Call for Research Proposals

The mission of Tilt Lab includes identifying, funding, and executing programs necessary to advance the tilt-up industry and disseminating the results of these projects. Tilt Lab maintains a list of research needs of the tilt-up industry. This list is primarily for the benefit of those applying for Tilt Lab research grants but is available for any researcher interested in tilt-up. TCA members are encouraged to submit new ideas for research when knowledge gaps are identified.

Groups or individuals receiving Tilt Lab research grants are required to publish their results in a formal report that summarizes the research methods and findings. In addition, when justified by the merit of the research findings, researchers receiving Tilt Lab research grants are expected to submit a manuscript to the TCA Journal for consideration as a peer reviewed publication.

Research Proposals for this year are due March 1, 2022. Funding requests generally average $15,000.

Proposal Format

Research proposals accepted for consideration must include the following:

  1. Executive summary: Identification of the opportunities or issues to be addressed and their relevance and importance to the mission of Tilt Lab. A brief summary of past efforts. Proposed goals. Anticipated outcomes and benefit for the community.
  2. Methodology: Conceptual framework of design for the proposal (where applicable). Proposed methodology. Timeline or schedule of activities. Proposed allocation of staff, consultants, collaborating organizations, and other human resources.
  3. Deliverable product and dissemination plan: Definition of targeted audience and how outcomes will or should be communicated to the community.
  4. Evaluation: Method(s) for assessing achievement of objectives and desired outcomes. Use of independent evaluators (where applicable).
  5. Qualifications: Relevant skills and knowledge of the applicant and of project staff and other human resources. Relevant background. Brief description of applicant organization.
  6. Budget: Narrative explanation outlining the cost-effectiveness of the project including outline of all expenses. Documentation of supplemental support (applicant direct financial support, applicant in-kind support and resources from other organizations, foundations or sources.

Tilt Lab will utilize the expertise of its board to perform pre-grant screening and review on the organizations’ ability to accomplish the purpose for which the resources are provided. In addition, grant applications will require appropriate financial disclosures of applicants.

Criteria

A budget, based on funds available, will be set for distribution each year. Grant monies will be awarded based on funds available and performance of the proposal. Tilt Lab will consider all grant proposals on the basis of any or all of the following considerations.

  1. Degree of innovation: How novel is the proposal? Is this work development of existing technology or a new solution?
  2. Potential for impact: Would the presence of this technology change the industry? In what way?
  3. Scale of impact: How many people could benefit from this research? Would this work improve conditions for a large proportion of industry professionals? Would this research benefit the general public in support of the greater good?
  4. Immediacy of impact: Is this research that could be fast-tracked to real-world application or long-term contributor to the industry?
  5. Completeness of research: Is this a small piece of a larger puzzle or will this work take a hypothesis to its conclusion?
  6. Ability of applicant to execute: How capable is the applicant related to this proposal? Do they have the resources and expertise to deliver on the proposal? Have they submitted evidence of realistic planning including timeline and budget details?

Applicants will be given 12 months to complete their research. Extensions will be made at the discretion of the board upon review of a written request from the applicant.

Reporting/monitoring requirements and milestone attainment will be established through an agreement with Tilt Lab staff for each grant for the duration of the grant contract. Oversight will be the responsibility of Tilt Lab.

Research findings and results must be submitted in accordance with TCA Journal specifications and will be published for the greater good.

SUBMIT

Tilt Lab, Inc.

PO Box 204
402 1st Avenue SE
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
United States

info@tiltlab.org
(319) 895-6911