Seed Research Grants

The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Seed Grants provide modest start-up funding (maximum 50,000 AED) to conduct applied research or to pilot initiatives that fall beyond the scope of its Doctoral and Faculty Research programs. Individuals and organizations in the United Arab Emirates and overseas are eligible to apply, and proposals are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields. Grant funds are allocated based on the proposal’s budget and may be used for various purposes, such as travel (airfare, car rental, accommodation), research assistant support, equipment purchases, translation or other professional services, event hosting, and printed materials.

While the call for proposals is broad, anticipated outcomes should benefit the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in tangible ways. Long-term sustainability may also be considered based on the specified project goals. Up to two Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are expected to write one to two policy papers at the conclusion of their project.

Please see the Past Grantee Database and Foundation Publications for samples of past research topics and policy papers written by grant recipients.

Grant Eligibility

The minimum eligibility criteria for prospective Seed Grant applicants:

• Applicant must demonstrate collaboration between at least two different organizations, one of which must be in the United Arab Emirates.
• Applicant must demonstrate collaboration between at least two different organizations, one of which must be in the United Arab Emirates.
• Applicant must illustrate capacity to successfully undertake the proposed project or applied research based on prior experiences.
• Applicant must leverage matching funds, expertise, or other in-kind resources to achieve anticipated goals and outcomes.
• Proposal must focus on the United Arab Emirates, and specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. If the proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant emphasis and beneficiary of the project.
• Proposal must address an education, public health, urban planning/development, or closely related public policy issue relevant to Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates.
• Applicant must demonstrate how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s 2019-2023 Research, Capacity Development, or Community Engagement strategies. 
• Proposal must address sustainability considerations and anticipated next steps for once Seed Grant funding ends (as applicable).

Selection Criteria

If applicants meet the minimum eligibility criteria noted above, they are encouraged to apply for a Seed Grant. The Grant is awarded based on merit as measured by a proposal’s relevance and overall strength. General sustainability and potential for impact are also considered in the evaluation process. The Al Qasimi Foundation Directors and Advisory Board serve as the evaluation and selection committee.

The Grant review process is competitive. While the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality proposals, a maximum of two Seed Grants are available each year. The proposals chosen for funding represent the innovative ideas that align best with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s overall mission to aid in the social, economic, and cultural development of Ras Al Khaimah.

Application Process

Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients.

The 2024 research grant submission cycle, which includes Seed Grants, will open early November 2023 with a closing deadline of April 1, 2024. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the Seed Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the grant management portal no later than April 1, 2024 to be considered:

• Online application form in the grant management portal.
• Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for interest in the Seed Grants, a brief summary of the collaborators involved (including cumulative expertise and skills relevant to the proposal), and how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s work and mission.
• CV or resume for the project leader and key collaborator(s) outlining their educational backgrounds, publications, work experience, honors and awards, and professional association affiliations.
• Proposal that includes (1) an overview of the project and its relevance; (2) literature review or appropriate background information; (3) proposed methodology; and (4) expected results. 
• Anticipated timeline for the proposed project, including key milestones and associated deliverables. 

• Completed Seed Grant Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request (Foundation contribution not to exceed 50,000 AED).

• Letter of recommendation from a colleague (or organization if applying as an institution) must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the recommending party's relationship with the applicant.
• Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed project if it will involve research activities (or plans for gaining approval if not available at time of application)
• Support letters from partner institutions in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates (as applicable)

All materials submitted for funding consideration will automatically become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned to the sender.

Application Deadline

All required materials must be submitted through the grant management portal no later than April 1, 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Review generally takes 6-8 weeks based on the volume of submissions received. Applicants should receive an update on the status of their proposal by the end of June 2024. Questions regarding Seed Grants, the application process, or submission status may be sent to grants@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.