The Virginia Western Educational Foundation is pleased to announce that its Bright Ideas Innovation Grants program for faculty and staff is returning for 2022. The application is now open for Virginia Western faculty (full-time and adjunct) and staff to apply for grants up to $10,000 for their next big and bright idea! What kind of projects may be funded? Consider: 1) Professional activities such as research, participation in conferences and workshops 2) Projects that advance teaching effectiveness and support for students facing life challenges such as food insecurity and homelessness and 3) Projects that contribute to the advancement of Virginia Western through fostering teamwork and team building, interdepartmental communications and interdisciplinary events.

Applications will be judged based on their value as they relate to one of the 3 areas listed above, as well as their feasibility (can this project be accomplished given the budget and time frame?), clarity (are the goals and details clearly stated and specific examples given?), and impact (how can this project specifically impact your development as a professional in your field, your development as an educator, or contribute to the Virginia Western Community?)

The 2022 Bright Ideas Innovation Grant application is found at https://www.virginiawestern.edu/foundation/innovation-grants. Deadline to apply is March 25, 2022.

Take a look at the Virginia Western Greenhouse Blog at https://www.virginiawestern.edu/grants/2021/08/welcome-innovators-the-innovation-grant-lab-opens-sept-1/ with 6 custom pages, each addressing the steps for designing a stand-out Innovation Grant application. Each page contains individual bite-size tools, suggestions and prompts. These resources will get you to a successful submission of your Bright Ideas application!

Contact Carolyn Payne, Scholarship & CCAP Coordinator at 540-857-6371 or cpayne@virginiawestern.edu for more information.