Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Thanks to the generosity of OWU Alumni and Friends, we are able to provide OWU Connection grant funding to allow students to take advantage of undergraduate research, service and community learning, career development, and travel/cross-cultural opportunities

Who is eligible to apply for an OWU Connection grant?

Currently enrolled OWU students are eligible to apply for funding to support their OWU Connection experiences. Alumni and recent graduates are not eligible to apply for our grants. 

What kinds of expenses can I use a grant for?

An OWU Connection grant, unlike a TPG, is not intended to cover all costs related to a Connection opportunity. Rather, these grants are intended to close the gap between what you can contribute and your expenses. Some grants may be approved for partial funding. Applying for a Connection grant does not guarantee funding.

Expenses allowed through these grants include:

• housing
• conference/event registration costs
• transportation (flights, gas, public transportation, Uber, parking, etc.)
• required uniforms (scrubs, steel-toed boots, waders)
• meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
• research supplies, equipment, or compensation for research participants (eg. gift cards for survey research participants)

What kinds of expenses are not eligible?

Expenses other than those listed above are typically not eligible for a Connection grant. These include:

• stipends, awards, or other kinds of direct compensation to the grant applicant
• participation fees  (e.g., fees charged to participants for volunteer work or unpaid internships)
• personal expenses (e.g., sightseeing, personal hygiene & grooming, clothing other than required uniform costs, over-the-counter medication, luggage, or personal shopping expenses)
• alcohol
• immunizations and passports
• visas
• car depreciation expenses
• computers or mobile phones
• tuition or course fees
• student loan payments or other existing educational debt
• regular semester housing or meal plan costs
• expenses for family members or friends accompanying the student
• childcare or dependent care costs
• memberships or subscriptions
• recurring monthly fees or services

If you are splitting the costs of things like rent, Uber, etc., please only include your portion in the budget.

When should I apply for the grant?

For the 2025-26 academic year, we will review applications on a rolling basis beginning on August 11, 2025. We commit to responding to you as quickly as possible. Typical responses are shared within 14 business days. If you do not hear sooner, we guarantee that you will receive notification by the third Thursday of the month, beginning in August of 2025 through May of 2026.

How do I book my travel?

Ohio Wesleyan works with the Christopherson Business Travel team. They will help you make all of your travel arrangements and provide price estimates as you're building your budget. Contact the Christopherson University Team by phone: 800-285-3603 or email, university.travel@cbtravel.com. Please consult iocp@owu.edu for all international travel and/or for any travel guidance.

Can I apply for more than one grant?

The answer is… it depends! The OWU Connection grant program has simplified your options; there is no need to apply to more than one grant. Your application will be reviewed by all appropriate parties, and funding will be gathered as appropriate to best support you.

There is a chance that your experience is a great fit for a Theory-to-Practice grant. For example, did you learn something in class that struck your interest? For example, maybe you want to dive deeper into why an organism functions in a certain way, experience life in a culture different from your own, or provide service through sustained volunteerism. Does this idea or activity require more than $3,000 of funding? If so, Theory-to-Practice grants are best suited for you.

Do I need proof of an opportunity in order to apply for a grant?

Yes, you will need to show proof that you have received an offer from the host of the experience or program when you fill out the application. However, you do not need to show proof that you have accepted the offer.

If I am selected to receive a grant, when will I receive the funds?

Check processing typically takes a week and a half; however, at times it may take longer.

What steps do I need to take to get the grant funds into my account?

All grant payments will go through NelNet, which is OWU's payment processing system for students. Please make sure your NelNet is properly set up using their FAQ sheet.

Can I reapply for a grant even if I've already started my OWU Connection experience?

Yes, you will need to resubmit a budget showing an increased need. Send this budget directly to connect@owu.edu.

Can I receive grant funding even if I have holds on my accounts at OWU?

No. The university cannot release grant funds if you have a hold on your OWU account. Please work with financial aid to establish a payment plan or release the hold.

How do I create a budget for the application?

For your application, we ask that your budget include the estimated spending for the duration of your OWU Connection experience for any directly related expenses (see above questions for examples of what our grants will cover). Click here for a template (must open with OWU email) that you can make a copy of and fill in with your own information. The first sheet is the budget template for the grant application. The second sheet is a template for the budget and actual spending that will need to be submitted at the end of your OWU Connection experience if you are approved for a grant.

What do I do if I don't spend all of the grant money?

Unspent funds need to be returned to the OWU Accounting Office in University Hall, room 018.  Please tell them it is for the unused portion of your grant.

More questions? Please contact connect@owu.edu.