The University of St. Thomas

Ireland Fund Application

Ireland Fund for New Initiatives

Applications for new initiatives are no longer being accepted.

Ireland Fund Application Instructions

Please do not complete the application, as new proposals are no longer being considered.  Questions should be sent to Laura Stierman, #55S.

1. Cover Sheet

  • A name or descriptive title for the project 
  • The names and departments of the person(s) submitting the proposal
  • The proposed time period for the project (e.g. Academic Year 2008-09; Summer 2008)
  • Total sum requested

2. Project Narrative (limit to 3-5 pages)

  • Goals and Objectives. Explain what you hope to accomplish with this project and why.
  • Beyond Career to Calling themes. Explain in detail how your project meets one or more of the three program themes (found on the Ireland Fund for New Initiative home page) and as such will enhance a religious sense of vocation at St. Thomas.
  • Background and Content. Describe the genesis of your project. Where did the idea come from? Why does it make sense for St. Thomas (or your department, program, etc.) to be involved with this project at this time? What qualifications do the people involved have for completing the project successfully?
  • Evidence of Future Sustainability. Explain what steps you have taken to ensure future funding for this project beyond the Ireland Fund. Evidence of a strong likelihood of future funding with the goal of institutionalizing your project is mandatory for a successful proposal. Please see "Supporting Documentation" below.
  • Project Activities/Timeline. Provide a brief but informative description of activities, events, or products that compose this project along with a timeline. Please detail these for the Ireland Grant period but also extend the activity list and timeline, as much as possible, beyond this start-up period.
  • Criteria for Evaluation. Describe the criteria that will be used to evaluate the progress and success of your project. Note that if your project is funded, you will be expected to submit a final narrative report that assesses your project against this criteria.

3. Proposal Budget

In preparing your proposed budget, please be as detailed as possible. Include, as necessary, items such as the following. List the total sum requested on this page, as well as on the cover page.

  • Payments to UST employees or students
  • Payments to others (e.g. honoraria, etc.)
  • Travel expenses, including airfare, land transportation, and other expenses
  • Equipment Supplies
  • Duplicating or printing
  • Postage or telephone
  • Other

4. Supporting Documentation

The following must accompany all proposals:

  • Curriculum vitae for all applicants.
  • A letter from a UST department chair, program head, or administrator, or from another source (e.g. outside agency) discussing the proposal's merit and indicating a strong likelihood that the project will be funded by other sources after the Ireland Grant funding period is completed. The letter should be as specific as possible about who will sustain this funding and why.

The following documentation should, if applicable, also be included with the proposal:

  • If the proposed project entails a release from teaching or other duties, a note of approval from the department chair (faculty) or supervisor (staff) must be included.

  • If you have received or applied for any additional funding to support your project, please indicate this and/or provide relevant documentation.  Some projects may require more initial funding than the Ireland Grant can provide, and funding from other sources will not ordinarily prejudice your application to the Ireland Fund.