Program Description

The Graduate Research Small Grants Program is designed to enhance opportunities for graduate students in arts and humanities to conduct and present research by offering supplemental financial support on a competitive basis. 

This funding is not a substitute for other forms of funding that currently exist. Rather, it is designed to support research activities in instances where other sources (e.g., departmental sources, the Council of Graduate Students) are inadequate or unavailable. For information on funding opportunities within your degree program, contact the Graduate Studies Director of your home department or school. 

Eligibility

Grants are restricted to students currently enrolled in a graduate program in the Arts and Humanities within the College of Arts and Sciences. Applications are considered from individual students only. Eligible students can apply for one award every academic year (beginning the first day of classes in the fall semester), but preference will be given to students who have not received funding from this program in preceding years.

Funding Categories and Grant Amounts

Students may apply for grants to fund any of the following and should mark on the DocuSign application which category their request falls under:

Categories 1 & 2 are eligible for up to $700:

1. Travel to conduct research (fieldwork, research collections, residency programs) in the United States or abroad.
2. Travel for invited research presentations, performances or exhibitions at significant professional meetings or events in the United States and abroad.

Categories 3 & 4 are eligible for up to $500:

1. Payment to human subjects related to your research project.
2. Expenses related to the translation or transcription of primary research or research materials.

Application Process

Applications may be submitted according to the funding period schedule below, if funds are available. All applications must be complete and must use the DocuSign application form. When you initiate an application in DocuSign, you will be asked to provide your name and Ohio State email address, as well as those of your graduate advisor, graduate studies director, department head and fiscal officer. Please check these addresses for accuracy as this will ensure timely review and processing of your application. 

After entering the contact information above, you will then be able to submit your application, which must include the following:

1. A letter of 1-2 pages in which the applicant describes the project, its purpose, significance, history, relevance to the field, etc. In the case of a performance or presentation, applicants will need to explain the relevance of the venue to the particular field. Describe how this experience will enhance your degree program and your development as an artist, performer or scholar.
2. A detailed budget. Applicants should indicate whether they have obtained matching funds or are currently applying for such funds.
3. In the case of a presentation or performance, provide a letter of invitation or other indication of acceptance from the sponsoring organization or institution.

If you are experiencing issues with DocuSign, please use the OCIO chat support for 24-hour assistance.

Review Process

Once you submit the application using DocuSign, the form will then be routed through the following review process:

1. Graduate Advisor: Your advisor will receive an email requesting a letter of support, which they will upload directly into DocuSign on your behalf. This letter should affirm the worthiness of the project and the prestige of the conference in the student's field.
2. Graduate Studies Director: After your advisor approves, the director of graduate studies will receive an email from DocuSign requesting approval and confirmation of matching funds. 
3. Department Chair: Following the graduate studies chair’s approval, DocuSign will send an email to your department chair for review. 
4. College Review: Once your department has provided their approvals, your application will route to the college for final review. You will then receive an email from DocuSign indicating whether your grant was approved. This information will also be sent to your departmental fiscal officer. 

Grant Application Deadlines for Academic Year 2026-27

Funding Period 1: 

• Application Submitted: August 15 – September 30
• Travel/Expense Dates: August 15 – January 14
• Award Notification:
  • Rolling (for travel/expense dates before December 1)
  • November 1 (for travel/expense dates December 1 – January 14)

Funding Period 2:

• Application Submitted: October 1 – November 15
• Travel/Expense Dates: January 15 – March 14
• Award Notification: December 15

Funding Period 3:

• Application Submitted: November 15 – January 14
• Travel/Expense dates: March 15 – May 31
• Award Notification: February 15

Funding Period 4:

• Application Submitted: January 15 – March 15
• Travel/Expense dates: June 1 - August 14
• Award Notification: April 15
   

Apply now

For questions, please contact Assistant Dean Brian Orefice at orefice.1@osu.edu.

The annual income for the G. Micheal Riley International Academic Fund shall be used to support international activities in the humanities, including travel abroad by graduate students enrolled in degree programs offered by academic units in the college, to engage in research, attend professional conferences, and/or participate in exchange programs offered by the college.

Typical award is up to $1,200. Awards are made every three years. Applications will open again in spring 2027.

Graduate students may request funds to participate in methodological training workshops during the summer, such as those offered by the ICPSR, especially if the method is crucial to the successful completion of the student’s dissertation. Requests should be submitted by faculty on behalf of the student. Most awards will be less than $1,000, although additional amounts to cover registration costs and travel are possible. 

Application process (Note: requests are reviewed on a rolling basis):

1. Students should consult with their advisor. The advisor will submit on behalf of the student.
2. Submit a 1-2 page description of the training or workshop. Submit this document to Divisional Dean Ryan King (king.2065@osu.edu) and copy the department chair. The document should include a clear description of the training in relation to the dissertation. Include a budget justification. 

The number of funded projects will be determined by the availability of funds. Applicants must be graduate students in good standing in one of the SBS units.