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.  Applying for a Connection grant does not guarantee funding.

Expenses allowed through these grants include:

• conference/event registration costs
• transportation (flights, gas, public transportation, Uber, parking, etc.)
• required uniforms (scrubs, steel-toed boots, waders)
• meals (breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
• housing
• 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)
• pet and emotional support animal (ESA) expenses, including but not limited to food, boarding, veterinary care, and supplies.
• alcohol
• immunizations and passports
• visas
• car depreciation expenses
• computers or mobile phones
• tuition, course fees & books
• 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.

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. A sample template can be found here. Click File & Make a copy.

Can I submit a group proposal?

No, group proposals will not be accepted. You must each submit an application.  Sometimes, group proposals are a better fit for a Theory to Practice Grant.

Can I get funding to attend a conference?

Yes, funding is available to support student attendance at academic conferences and symposia, provided funds remain available for the current academic year. Funding is limited each academic year and is awarded on a competitive, rolling basis until available funds are fully allocated.

• Up to $250: Conferences or symposia at which students do not present.

• Up to $1,000: Conferences or symposia at which students present original research, scholarship, or other evidence of academic work.

When should I apply for the grant?

We recommend that you apply as early as possible, once you have confirmation of your experience. For the 2026–27 academic year, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning August 31, 2026. Our team works diligently to process every application as quickly and thoroughly as possible. While response times vary depending on volume, candidates will receive updates regarding their status as decisions are finalized throughout the cycle.  

Is Connection Grant funding guaranteed?

No. Connection Grant funding is not guaranteed. Funding is limited each academic year and is awarded on a competitive, rolling basis until available funds are fully allocated.

How do I budget for travel?

Flights and Hotels

• Initial Search: Use search engines like Google/ Google Flights to check rates and schedules.
• Verification: You must cross-check and verify the final fare directly on the official hotel & airline's website.
• Restrictions: Absolutely NO third-party booking sites (e.g., Expedia, Booking.com, Priceline) are allowed for final quotes. Airfare - Do not quote "Basic Economy" or any tickets that do not include a guaranteed seat assignment.

Meals and Food Costs

• Daily Per Diem: Use the official GSA Per Diem Calculator for meal estimates.
• Per Diem Cap: Budget strictly for 70% of the GSA estimate (e.g., if GSA estimates $100/day, quote $70/day).
• Long-Stay / Grocery Option: For extended trips with access to kitchen facilities, calculate a grocery budget instead using the Instacart Grocery Budget Calculator.

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 $1,000 of funding? If so, Theory-to-Practice grants may be best suited for you.

What are the funding criteria?

The funding criteria can be found here.

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?

Grant disbursement requires an advising session with the Operations Manager prior to submitting paperwork to Accounting. Once submitted, Accounting's standard check processing time is typically 1.5 weeks, though the total arrival time depends on how promptly you schedule your advising meeting. Check processing can take longer during holidays.

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 refund method in NelNet is properly set up using their FAQ sheet. Payment will be delayed if the refund method is not set up.

Can I receive grant funding even if I have holds on my account?

Active holds on your OWU account usually prevent fund disbursement. While requests are evaluated individually, resolving your holds directly with Financial Aid is the best way to ensure your grant can be processed.

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. Please retain the yellow slip and email it to connect@owu.edu as proof of the return.

If I am awarded a grant, what are the post-grant requirements?

To complete your grant process, recipients must submit the following materials after completing their experience:

• Itemized Receipts: Copies of all eligible receipts accounting for how the funds were spent.

• Photo: A photo from your experience or project.

• Reflection: A brief, 1-page reflection summarizing your experience and impact.

More questions? Please contact connect@owu.edu.