The purpose of this endowment fund is to facilitate the development of international programs at Calvin University. Specifically, this endowment allows Calvin to enhance existing international programs and launch new and creative international programs and initiatives. A major focus of such programs and initiatives should be on partnering with other educational institutions and with agencies of the Christian Reformed Church. These programs should benefit Calvin—its programs, students, and faculty—as well as institutions abroad.
Types of Activities That Could Receive Funding
The following list is meant to be illustrative, not exhaustive.
Projects that enhance existing international programs
- Opportunities for faculty to strengthen and expand relationships with organizations and academic institutions (related to research and service) in existing off-campus semester program locations. Priority will be given to faculty with well-thought-out research projects in existing off-campus locations. These initiatives should enhance Calvin University’s cross-cultural exposure and strengthen the institution’s reach abroad.
- Projects that help students with their transition back to campus after an international experience; helping them engage at Calvin and beyond in light of what they have learned.
- Projects that raise awareness of international opportunities open to Calvin students.
Initiatives that launch new and creative international programs and projects
- Start-up costs for new off-campus semester programs such as site visits or visits to Calvin by persons from the partner institution.
- Start-up costs for short-term off-campus programs that show promise of being regularly offered and which are an important element in the departmental offerings of the sponsoring department. These initiatives must have a strong connection to a partner institution in the host location.
- Innovative new programs that fit the mission of the university and expand international opportunities for faculty, staff, and students, for example, Service-Learning opportunities, new summer opportunities, opportunities for underserved populations.
Partnerships with other Christian international educational institutions or with agencies from the Christian Reformed Church
- Activities which strengthen partnerships with emerging Christian colleges and universities around the world through faculty development and/or offering opportunities for Calvin faculty to teach internationally. These partnerships would be facilitated through Calvin’s relationship with the International Network of Christian Higher Education (INCHE). The foreign university is expected to provide some support to the applicant, such as housing or a food allowance.
- Expenses for international visitors from other institutions and organizations, both established partners and potential partners.
How to Apply for Funding
The proposal form can be found at the Off-Campus Programs Resources site and should be submitted to the Director of Off-Campus Programs, as chair and budget officer of the fund.
Priority is given to active faculty members; requests from emeriti will be considered if funds are available.
Applications should be submitted by the third Monday in February for projects throughout the following academic year.
Requests received after the initial deadline will be considered if funds are available.