request for funds to continue the previous project.
Can a Regional Development Grant fund an advertising campaign related to biotechnology?
No, the RDG program does not fund advertising or marketing campaigns.
Do I have to request the full $75,000?
No, your request should fit the scope of your project. The maximum request is $75,000.
How do I calculate the 50 percent match required?
The required match is a percentage of the amount requested. For example, if the amount requested is $50,000, the applicant must contribute an additional $25,000 for a total project budget of $75,000.
Can I use personnel time as a part of the match amount?
Yes. However, the total matching contribution should include cash as well as personnel. Personnel time should be based on an accurate percentage of time that the individual(s) will spend directly on the project.
Can I use grant funds to purchase office supplies and/or pay for administrative support?
No. RDG grant funds cannot be used for routine office supplies and administrative services.
Do Regional Development Grants pay indirect costs?
No. RDG grant funds cannot be used to pay indirect costs.
Do you have any advice on how to be successful in applying for a Regional Development Grant?
Briefly, it is very important that your project be a good match for the purpose of the RDG program. You are encouraged to contact the Program Manager to discuss the suitability of your idea. The project must have potential for impact on a specific regional problem or need. The proposal should describe a feasible, well-developed plan that will lead to measurable outcomes. It is also essential that you follow the application instructions carefully when preparing your proposal.
What is a "measurable objective"?
A measurable objective is the delivery of a specific result, product or service within a specific time frame. The objectives of your project are the specific accomplishments that must be achieved in order to address the problem or need that you have identified in your proposal. An objective typically states quantitative goals and a time frame.
Don’t confuse your objectives with your methods. David Bauer in The ‘How To’ Grants Manual (Praeger, 2007) offers this advice: “When in doubt as to whether you have written an objective or a method, ask yourself whether there is only one way to accomplish what you have written. If your answer is yes, you have probably written a method.”
Here is a briefoutline of a sample proposal:
| Need: | Our region is losing life science entrepreneurs to other areas, therefore reducing the potential for job creation in our region of the state. We’ve done a thorough evaluation of the problem, and the key reason is that these entrepreneurs have insufficient wet lab space to conduct their start up activities locally. |
| Objective: | Provide a shared wet lab space to accommodate up to four entrepreneurs in our region within one year. |
| Methods: | Purchase equipment to upfit a vacant facility located at a local university. Install equipment. Recruit, train and support entrepreneurs for the facility. Monitor usage and satisfaction of the occupants. |
What is the "Evaluation Plan" section of the proposal?
The ultimate goal of any grant-funded project is impact. Funding agencies expect the proposal to include a detailed plan for evaluating whether the objectives have been met and for assessing the project’s impact on the community.
For projects with internal evaluation, the plan should include the metrics and methods that you will use to determine success in achieving the objectives. Some projects warrant the inclusion of an external evaluator who can provide an objective, professional assessment of project outcomes.
Remember, the evaluation section relates directly to your objectives; therefore, if you are having trouble writing your evaluation, take that as a clue to re-examine your project objectives to make sure they are concrete and measurable (see “What is a ‘measurable objective"? above.)
One way to begin your evaluation plan is to think about what key questions you want to be able to answer at the end of your project.
Using a table format is recommended for explaining your evaluation plan. The content below is a simplified example.
| Objective(s) | Evaluation Method | Metrics or Evidence Indicators |
|
Provide a shared wet lab space to accomodate up to four entrepreneurs in our region within one year.
|
Using the project timeline, track completion of the new space and installation of tenants. Develop a questionnaire that evaluates the satisfaction of the new wet lab occupants upon occupancy. |
Four tenants installed by end of project year. Results of questionnaire will show that the new shared lab is successful in meeting most of the needs of all four tenants.
|
You can find tips on successful grant writing on the website.
