Investigators at Duke are experiencing delays in notices of awards for non-competitive awards or approvals of carry forward or no-cost extensions. This program will provide a short-term backstop for a portion of allowable costs incurred for these awards during such delays. This program is not intended to fully fund the delay in funding, but rather to allow the faculty some continuity. The program is not meant to be a supplement to federal funding; if expenditures incurred by this program can be reimbursed upon receipt of a new NOA, the funds must be returned to this program. 

Access the application form here.

Eligibility

Tenure-track Duke University faculty, currently serving as a Principal Investigator on a federal award, with primary appointment in a school or college, center or institute outside of the School of Medicine. The faculty member must be expected to maintain an independent research program. Specific criteria include:

  • A delayed NOA for the next budget period of an active federal award, or a delay in approval of a no-cost extension or carry forward;
  • A letter of support and commitment from the unit in which the individual has a primary appointment to provide 25% of the funds requested; and
  • Limited other resources available. 

available funding:

Individuals may request up to three months of funding with a maximum of $16,000 per month. The requested total budget may not exceed 20% of the direct costs in the most recent Notice of Award (NOA). The school, center or institute must provide 25% of requested funds, which can be provided from faculty discretionary accounts. 

Application materials

Individuals, in completing the application form, will be asked to provide the following:

  • A letter of support from the Principal Investigator's unit (department, division, etc.), indicating:
    • Confirmation of the expectation that the PI maintain an independent research program;
    • Explanation of the essential role of requested funds in advancing the research program, aligning with the unit’s strategic priorities, and supporting the principal investigator’s career development trajectory;
    • Commitment to provide the necessary matching funds, ensuring that both the source and amounts comply with the expectations set by the respective school, college, institute, or center; and
    • Current assessment of PI discretionary funds.
  • Biosketch or abbreviated (no more than 5 pages) CV of the PI
  • Most recent Notice Of Award for the award in question
  • Streamlined budget, which adheres to the following allowable and unallowable costs:
    • Allowable items – must be in federal award budget:
      • Existing personnel – staff, trainees, non-tenure track faculty who are on soft money;
      • research supplies and other research expenses;
      • critical travel; and
      • publication costs.
    • Unallowable items:
      • PI or other tenure track faculty salaries;
      • New hires (except for Ph.D. students);
      • Equipment (unless justification provided why equipment purchase is necessary now); and
      • Subcontracts to other institutions (except for critical continuations where the subcontractor has no other means of support; e.g., community organizations).

Application deadlines

  • Applications will be considered on the last business day of each month, with every effort made to communicate decisions within two weeks.