Research Grants
The Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity (HIAIH) was created with a goal of empowering the Bowdoin community to “critically examine, thoughtfully utilize, and ethically shape AI's trajectory.” With that in mind, the advisory committee is pleased to announce a new grant program designed to support faculty and staff who are interested in participating in that endeavor—especially those who may not be sure how they might do so.
Grant activities might include exploring how artificial intelligence could impact different aspects of the grantee’s professional practice, incorporating AI tools into their work, and/or critically examining AI’s broader implications. We look forward to supporting projects across a diverse array of academic disciplines, creative practices, and campus endeavors. The funding period will last up to one year.
This initial funding round focuses on exploration and seed projects. We anticipate announcing a call for larger grant amounts towards the end of 2025, which will provide opportunities to scale successful exploratory work or launch more ambitious new projects.
Grant Information
Explore AI Grants
Maximum funding: $1,500These grants support initial exploration and engagement with AI tools and applications. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Subscriptions to AI platforms and specialized tools
- Books, resources, and learning materials
- Visits for collaboration with AI researchers or practitioners
Project Seed Funding
Maximum funding: $5,000
These grants provide support for specific AI-related projects and investigations. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Software licensing for project-specific AI tools
- Equipment for AI-enhanced research or creative work
- Survey research and data collection costs
Support and Consultation
If faculty or staff would like to discuss any aspect of their proposals, please send an email to Hastings.Committee@bowdoin.edu. We will pair you with a supportive member of the initiative, such as one of our post-baccalaureate assistants, who may provide limited technical assistance or project support to grant recipients.
Apply
To apply, complete the application form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The committee normally meets on Wednesdays during the summer and will respond within two weeks of the initial Wednesday when we have your application. Exploratory grant applications can be as short as a single paragraph. For seed funding, we ask applicants to briefly describe their project in a few paragraphs. To discuss potential projects, contact the committee.
Results
These exploratory grants are intended to provide entry level insights or enabling benefits to recipients. With that in mind, we will look to provide opportunities for sharing grantees’ insights in ways that seem most appropriate to each individual project. Beyond that, we ask that each grantee provides a short report on their experience at the end of the granting period. Reports will typically be published on our website, though you will have the option to keep your individual report private. Our intention is that any reporting requirements will be minimal.