Research@KU

MPPG Funds Help KASC Secure $1.5 Million in Federal Funding

KU’s Kansas African Studies Center (KASC) received notification of $1.5 million in funding over four years to support center activities and student fellowships.

Funding comes from Title VI of the Higher Education Act, administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Successful applicants, such as KASC, receive the elite designation of National Resource Center (NRC).

The program is highly competitive. That’s why KASC director John Janzen and associate director Garth Myers turned to KUCR’s Major Project Planning Grant (MPPG) program for assistance in preparing for their proposal submission.

The MPPG program provides financial assistance to investigators to develop proposals for interdisciplinary research centers or projects that enhance KU’s competitiveness and prestige, as well as target new research leadership.

When asked how the MPPG program assisted the application process, Dr. Janzen replied, “Quite simply, the MPPG permitted the Kansas African Studies Center to hire a student assistant who conducted research on KU's program in African Studies that gave our proposal far more depth than it would otherwise have had. We are now one of 11 funded National Resource Centers for African studies in the U.S.”

All Lawrence campus faculty and professional staff in every field of study are eligible to apply for an MPPG. The program has a rolling deadline so that there is flexibility to respond to various agency proposal due dates.

Mary Lee Hummert, associate vice provost for research, has overseen the project since 2004. “We congratulate the Kansas African Studies Center on its award, and are pleased that we were able to play a part in their success through the MPPG program,” she said. “Hopefully, other faculty will take advantage of the MPPG program to bring additional prestigious centers to our campus.”

More information is available on the funding opportunities website.