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Application Information

Research projects can be proposed as either a semester or year-long research commitment, and by either individuals or groups or researchers. Grants are typically awarded to projects with specific concerns connected to Catholic thought and practice, Ignatian intellectual and pedagogical heritage, and social justice in the Catholic tradition. 

All research projects are expected to culminate in the publication of a journal article or book or other relevant output. Proposals can request support for a wide variety of scholarly activities, including archival research, book manuscript support, data collection, the planning of a conference, or supported field work. Applicants should keep in mind, however, that all research funds will be paid out in the form of supplemental salary, as the Hank Center does not process reimbursements for this award. This means that funds cannot be used to pay personnel, whether they be staff, students, or research subjects.

Awardees are expected to report on the progress of their research and participate in any activities the CCIH develops to communicate this research—both inside and outside of Loyola University. Successful applicants are expected to submit a mid-year research progress report and a final report that describes the outcomes of the funded research. 

Research project funding includes taxable awards of up to $6000 for individual projects, with larger amounts available for group proposals. Funds are disbursed directly to awardees in two installments in the form of supplemental salary, and may be used to offset travel expenses, book purchases, etc. Funds may not be used to pay personnel, including staff, other faculty, students, or other research collaborators or participants. 

Applications for projects taking place during Academic Year 2025-2026 will be due in January 2025, and will be submitted .

A completed application will include:

Project Description (of 900-1200 words) outlining the nature and scope of the project. This description should succinctly indicate the following elements:

• Statement of significance, including principal research question(s) and proposed methodology 
• Outcomes: what the project aims to accomplish
• Outputs: what deliverables will result from project activities (e.g. publication, colloquium, conference, interdisciplinary course, or lecture series).
• Capacity for success: why project personnel are well-positioned to achieve project outcomes and deliver project outputs
• Alignment: wow the project is aligned to the Catholic/Ignatian intellectual (artistic, humanistic, cultural, scientific) heritage, and the mission of the Hank Center 

Project timeline: provide a rough timeline for your project.

Project Budget: provide a one-page project budget with budget justification. Budget items can include a stipend paid to yourself, as well as funds to offset travel, subvention fees, books, and other material costs necessary to conduct research. Note, however, that all funds are paid out as supplemental salary, and therefore cannot be used to pay personnel, whether they be staff, students, or research subjects. Finally, computers are not supported by these funds because of the University Computer Replacement program. Please direct questions about allowable expenses to Joe Vukov, Associate Director of the Hank Center, at jvukov@luc.edu

CV

Approval from Department Chair (to be completed through application portal)

All applications are reviewed and evaluated by the Hank Center Advisory Board. Proposals are judged based not only on the merit of the project in relation to topics of Catholic/Ignatian intellectual concern, but also the project’s clarity, focus, intended objectives, and likelihood of completion. The announcement of awards is made at the beginning of March with the funding period taking place during the following academic year (August to June).

Please direct any questions to Joe Vukov, Associate Director of the Hank Center, at jvukov@luc.edu.