Grants

The LeRoy Keller Center for the Study of the First Amendment supports research on topics and issues relating to the nature, meaning, and contemporary standing of First Amendment rights and liberties, and on the functioning of political institutions charged with protecting those rights and liberties.

The Keller Center welcomes on a rolling basis proposals for small research grants, open to CU faculty, graduate students and undergraduates.  Post-doctoral scholars in residence at CU may also apply for the faculty award.

  • The faculty award program is competitive, and is designed to assist faculty conducting research-related activities on First Amendment issues.  Awards of up to $3,000.
  • The graduate award program is competitive, and provides modest funds to assist all aspects of projects related to First Amendment issues.  Awards of up to $1,500.
  • The David Mapel undergraduate award provides support for students working on projects related to First Amendment issues (summer projects coordinated with faculty; senior research).  Awards of up to $1,000.

Proposals in excess of the above limits may be requested, but will only be awarded if, in the judgment of the Keller Board of Directors, the project has particular merit and fits especially closely with the mission of the center.

Proposals should be sent in a single pdf to joshua.strayhorn@colorado.edu, adhering to the following guidelines:

1. Problem, Design, and Importance. Two pages maximum (single-spaced):

Problem Statement: State the problem and connect it directly to an important empirical or theoretical debate surrounding the First Amendment. Design/Methods: How will the study be designed to address the problem? Provide a brief explanation of what the goals of the study are, and of how the study is constructed to meet those goals. Importance: What will the project contribute to our understanding of the First Amendment?

2. Budget and Timeline. One page maximum:

Provide a brief budget, a project timeline, and note whether any other funding has been obtained for the project. 

3. Curriculum Vitae.  Faculty and graduate students: Include your CV. Undergraduates should provide the following: major(s), GPA, and name/email address for a faculty member who is willing to serve as a reference.

All proposals will be evaluated by the director, in consultation with the Keller Board of Directors.  Grant recipients will be expected to provide a brief follow-up report to the director within 1 year of receipt of an award.