Proposal Requirements
Total Length: Written proposals (submitted as a .pdf) should be no longer than 3,000 words.
Kuali Submission Form: Upload the proposal through the form which asks a few additional questions.
UIC Support Letter: If you are submitting a proposal as a representative of one of Duke's university institutes, initiatives, and centers within the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, prepare to upload a letter of support from Senior Vice Provost Ed Balleisen to the Kuali Form. Email eballeis@duke.edu (and copy Sheriece.smith@duke.edu) in advance of the RFP deadline to share your proposal and inquire for a letter of support.
Required Sections of the Written Proposal
PROPOSAL TITLE
Provide a concise title (up to 15 words) that clearly reflects the focus of the proposed project.
PROPOSAL SUMMARY
Offer a 150–200 word overview describing the proposed educational project and what will be created or implemented to advance climate and sustainability fluency. Use this as an executive snapshot of purpose and approach.
TARGET LEARNERS
Identify the learner audience(s) the proposal aims to reach (e.g., specific students, faculty, staff, alumni; disciplines; courses; departments; programs; interests; etc.).
Take note of the complementary submission form item that inquires about which stage of the climate and sustainability learning continuum (Ignite-Deepen-Empower) the proposal aims to address. Proposals are not expected to address all stages of the climate and sustainability learning continuum. Rather than attempting comprehensive coverage of all Duke learners, proposals should have clear purpose and intentional design aligned with the learning needs of the intended audience.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND INTENDED IMPACT
Describe what learners should understand, gain, or be able to do differently as a result of the proposed project. Clearly articulate intended educational impact in clear, concrete terms, referencing changes in knowledge, skills, or mindsets.
LEARNER EXPERIENCE AND RELEVANCE
Explain what learners will actually experience or participate in, and why these activities are meaningful and relevant for the intended audience.
4‑C FLUENCY FRAMEWORK CONNECTIONS
In what ways does the proposal draw influence or connections to the Duke Climate and Sustainability Fluency 4-C Framework (Context, Causes, Consequences, Catalysts for Change)? Projects may engage one or more of the 4-Cs and are encouraged to interpret the framework creatively within their educational context.
QUANTITATIVE REACH
Approximately how many learners will be reached in 2026–2027 academic year through this project?
OUTREACH PLAN
How will learners learn about engagement possibilities with your proposed project? How will they be recruited or invited to participate in the project? Be specific.
FLUENCY EVALUATION PLAN
How will changes in learner knowledge, skills, or mindsets be assessed? Describe the qualitative and/or quantitative data that will be collected for the final Impact Reflection Report.
BUDGET TABLE
Budgets must be reasonable, well justified, and aligned with project scope.
No cost extension. Funds must be spent by July 1, 2027. Any unspent balance will be returned to the Office of Climate and Sustainability by July 2027.
Provide a detailed budget ($1,000–$20,000) describing how expenditures support project impact.
Organize the budget in a table including these three headers for each line item: Category | Amount | Justification.
Salary Approval Contact: For any budget request that includes salary or supplemental pay, the budget must be approved prior to submission by the applicable department head, director, or other appropriate school/unit leadership to ensure feasibility and alignment with institutional policies. Please do not submit a budget including salary or pay requests without first confirming approval from your appropriate points of contact. Please consult all necessary parties prior to including the request in your proposal. Demonstrated approval through the Kuali Submission Form is required to qualify as an award finalist. This step confirms that any payroll, appointment, or contractual considerations have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate unit. Further documentation will follow for finalists.
LONGEVITY
How could the proposed project be sustained after seed funding (e.g., through a course, unit, department, program, or role, etc.)? We seek proposals that show potential for institutional integration or long-term influence at Duke.
CONTRIBUTION TO DUKE’S EDUCATIONAL ECOSYSTEM
Regarding the Duke Climate Commitment, how does this proposal complement, extend, or strengthen climate and sustainability learning at Duke, especially in your unit? If relevant, note connections to existing courses, programs, institutional priorities, etc.
OPTIONAL NOTES
Use this space to share any additional context reviewers should consider.