In-house Grants Program

The Sociology and Anthropology Department has a small, in-house grants program designed to support student research and allow students to take advantage of learning opportunities not available on campus. The grants are intended to support Sociology and Anthropology class projects, independent study and honors thesis work, as well participation in Sociology and Anthropology programs and conferences that contribute to the overall education of students.

The awards are not to be used to cover credit-bearing components of field schools, summer schools, or language courses, nor can they to be used by students to subsidize participation in study-away programs.

Eligibility

All students enrolled in Sociology and Anthropology courses at Bowdoin are eligible to apply to do sociological or anthropological research or participate in related conferences and programs. Preference will be given to declared majors and minors, then to prospective majors and minors; however all students enrolled in the department’s courses are welcome to apply.

Award amounts will range from $50 to $500. Individuals are eligible for only one award a semester. Projects must be completed while individuals are enrolled at the college. If a student receives funding for the project from another source, the student is expected to decline the department's award, unless the other funding supports a different component of the research, conference, or program.

Application package

An application must include the following to be considered complete:

1. In the case of research projects, a narrative proposal, no more than 500 words in length, should describe:

  • the proposed research,
  • the goals of the work,
  • the significance of the endeavor, and
  • the timeline for completion of the project.

In the case of conference proposals, a narrative proposal, no more than 500 words in length, should explain:

  • the nature of the conference,
  • the student's role in the conference,
  • the significance to the student of participating in the conference, and
  • the dates of the conference.

In the case of educational programs, a narrative proposal, no more than 500 words in length, should describe:

  • the focus or purpose of the educational program,
  • the work that will be required of the student,
  • the program’s affiliation, faculty, and duration, and
  • the significance of the program to the student.

2. A detailed budget that outlines clearly expenses the award is expected to cover.

3. A statement identifying other funding sources to which the student has applied, and other funding that has been awarded for the project.

4. A current Bowdoin transcript.

5. A recommendation from a faculty member in sociology or anthropology who has worked with the student and is involved in the project, familiar with the conference, or who has an understanding of the appropriateness of the course of study.

Criteria for selection Criteria for selection will include quality of the proposal, the feasibility of the project as described in the narrative, and the project’s significance and relevance to the applicant’s academic career at Bowdoin.

Application submissions Applications are due by 4:00 pm Friday of the fourth full week of classes each semester. Only complete applications will be considered. Four (4) hard copies of an application are required. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered. Applications should be submitted to the Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Requirements of grant recipients Students awarded department grants must

  • write a one to two page report describing the project, conference experience, or academic program. This report must be submitted to the department Chair within two weeks of completion of the project, and
  • submit receipts to account for the award funds. Students who do not complete outlined work or fail to submit receipts will be expected to return awards.

Review Procedure Every fall and spring semester, a committee consisting of two faculty members (one Sociologist, one Anthropologist) will meet to consider proposals submitted by students. Fall proposals will cover work proposed to take place during the fall semester and winter break period. Spring semester proposals will cover work designed to take place during the spring semester and over the summer.

In exceptional circumstances, and if funds for a given semester have not already been allocated, the department Chair may convene the committee of two faculty members to review an application at times other than the regularly scheduled review meetings.

Funds unexpended during one semester will be carried over to the following semester. If the department determines that, due to budgetary considerations, the funds allocated to the grants program are needed to support another aspect of the department's program, the grants program will be suspended or the amount available for disbursement will be adjusted appropriately.