Alabama's Public Liberal Arts University

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects can be funded by grants?
The Grants Office works with established University priorities.If you have articulated an idea for a project, the Grants Office can help find funding sources for it.We can consult with you and help you through all aspects of the application and award process.

Do I have to have a funding source in mind?
If you do have any ideas about possible funding sources for your work or project, please share them with the Grants Office.We may be able to find out more information that could be helpful to you.We are more than happy to show you how to research the funding databases available to the Montevallo community or, if time allows, to do research for you.

Is there a general range of funds or size of grants?
Grants come in all amounts. The nature of your project and the amount of the budget will determine what we would be looking for in terms of the size of a grant. In addition, if we find a few sources that may give smaller grants, they can potentially be combined to support your project if the cost is more.

Do I need to contact the Grants Office when preparing to submit a grant ?
The Grants Office keeps records of all contacts with funders, and should be the central clearing house for all proposals, so we appreciate hearing from you whenever you are considering submitting a proposal. All proposals need to the follow the UM Grants Protocol process.

What are the customary grant funding sources?
There are many different funding agencies including:

  • FOUNDATIONS, whose primary function is to provide funding/donations/grants for organizations which meet the criteria of their mission. These organizations are in the business of making grants.They raise money themselves or have been established through the bequest of an individual for the purpose of making charitable contributions.
  • CORPORATIONS, that have charitable contribution programs, with the mission of making grants and donations to people and organizations. Their funds come from the assets and/or profits of the corporation.
  • GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, which have been established by the federal or state government specifically to fund programs in their areas of interest/focus. Funding is legislated by the federal government for the national agencies that often fund the state programs. The state programs are also funded by tax dollars and their budgets are determined by the state.