Faculty and Staff Merit Grants

Merit Grant Process

NOTE: In addition to submitting your electronic request for proposal, you will be expected to present your project in person to the Gifts and Grants Committee of The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors.

The Ferris Foundation, acting under the authority of its Board of Directors, respectfully requests the submission of proposals from those who are interested in pursuing projects that demonstrate exceptional merit in advancing the mission of Ferris State University. 

To foster academic collaboration and maximize academic project initiatives, extra consideration (more weight) will be given to projects that have obtained outside funding from partnering with business and industry or outside government agencies toward the estimated proposal total.

Please click on the right menu to view the mission and purpose of The Ferris Foundation.

Grant awards will not exceed $7,500 and are not renewable, however, previously funded projects may be considered by The Ferris Foundation.

Funds have been established to support projects that represent the innovative and collaborative spirit of Ferris State University, including (but not limited to) the following types of endeavors:

• Pilot Programs
• Matching grant expenses
• Research or special projects that involve students
• Faculty, and/or other expert participation
• Enhancing faculty expertise or funding equipment dedicated to specific programmatic objectives

**It is not the intent of the grant to fund/provide direct compensation for faculty/staff. Student salaries are considered on a case by case basis.

Merit Grant Form

Proposal Content

Proposals will be submitted in electronic format and provide the following information to the extent that it is available:

• Grant Application Cover Sheet: Please print and use the online cover sheet; it must be complete and include the proper signatures.
• Narrative: A brief description of the project being proposed and the desired outcomes (maximum 1 page). When completing the narrative portion, please be brief and concise.
• Relevance: Please share the relevance of the project and how this aligns with the mission of Ferris State University.
• Timeline: Please outline the timeline.
• Names and Qualifications: The names and qualifications of all individuals who are substantially responsible for pursuing the proposal's objectives.
• Dissemination: Please describe how you will disseminate the results of your project to the University, community, and your greater academic/professional community.
• Budget: A complete project budget which details how grant funds will be used. The budget should also describe the extent to which any additional resources beyond The Foundation's grant are needed and have been committed to the project.
  • If requesting equipment, assess the distribution/disposal upon completion of project.
  • Food and beverage expenses will not be funded and therefore shall be excluded from the amount requested from the Foundation.
  • For ongoing projects, please include a discussion of financial sustainability of the project or initiative.

Grant Application Submission Guidelines

Proposals received after 5:00 p.m. on the final day of submission or not adhering to the guidelines  will not be accepted or considered.

Please contact Kim Erickson at the Foundation Office (231-591-2365) if you have any questions regarding the process.

Recipient Reporting Requirements

Recipients must create two reports – a mid-year report due in December and a final report due in April .

If your question is not listed here, please email Foundation assistant Kim Erickson at [email protected].