Guidance for New Program Proposals

Trinity’s Policy on Fundraising and Grants document applies both to internal proposals for new programs and strategic initiatives, as well as proposals for external funding.  In order to be sure that we are getting all of the information we need to make informed judgments, please use the “Financial Spreadsheet for New Program Proposals” (excel spreadsheet) and companion document “Standard Outline for New Program or Funding Proposals.

Please use these documents as you develop any concepts that are likely to become new programs or initiatives for Trinity, regardless of the funding source (e.g., Trinity or a foundation or the government ). These are for administrative programs as well as academic — all departments should pay attention to these directions.

In Academic Affairs, proposals that already must get CAP reviews have templates for proposals.  We are happy to accept those proposals in lieu of the Standard Outline, but we still insist that the Financial Spreadsheet be completed.    Additionally, we ask that the templates be reviewed to be sure that they’re likely to collect and reflect the information requested in the “Standard Outline.”  The Provost and the academic deans are responsible to review proposals to be sure that they contain the information we are seeking.

If proposals for external funding have other templates or formats, those obviously supersede these documents.  You must use what the funding source asks you to use.  However, most will ask for something quite similar to these documents.

The executive team is happy to work with you as you develop the specifics for any program proposal.

Please also pay attention to the overall timetable and sequence of review for proposals in the policy statement.  While that timetable was initially crafted for external proposals, it actually works just as well for internally funded concepts, and we should use the same discipline.

Finally, please also be aware that our compliance and risk management environment may require additional reviews if we are undertaking a project that creates new academic credentials or has significant new exposures for Trinity.  Our questions and requests for additional review do not mean that we are disinterested or trying to foist undue bureaucracy on the process, but rather, it’s the kind of due diligence that accreditors and others will ask for when they come to review our work.

Thanks for your cooperation with these guidelines.