GradGov
GradGov
awards and grants
Awards & Grants Committee

Awards & Grants Available

Research Grants

The Graduate Student Government (GradGov) and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) are proud to support the research and professional development of graduate students through the GradGov-GSAS Research Grant. This grant is open to both master’s and doctoral students and can be used for supplies, travel, training, archival research, data collection, or laboratory visits that further or complete a dissertation, thesis, or other research projects. Each student is eligible for one award per academic year. We propose offering 10 grants of up to $500 each semester to support research projects that emphasize community engagement and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Maximum Award: $500

Eligibility Requirements

  • Graduate student at Georgetown University.
  • A strong background in academic research or community engagement.
  • Full-time enrollment in Georgetown University’s Main Campus or Medical Campus
  • Good academic standing.
  • Working on a thesis, dissertation, or research project under the mentorship of a Georgetown faculty member.

Application Submission Process

  • The Summer Grant program will be advertised in the GradGov newsletter.
  • Students must complete an application via Google Forms.
  • A summary of research experience and fund usage must be submitted within a month of the award date.

Application Timeline

  • Fall 2024: Applications due by Friday, November 28th at 11:59 p.m.
  • Spring 2025: Applications due by Monday, March 31st at 11:59 p.m. 

Required Documents

  • Current CV/Resume.
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 1000 words, 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced) outlining the student’s funding needs and its relevance to thesis, dissertation, or other research project and a travel budget of anticipated costs or incurred costs, if requesting retroactive reimbursement.
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation from a faculty member, preferably the thesis advisor or Director of Graduate Studies, endorsing the request. This letter should be no longer than one page in length and note the relevance of the support to the student’s degree objectives.

Application Review & Award Process

  • The review committee will consist of three Senators from the committee, two Executive Members, and two Georgetown faculty members.
  • Applications will be evaluated based on feasibility and alignment with grant criteria.
  • All applicants will be notified via their Georgetown email address. Awards will be processed through Accounts Payable and paid directly to recipients in accordance with University policies.

Covered Expenses

  • Scholarly books or texts related to the project.
  • Equipment, data, and apparatus for direct project use.
  • Hotel, travel, and subsistence costs for research.
  • Membership in relevant professional organizations.
  • Subscriptions to scholarly journals supporting the project.

Non-Covered Expenses

  • Cell phones not directly tied to research activities.
  • Printing costs at Georgetown facilities.
  • First-class or business-class travel.
  • Clothing, except for essential protective wear for research.
  • Club memberships.
  • Commuting costs between home and campus
  • Gifts.
  • Home or office furniture or décor not related to research.
  • Network connectivity costs.
  • Newspapers and magazines.
  • Personal journal subscriptions available via the University Library.
  • Travel costs for spouses, partners, or family members.

Emergency Grants:

GradGov provides Emergency Grants for graduate students meeting at least one of the following criteria: urgent needs such as food, water, or clothing; academic-related expenses like study abroad or research; emergency costs for dependent children, as outlined in Article V, Section C; and crisis pregnancy-related expenses such as formula, diapers, or baby supplies, excluding health insurance.

Maximum grant: $600

Professional Development Grants:

GradGov provides Professional Development Grants for graduate students that fall within the following categories: academic or professional seminars, industry certifications and related expenses, membership in relevant professional organizations. To apply, students must fill out an application via Google Forms.

Maximum grant: $500

For further information or questions, please email ks1998@georgetown.edu.