[Council of Independent Colleges](https://cic.edu)

August 7, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)

Up to $60,000 per grant for a three-year project period.

Supports NetVUE member colleges and universities in critically re-examining and updating their institutional histories and missions, culminating in enduring products such as books or exhibits.

Only NetVUE members who have not previously received this grant are eligible.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, administered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., enables NetVUE member institutions to reflect on, re-examine, and reframe their institutional sagas in light of current contexts. The program is designed to help colleges and universities produce an updated account of their history, mission, and institutional vocation—connecting heritage with present realities and future directions. Projects must result in at least one enduring physical product (e.g., a book, printed catalogue, or campus exhibit) that documents the outcomes of this reflective process. The program emphasizes broad campus engagement, critical thinking, and assessment, and expects projects to foster campus-wide conversations and generate materials that will have a lasting impact on institutional identity. --- ## Due Dates - August 7, 2026: Application deadline (full proposal submission) Decisions are expected in December 2026. Funds will be disbursed in two payments: the first in February 2027, and the second in late summer 2028 (after approval of an interim report). Project spending must be completed by January 31, 2030. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $60,000 per institution - Project duration: Three years - Funds are distributed in two equal payments (at project start and after interim reporting) - Typical expenses covered: released time/stipends for faculty and staff, retreats, workshops, reading materials, event costs, and costs associated with creating enduring products - Some expenses are ineligible (see below) --- ## Eligibility - Only institutions that are current NetVUE members, have not previously completed, and do not currently hold a NetVUE Grant for Reframing the Institutional Saga are eligible. - Institutions may hold this grant concurrently with other NetVUE grants, but must demonstrate adequate staffing and resource allocation, typically with distinct leadership teams. - Applicants must maintain NetVUE membership throughout the project period (2027–2030). - Only one proposal per institution per round is permitted. --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted electronically as a single document. - Required components: - Executive summary (1 page) - Brief public description (120 words) - Five- to six-page narrative addressing institutional identity, project goals, activities, assessment, and outcomes - Project timeline (1 page) - Plans for sharing “stories of success” - Roster of project participants and leadership - Detailed budget and budget notes (see [Grant Budget Guidelines](https://cic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-GRIS-Budget-Guidelines_combined.pdf)) - Letter of support from the institution’s president, designating a cabinet-level administrator to oversee the project and affirming NetVUE membership commitment - Submit applications via the [online form](https://my.cic.edu/Programs/Nomination-Process/Nomination-Process-New?programid=30C0070C-158C-EB11-80DF-00155D056E08) - See the [Invitation for Applications](https://cic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-GRIS-IFA-redesign.pdf) for full details. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must result in at least one durable, physical product (digital-only projects are not eligible unless accompanied by a physical product). - Assessment and evaluation, including use of external evaluators, are required. - Ineligible expenses include: capital equipment, new personnel lines, benefits beyond 7.65% FICA, indirect/overhead costs, fundraising, professional development programs, and travel to NetVUE conferences. - Grant recipients must participate in NetVUE and CIC assessment activities and provide copies of final products. - Institutions must send a campus team (led by a senior administrator) to the next NetVUE Conference. --- ## External Links - [Program page and application instructions](https://cic.edu/opportunity/reframing-institutional-saga-grants) - [Invitation for Applications (PDF)](https://cic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-GRIS-IFA-redesign.pdf) - [Grant Budget Guidelines (PDF)](https://cic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2027-GRIS-Budget-Guidelines_combined.pdf) - [Online Application Portal](https://my.cic.edu/Programs/Nomination-Process/Nomination-Process-New?programid=30C0070C-158C-EB11-80DF-00155D056E08) - [About NetVUE](https://cic.edu/networks/netvue/about/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|-------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------| | Carter Aikin | NetVUE Grants Director | [caikin@cic.edu](mailto:caikin@cic.edu) | (217) 854-5619 | | General Inquiries | CIC Main Office | [cic@cic.edu](mailto:cic@cic.edu) | (202) 466-7230 | | CIC Contact Page | — | [Contact Form](https://cic.edu/contact) | |

NetVUE Grants for Reframing the Institutional Saga

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