Each year, one $25,000 grant is awarded through an open, competitive process.
Application Process
The LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell is awarded through a two-stage application and selection process:
Pre-Proposal
Pre-proposals require general information about the applicant, a short description of the proposed research, and a preliminary budget and schedule.
Full Proposal
Candidates who are short-listed in the pre-proposal stage will be invited to submit a full proposal by March 1. These candidates will also participate in a web-based video conversation with jurors about the proposed research in late January/early February.
LAF uses SlideRoom as its online application platform and will only accept applications submitted through this system. All pre-proposal materials must be submitted by 11:59pm EST on December 1.
Visit http://lafoundation.slideroom.com to use the system. Once you have created an account, scroll through the “Programs” to the grant, and click “Begin” to start the application process. You may save, edit, and review your work prior to submitting. An application fee of $25 (USD) must be paid through SlideRoom when the application is submitted.
Pre-Proposal Contents
Applicants should clearly outline their proposed research project and convey relevant experience. Refer to the Application Instructions for more specific information. All submissions must adhere to guidelines and deadlines in order to be considered. Additional materials will not be reviewed.
Pre-proposal - Application Instructions
Required materials
- General Application Form
- Project Abstract
- Preliminary Project Budget and Schedule
- CVs of Principal Investigators
Supplemental materials
- Proof of English Language Proficiency (for non-native speakers only)
- College/University Transcripts (for international applicants only)
In addition to the materials above, those invited to submit a full proposal will be required to submit the following:
- Project Proposal
- Projected Outcomes and Dissemination Plan
- Detailed Project Budget and Schedule
- 2 Letters of Support
- Commitment Letters from Partners
Selection Process
A jury of experts in landscape architecture and related fields will evaluate each proposal using the following criteria.
- Research Topic - The proposed research is relevant and impactful for landscape architecture practice. It fits within one or more of the grant’s listed topic areas and is current (or emergent).
- Quality of Research Design - The research is well-grounded in relevant literature and case precedent. It poses a clear research question or questions. The investigative protocol is rigorous and methodical. Additional consideration is given for innovation in research design.
- Researchers and Support - The research team has the professional and technical background appropriate to the proposed study. Researchers have the support of their firm(s)/institution(s) to carry out and disseminate the research, including accommodation for time and workload.
- Research Trajectory - The research plan is grounded in previous experience and/or future promise. Additional consideration is given for research projects with potential scalability or the likelihood of future phases/expansion through grants or corporate/institutional frameworks.
- Team Composition - The research team is appropriate to the research topic and design. Interdisciplinary teams are encouraged. Partners have been identified and are committed. Additional consideration is given for teams that bridge academia and practice.
- Communication Plan - There is a clearly defined audience for the research. The research team has identified opportunities to disseminate the research and key findings to public, professional, and/or scholarly communities.
Applicants who are short-listed are expected to be available for a web-based video conversation with jurors in late January/early February. Full proposals are due March 1. The applicant selected to receive the grant will be notified by April 1.
Questions?
Contact Megan Barnes at mbarnes [at] lafoundation.org (mbarnes[at]lafoundation[dot]org)
LAF Research Grant in Honor of Deb Mitchell
Overview
Eligibility & Expectations
Application Process
Grant Recipients
