These grants are available to tenure track and non-tenure track faculty employed at Montana State University Bozeman.  They are intended to give faculty funding to create and develop new methods to improve their teaching and student learning with the goal of increasing student success.

Proposal guidelines
Past Award Winners
  
 

  • Creation and adoption of new and innovative teaching methodologies designed to increase student learning,
  • New methods of integrating teaching, research, and outreach/service into your course,
  • Purchase and use of new software in the classroom including collaborative technology,
  • Innovative methods of student learning assessment,
  • Interdisciplinary teaching.

  • Potential for teaching innovation,
  • Assessment plan that includes measurement of outcomes,
  • Potential breadth of impact on instruction beyond a single course,
  • Potential for outcomes that will improve future teaching,
  • Potential contribution to the scholarship of teaching and learning (public dissemination of assessment measurement of outcomes),
  • Alignment to MSU mission and strategic plan via contribution to one or more core values or strategic goals, and
  • Effective use of funding.

  • Travel to learn specialized and innovative pedagogical skills will be supported. Grant funds may not be used for attendance at professional meetings not associated with the issues identified in the proposal.
  • Grant funds may be used for compensation for additional work beyond normal teaching duties performed as part of the grant project.  Summer salary is allowable for activities outside of normal responsibilities; compensation must be paid during the period when the work is completed . Only direct salary costs need be included in the budget; it is not necessary to calculate the cost of benefits.
  • These grants cannot be used for monetary incentives such as gift cards to complete surveys.

Grant funds must be expended between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.

Reporting Requirements:

Successful applicants will be expected to present the outcomes of their projects at a Center for Faculty Excellence event.  In addition, a final report in PDF format is due to the Center for Faculty Excellence by September 21, 2027. The report must include the following: project goals, activities, outcomes, assessment results, and detail of fund expenditures. Send reports to cfe@montana .edu.

Proposal Guidelines:

All proposals must include:

  • Title Page:  Include project title, applicant name, academic rank, department, date of hire, address, telephone number, and email address.
  • Very short (one paragraph) description of your classes and area of interest.
  • Proposal Narrative: In a statement not to exceed three pages (double-spaced and 11 point font minimum), address each of the following: goals, methods/procedures/activities, anticipated outcomes, contribution to MSU core value(s), and an assessment plan that includes a measurement of outcomes.
  • Detailed Budget: Append a budget for up to $4,000 on a separate page. If applicable, identify the use of any matching funds.
  • Statement of Support:  A brief statement of support from the department head should be included. If the project requires involvement of a unit other than the proposer's department, the proposal should include a statement of support from that unit.
  • Short (two- to three-page) vita that includes any prior interest, experience, or research into your topic.

Submission  Guidelines:

  • All proposals must be submitted electronically all in one document in PDF format with the applicant's name in the file title; hard copy submissions of proposals will not be accepted.
  • The PDF of the application should be attached to an email to cfe@montana.edu with the subject line: "Instructional Innovation Grant Proposal."

All proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026.

  • Applicants will receive a decision on their grant proposals in April 2026.

Questions regarding the Instructional Innovation Grants and application procedures should be directed to cfe@montana.edu.                                                                                                                             

Updated  12/29/2025