Proposals now are being accepted for the Big Ideas Initiative — a new collaboration between the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska Foundation. The initiative employs a faculty-driven approach in planning the University of Nebraska Foundation’s university-wide funding priorities over the next few years.
The Big Ideas Initiative asks faculty to identify opportunities that, with additional funding from private gifts, could help the University of Nebraska solidify its position as a great university. Ideal opportunities would be transformational ideas that build on the university’s strengths and draw from across disciplines and campuses.
Faculty are invited to submit proposals for bold, interdisciplinary ideas that require university-wide collaboration and will likely require an investment of $25 million or more. Submitted proposals will be reviewed within a donor-interest framework, with select proposals being used by the foundation to attract and inspire private giving in the years ahead.
Provost Susan Fritz, Ph.D., encouraged participation in the Big Ideas Initiative in a letter to all faculty Monday, urging members of the university community to think about how they could transform NU through their own Big Ideas.
“I am excited about the possibilities this initiative creates; it is an important opportunity for our faculty to have a key role in moving our university forward,” Dr. Fritz wrote.
From 2:30-3:30 p.m. today, the University of Nebraska’s Office of the Provost and the University of Nebraska Foundation will hold an informational webinar on the Big Ideas Initiative for faculty interested in participating. The webinar will overview the Big Ideas Initiative, talk about the process, detail proposal requirements and timeline, and answer faculty questions.
Dr. Fritz and Vice Provost David Jackson, Ph.D., will serve as the University of Nebraska hosts. Lori Byrne, executive vice president of advancement and campaign director, will serve as the University of Nebraska Foundation host.
Webinar details and a link to join are available here. For more information on proposal parameters and requirements prior to attending the webinar, see the Big Ideas RFP or visit the Big Ideas site.