Research Call for Proposals

Each year, GCSAA, through a grant from the EIFG, invites you to submit a proposal to the Chapter Cooperative Research Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to collaborate with chapters by providing matching funds for applied, problem-solving research efforts and promote the use of best management practices and new technology that will advance the sustainability of golf facilities. The goal is to fund efforts that are relevant and can be applied immediately to solve problems important to superintendents and the golf facilities they manage.

Types of projects funded

• Agronomic- or environmental-based research projects should address a turfgrass management or environmental quality issue that is a priority within the chapter, state or region.
• The research project should be applied and problem solving in nature.
• Research proposals must clearly state the goals and expected outcomes.
• Projects focused on the development or implementation of agronomic or environmental best management practices or new technology should advance the sustainability of golf facilities. Examples include projects that develop or implement best management practices associated with nutrient use, water conservation, water quality protection, energy conservation or use new technology/techniques that provide a positive impact.
• BMP projects must provide quantifiable outcomes in terms of the applied technologies, BMPs developed or implemented. Implementation projects should indicate how the outcomes will be measured and the results quantified. Examples include water saved, BMPs or technologies implemented or a percent of increase in energy or water efficiency.

Funding provided

• A maximum of $20,000 per year for up to two years from the EIFG. No indirect costs are allowed.
• A single GCSAA affiliated chapter, multiple GCSAA affiliated chapters working together, turf associations or foundations, golf associations, or any combination of the organizations previously listed must match dollar for dollar the funding requested from the EIFG. Organizations may contribute more than $20,000 to a project per year, but the EIFG will only match up to $40,000.

Proposal structure

Proposals must include the following to be accepted for review:

• All proposals should use the uniform cover sheet template.
• Project title
• Rationale for research or description of problem
• Benefits of the research to golf course superintendents
• Objectives
• Materials and methods, including the location of the experiments and a list of treatments, if applicable
• Expected results and outcomes
• Brief section of literature cited (if desired)
• Detailed budget showing all sources of funding (no indirect costs allowed)
• The guidelines document lists the information that should be included in the letter.
• A single GCSAA-affiliated chapter, multiple GCSAA-affiliated chapters working together, turf associations or foundations, golf associations, or any combination of the organizations previously must clarify how they will be involved in the project. Outside organizations are welcome to contribute. Cost sharing,as part of other projects or through funds from outside organizations, will be considered favorably.

Proposals should be typed and single-spaced using a minimum 10-point font. They must not exceed six total pages, including the cover sheet.

Proposal review process

The deadline has passed for 2012 research proposals. Only proposals that are received by the deadline and contain the required information will be reviewed by the GCSAA Research Committee, which is composed of seven golf course superintendents and three scientists. Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Importance of the research to golf course superintendents
• Well-defined experimental objectives
• Methodology that will meet objectives
• Technical merit

Questions?

Please contact Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs, at 785-865-8048.