Fall 2022
To: Deans, Department Chairs, Program Directors, Registered Student Organizations
From: Mindi Thompson, Chair, Kemper K. Knapp Bequest Committee
The Kemper K. Knapp Bequest Committee is soliciting proposals for special projects taking place in the 2023-2024 academic year. We recognize that with the ongoing concerns of COVID-19, some projects that would normally apply for Kemper K. Knapp grants may end up being postponed or switched to virtual formats. If you submit a proposal and end up needing an extension or to make other changes, please email admin@secfac.wisc.edu with any questions.
Last year, the Knapp committee voted to raise its standard suggested maximum to $10,000, although the committee will entertain requests that exceed this amount. Awards usually range from $600-$10,000. According to the terms of the original bequest, 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. Knapp funds are not often used for purposes that can and should be supported elsewhere, such as from regular grants or research funding, from fees charged for performances, or from the regular university budget. Nor is the committee inclined to support exhibitions or lectures because other campus committees (e.g., Anonymous Fund Committee, Lectures Committee) have them as a central funding target. The committee encourages registered student organizations to apply, but departmental/program co-sponsorship is required.
When considering requests for funds, the committee keeps in mind the spirit of the will of Kemper K. Knapp. Included is the following language:
“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 deadline for applications is Monday, November 7, 2022. PLEASE NOTE: Application materials have been updated to include standardized forms. Please use these to ensure that your application receives consideration. For further application instructions and additional information on the Kemper K. Knapp Bequest, please visit the Secretary of the Faculty website at: https://secfac.wisc.edu/awards-lectures/kemper-k-knapp-bequest/
How to Apply for Funds
This fall, the Knapp Committee will consider applications for projects taking place during the next (2023-2024) academic year. The deadline for applications is Monday, November 7, 2022. PLEASE NOTE: Application materials have been updated to include standardized forms. Please use these to ensure that your application receives consideration. Please submit your application as a single pdf document to the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty at admin@secfac.wisc.edu.
Please note that the committee has already distributed awards for the current (2022-2023) academic year. However, in circumstances that necessitate taking advantage of special opportunities, the committee will consider applications for projects occurring in the spring semester of the current academic year.
The committee will notify all applicants of its decision by the start of the spring semester (mid-January).
In your application, be as brief and straightforward as possible. A complete application will be a single pdf of the following items in the order below:
- A cover letter from the department chair or person principally responsible for the project
- The Description of the Project form
- The Budget form
- Two or three letters of support, including one from the department or program chair if different from the project director as identified above
- A one-page vita of the director of the project
Please note that some items are ineligible for funding, included but not limited to: cash awards, prizes, standard salaries, donations or purchase of goods for donation to outside organizations. Projects that ask for funding for food must also have an educational component and/or a high level of student involvement in the project.
Examples of eligible items include: honorariums, some student salaries, student registrations, student scholarships, event expenses (venue, advertising, materials, etc), travel, other expenses as determined by the Kemper K. Knapp committee.
We look forward to hearing from you. If you have questions about any of the above instructions, please direct them to the Office of the Secretary of the Faculty (608-262-3956; admin@secfac.wisc.edu)
[The Kemper K. Knapp Bequest Committee comprises faculty members from all four divisions and the chancellor or the chancellor’s designee.]
Mindi Thompson (chair)
Andrea Arpaci-Dusseau
Paola Hernández
Heather Schlesser
Mark Guthier (Chancellor’s designee)