Frequently Asked Questions – Regional Development Grants
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. Creative solutions and innovative projects are encouraged. The program also 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 Web site.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Center to discuss project ideas prior to submission. Questions should be directed to Ginny DeLuca, Core Programs Director, at virginia_deluca@ncbiotech.org or (919) 549-8842.
Are research projects allowed through the Regional Development Grants?
Most research project proposals are submitted to the NC Biotechnology’s research grant programs. However, you can contact the Center 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 Center 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% 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. The budget request, however, should calculate the value of this time 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.
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 brief outline 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.
Goal: Encourage growth of life science businesses in our area.
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 in 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" section of the proposal?
The evaluation section is a critical part of your proposal. It indicates to the reviewers that you have a plan in place to determine if you have met the objectives of your project and that you are thinking about the broader economic development impact of your efforts.
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). The evaluation plan should include the performance measures and methods that you will use to determine success in achieving the objectives.
An evaluation plan for the proposal example given above might include the following:
Evaluation:
- Establish baseline data on needs and capacity existing at the beginning of the project.
- Set target dates and establish a detailed timeline for completion of the wet lab space.
- Using this timeline, track the purchase of equipment and all other steps required to complete the preparation of the facility by the target dates. Record all inquiries and applications for participation in the facility.
- Develop a questionnaire to be required of all interested entrepreneurs that provides the project directors with feedback on needs and expectations.
- Track the progress towards the installation of four businesses into the wet lab within one year.
- Use a second questionnaire to evaluate the satisfaction and progress of the wet lab occupants at three months and at one year of occupancy.
- Assess the impact of the facility on the ability of the area to support and encourage entrepreneurs by comparing baseline data with the results of your project and the indicators for future growth.
You can find tips on successful grant writing on the NC Biotechnology Center website.