Criteria for Awarding
The following conditions would make an application MORE likely to be favorably reviewed:
Applicant’s qualifications
- The applicant is qualified and at the appropriate career stage to pursue the proposed opportunity
- Ability to articulate how opportunity will enhance applicant’s strategic career objectives
- A clear strategic career plan/roadmap
- Has not received a faculty development and diversity grant in the previous two years
Clearly articulated, robust developmental network mentoring plan
- The purpose of the FDD grant program is to support faculty career advancement. An integral component of career advancement is the ability to develop a rich developmental network, to effectively mentor, and to be mentored.
- As part of the FDD grant, in order to complete the mentoring plan section, please read an article on developmental networks and complete a developmental network map.
- Click here for an example of a mentoring plan.
Institutional benefits
- Clear description of how the program will enhance institution (more important for senior faculty)
Section support demonstrated in the following ways:
- Relief from clinical, educational or administrative duties, i.e. “in kind” support
- Subsidizing of training opportunity, i.e. financial support – typically ~half of the grant (in addition to the funds provided to faculty as discretionary/GME account)
- Unless otherwise discussed with your section chief, a letter of support does not reduce the RVU expectations for your clinical effort
Craft of the application
- Junior faculty are encouraged to review the application with section chief or with mentor(s)
Training quality
- Evidence that the educational opportunity is of high quality
- Training program takes place after the application deadline
No other funding resources available
- No other resources are available within the institution to achieve the objectives, such as existing grants, start up packages, etc
Represents a modest amount of monetary support required
- Although there are exceptions, the FDGs typically fund proposals that are $1500 to $4000. Proposals that are too financially resource intensive (translation: expensive) severely curtail this program’s ability to benefit a larger number of faculty
- Programs with larger budgets are typically funded by the Dean or Department Chair
Projects beyond the scope of the Faculty Development Program:
- Direct research activities (other DOM programs available)
- Sabbaticals
- Salary support
- Professional society meetings (e.g. SGIM, AHA)
- Review courses or application fees for board certification
Sample application (BU community only)