4-VA Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
To receive a collaborative research grant from Virginia Tech, you must be Virginia Tech faculty. You must log in with your vt.edu account to access the proposal submission form and template.
Can a previous Co-PI apply this year as a PI?
Yes. Faculty who have previously served as a Co-PI on a 4-VA grant are eligible to apply as a PI. However, submissions should be clear how this submission builds upon a strong foundation and brings a previous proposal to the next steps and/or be clear that the proposal is distinctly different from previous submissions. Preference is typically given to projects that have not been funded before.
Can a postdoctoral associate apply?
Yes. Postdoctoral associates may apply. The proposal should clearly state that your position will continue into the next fiscal year (and ideally longer), as 4-VA funding is intended to help secure larger external grants that benefit the Commonwealth.
Can a Co-PI be within Virginia Tech?
Projects must include at least one external collaborator from another 4-VA university.
Are there limitations regarding Co-PIs outside Virginia?
If a collaborator is from a participating 4-VA institution, they may:
- Receive $5,000 in complementary funds from their home institution, and/or
- Be included in the proposal budget.
If a collaborator is from a non-4VA institution, they must be included within the $30,000 internal award budget.
Can 4-VA funds be shared with a Co-PI at another institution?
The Co-PI should not be included in the PI’s Virginia Tech budget if they are receiving complementary funds from their home 4-VA institution.
However, if additional support is desired for a Co-PI from another institution, those funds may be included within the $30,000 award. Work with your departmental finance representative to determine how funds would be distributed.
Is the complementary $5,000 the only funding a Co-PI can receive?
Typically, the collaborating 4-VA institution provides up to $5,000 in complementary funds. It is unlikely that a Co-PI would receive more than $5,000 from their home institution, though additional support could be allocated within the main $30,000 award if appropriate.
Does the four-page limit include references?
No. References may be included in an appendix beyond the four-page proposal limit.
While references may be helpful, they have not historically weighed heavily in reviewer comments. Keep in mind that the review committee includes members from diverse disciplines, including non-technical reviewers.
Are there requirements or limits for images?
There are no specific requirements or limits for images. However, the proposal narrative is limited to four pages. You may include additional figures in an appendix if needed.
Can we see the evaluation rubric?
The evaluation rubric cannot be shared. However, review criteria are outlined in the RFP.
Keep in mind that proposals are reviewed by a multidisciplinary committee that may include non-technical individuals.
The template mentions building a “pipeline” for graduate programs. What does that mean?
The template describes potential uses of 4-VA funds. One example is creating or expanding pathways to graduate education, such as:
- Supporting undergraduate research experiences that strengthen graduate school preparation
- Funding graduate assistantships (stipend and tuition)
- Creating research opportunities that would not exist without 4-VA support
The “pipeline” refers to strengthening the progression from undergraduate research experiences to graduate programs.
What is the maximum award amount?
The maximum award is $30,000.
A competitive budget should clearly demonstrate how the initial 4-VA award will serve as a springboard toward larger external funding opportunities that benefit the Commonwealth in the long term.
Can the budget include tuition for graduate students?
Yes. Be sure to factor in out-of-state tuition if applicable.
Can the budget include PI summer salary?
Yes.
Should overhead (F&A) be included?
No. These are E&G funds transferred directly to the department. There is no overhead, and the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) is not involved.
If budgeting a flat amount for a GRA (e.g., $13,000), can that cover fringe benefits?
4-VA grants are E&G funded. Fringe costs are credited back to the grant fund by central payroll and are typically managed at the college level.
Consult your departmental or college finance representative for guidance on how to structure GRA budgeting appropriately.
What is the breadth of the review committee?
The review committee is multidisciplinary and may include individuals from a wide range of fields, including non-technical reviewers.
Proposals should therefore:
- Be accessible to a broad academic audience
- Clearly articulate impact and significance
- Avoid overly technical language where possible