Creative Inquiry Grants

Creative Inquiry Grant awards are based on the applicant’s role at Vanderbilt:

• Faculty and staff can apply for up to $2,500;
• Graduate students can apply for up to $1500;
• Undergraduate students can apply for up to $500.

On occasion, we will consider applications from interdisciplinary teams of applicants requesting larger award amounts. If you would like to be considered for an amount larger than what is outlined above, please contact Rachel Thompson. Teams must still submit the application form upon approval to apply for a larger award amount.

In addition to funding, award recipients may use the Curb Center’s workspaces, event spaces, and studios, as well as material resources to support successful project outcomes.

Applications for Creative Inquiry Grants are now open! Please read this page carefully for application instructions.

To apply for a Creative Inquiry Grant, please fill out the application form in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any questions about the application, please contact Rachel Thompson to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting.

The Curb Center’s Creative Inquiry Grant Program does not fund the following types of award requests:

• Travel
• Class assignments or projects
• Professional development funds, including faculty research and conference registration fees

Allowable expenses may include:

• Material purchases (e.g. art supplies, office supplies, and other consumable materials related to the project)
• Event catering and snacks related to the completion of the project
• Professional services, honoraria, and subject participation for non-Vanderbilt individuals within the United States (with prior approval from the Curb Center)
• Space and equipment rental fees related to the completion of project

Unallowable expenses include:

• Travel and lodging fees
• Conference registration fees
• Software licenses and/or subscriptions for multiple users
• Direct payments to Vanderbilt students, faculty, and/or staff
• Payments or honoraria to individuals or businesses outside the United States

Applications are accepted monthly throughout the academic year with the following deadlines:

• August 1, 2025 (award notifications sent on August 15, 2025)
• September 5, 2025 (award notifications sent on September 19, 2025)
• October 3, 2025 (award notifications sent on October 17, 2025)
• November 7, 2025 (award notifications sent on November 21, 2025)
• January 9, 2026 (award notifications sent on January 23, 2026)
• February 6, 2026 (award notifications sent on February 20, 2026)

Projects must be completed, expenses reconciled, and reports submitted by Friday, April 10, 2026.

The Curb Center’s leadership team will review proposals and notify applicants of their status on the dates listed above. Award recipients will receive a formal letter containing the details of their award, purchasing and reimbursement procedures, and instructions for writing the grant report. All award recipients are required to attend an orientation with David Wilson, program coordinator, and Rachel Thompson, program manager, to learn further information about grant procedures. Orientations will be scheduled according to recipients’ availability each month.

The Curb Center requires an expense log and grant report upon the completion of your project, no later than April 10, 2026. Details and further instructions on grant reports will be covered during orientation meetings each month.