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)