Fall 2024
To: Faculty, Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, Registered Student Organizations
From: Mindi Thompson, Chair, Knapp Bequest Committee
The Knapp Bequest Committee invites proposals for special projects taking place in the 2025-2026 academic year (application deadline: November 10, 2024). Awards usually range from $600 to $10,000.
When considering proposals, the committee keeps this language from Mr. Knapp’s will in mind: “In general it is my wish that such funds be used for purposes outside the regular curriculum of the university… to cultivate in the student body ideals of honesty, sincerity, earnestness, tolerance, and social and political obligations.”
The committee favors projects that cross departmental lines and have an impact on the educational and cultural life of the university community, particularly projects that benefit undergraduate students. The committee does not fund projects that can and should be supported by grants or research funding, fees charged for performances, or the regular university budget. The committee also does not fund exhibitions or lectures supported by other campus committees (Anonymous Fund Committee, University Lectures Committee).
The committee encourages registered student organizations to apply. Department/program co-sponsorship is required for student proposals.
How to Apply for Funds
This fall, the Knapp Bequest Committee will consider proposals for projects taking place in AY 2025-2026.
Please note that the committee has already distributed awards for the current academic year. However the committee will consider proposals for projects taking advantage of special opportunities in the spring semester.
The committee will notify all applicants of funding decisions by the start of the spring semester (mid-January).
Please download and complete a Knapp Bequest 2025-2026 Proposal Form, then submit your proposal as a single .pdf document to admin@secfac.wisc.edu (deadline: November 10, 2024). Be as brief and straightforward as possible.
Your completed application will include:
- Part 1. Cover Sheet (1 page)
- Part 2. Cover Letter (2 pages)
Note: Cover letter should be written by the faculty or staff project director and, if applicable, co-director. - Part 3: Proposal Body
- A. Project Description (1-2 pages)
- B. Project Budget (1 page)
- Examples of items ineligible for funding: cash awards, prizes, faculty and staff salaries, donations, purchase of goods for donation to outside organizations
- Examples of items eligible for funding: scholarships/fellowships, some student salaries, student registrations, travel, event expenses (publicity, materials, venue), honorariums
- Projects asking for funding for food must also include an educational component and/or a high level of student involvement in the project.
- Other expenses may be funded at the committee’s discretion.
- C. Impact Report, for projects supported in 2023-2024 (1 page)
- Part 4: Letters of Support (1-2 pages each, minimum 1 letter, maximum 3 letters)
Note: The application must contain a letter from the dean, department chair, academic program director, or director of the department/program/unit providing an administrative home for the project.
Questions?
Please e-mail (admin@secfac.wisc.edu) the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty with any questions you may have about a proposal or award. We look forward to hearing from you.
Knapp Bequest Committee, 2024-2025
The committee comprises faculty members from all four divisions and the chancellor or chancellor’s designee:
- Mindi Thompson (chair)
- Jordan Ellenberg
- Derek Johnson
- Nicole Perna
- Mark Guthier (Chancellor’s designee)