These instructions are for VUMC investigators. VU investigators should apply through InfoReady and address any questions to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
Overview:
VUMC may submit one application to the Conservation, Food and Health Foundation (CFH) Grants program. The CFH seeks to protect natural resources, improve the production and distribution of food, and promote public health in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The Foundation supports projects that demonstrate local leadership and promote professional development in the conservation, agricultural, and health sciences; develop the capacity of local organizations; and address a particular problem or question in the field. Grants are made on a one-time basis for up to $30,000 (average grant is $20,000.) No indirect costs are allowed.
The foundation prefers to support projects that address under-funded issues and geographic areas. It favors research, training, and technical assistance projects that:
- employ and/or train personnel from developing countries
- are led by organizations with strong records of accomplishments in a particular field and have potential for replication
- focus on regional or cross-boundary issues and opportunities
- feature collaborative partnerships embedded in strong networks
- strengthen local leadership and scientific capacity
- influence public discourse and policy
- focus on prevention rather than remediation
- attract additional support and hold promise for continuation or impact beyond the period of foundation support
Conservation Projects
Conservation grants help improve ecological and environmental conditions in low- and middle-income countries. The foundation supports field research and related research activities, training, and technical assistance efforts that:
- help conserve ecosystems and protect biodiversity
- train local leaders in conservation and protection of resources, with an emphasis on technical and scientific training
Food Projects:
Food grants help research-based efforts to improve food and nutrition security and improve natural resources and ecosystems. Areas of interest include projects that:
- promote or develop specific sustainable agriculture practices with potential to advance science and practice in other countries;
- test and refine innovative education and training interventions for small scale farmers; and
- advance new approaches to control pests and diseases affecting important food crops in low-income countries.
Health Projects:
The foundation supports public health programs that focus on populations rather than individuals. It funds programs that emphasize disease prevention and health promotion over those that emphasize disease diagnosis, treatment, and care. It supports research, technical assistance, and training projects that:
- improve public health through community-based efforts that address health promotion, disease prevention, family planning, and reproductive health; and
- increase the understanding and treatment of neglected tropical diseases
The CFH does not fund direct medical care or treatment at hospitals or clinics; medical equipment for hospitals or clinics; and several other exclusions.
See the guidelines and previous grantees for more information.
Internal Application Process:
Anyone interested in being considered as VUMC’s nominee must submit the following (in a single PDF) to LSO@vanderbilt.edu by 5 p.m. on April 7:
- Brief (2 page maximum) research plan including summary budget
- Statement of support from department chair/center director
- Letter must acknowledge that this grant does not allow indirect costs. This statement can be used/modified within the letter: “The Department recognizes that this grant does not allow indirect costs and will commit to covering any associated indirect costs per applicable institutional policy.”
- NIH Biosketch or 5-page CV
Any questions about this opportunity may be directed to LSO@vanderbilt.edu
