OPD Grants Program

Let’s Get Started!

We strongly urge you to begin by reviewing Eligible/Ineligible and Suggested Topics. You will also find useful information by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions.

Two Type of Grants Available

Grants for reassigned time and funding are available for innovative projects and research that will positively impact student success and the mission of the VCCS. Workshop mini-grants provide financing for costs associated with conducting workshops and conferences involving at least two VCCS colleges.

The VCCS Paul Lee Professional
Development Grant

Looking to conduct research or need support for an activity that addresses the advancement of teaching and learning, student success, and the mission of the VCCS? Full-time and adjunct faculty may apply for reassigned time and expenses for projects that meet eligibility requirements through the Paul Lee Professional Development Grant Program. Faculty may apply individually or collaboratively, and classified staff may be listed as a co-applicant.

Proposals are subject to a blind review process and are evaluated against the grant scoring rubric. The quality and value of the activity, professionalism and completeness of the proposal, available funds, and competition from other grant applications will affect final determination of awards. Most projects are funded at three credits, with maximum funding limited to eight credits. The ceiling for summer funding for Paul Lee Professional Development Grants is $2,500. Funds are paid as a stipend and shall not become part of the individual’s base salary.

The VCCS Paul Lee Workshop
Mini-Grant

These grants are awarded to fund group activities such as day conferences, in-service activities and workshops, and must involve more than one college in scope, preparation and attendance. All VCCS employees are welcome to apply. A maximum of $1,500 is available per mini-grant. Regional proposals, duplication of successful programs in other regions, and programs aligned to Complete 2021 are encouraged.

A maximum of one professional development grant and one workshop mini-grant can be awarded per person per funding cycle.

Note: If more than one of each is submitted, both applications will be disqualified.

Grants Award Schedule

The grant award cycles coincide with the VCCS academic calendar for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Work must be accomplished during the funding period. Application deadlines are scheduled two semesters in advance. If your project will take more than one grant cycle, break it down and apply for only the work that will be completed in the timeframe specified. You may then apply for a second grant. 

Note: If the deadline date falls on a weekend, the next business date becomes the new deadline date.

Grants Schedule
Effective Dates Application Deadlines***  Applicant
Notification
Acceptance Letter
to VCCS **
Final Report to VCCS* 
Summer Semester

(5/15 – 8/15)

Feb. 1 April 15 May 1 Oct. 1
Fall Semester

(8 /16 – 12/31)

April 1 June 15 July 1 Feb. 1
Spring Semester

(1/1 – 5/14)

Sept. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 1 July 1

* online application | ** emailed PDF signature page

The following colleges require that you FIRST route your proposal
to their person in charge of grants:

At ESCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Development prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Eve Belote at ebelote@es.vccs.edu or (757) 789-1767 for assistance.

At GCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Institutional Advancement prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Ron Hunt at rhunt@germanna.edu or (540) 834-1932 for assistance.

At JSRCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Institutional Development prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Nancy Mihalko at nmihalko@reynolds.edu or (804) 523-5814 for assistance.

At NVCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Grant Development prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contract Kathy A. Thompson at kathompson@nvcc.edu 703.764.7387 for assistance.

At PHCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Grant Development prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Sara Beth Morrison at sbmorrison@patrickhenry.edu or (276) 656-0322 for assistance.

At RCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Research, Effectiveness, and Planning prior to being submitted electronically. Please contact Glenda Haynie at ghaynie@rappahannock.edu or (804) 333-6719 for assistance.

At TCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Josh VanBibber at jvanbibber@tcc.edu or (757) 822-1646 for assistance.

At TNCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Development prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Terry Wagner at wagnert@tncc.edu or (757) 258-6675 for assistance.

At VHCC, all proposals must go through the Resource Development Office prior to being submitted electronically.
Please contact Laura Pennington at lpennington@vhcc.edu or (276) 739-2538 for assistance.

At VWCC, all proposals must go through the Office of Grant Development and Special Projects prior to being submitted electronically. Please contract Marilyn Herbert-Ashton at mherbert-ashton@virginiawestern.edu or (540) 857-6372
for assistance.