The Alan D. Mathios Research and Service Grant funds undergraduate Human Ecology students’ research and service activities that further the mission of the college to improve lives. The Human Ecology Alumni Association (HEAA) awards these grants bi-annually to qualified CHE students, and funds proposals that extend Alan Mathios’ legacy of visionary leadership and service in one or more of the following ways:

  • Benefiting communities (Cornell, Ithaca, New York City and others)
  • Exploring innovative and/or creative solutions to problems
  • Rigorously testing relationships between activities and their effects/impact
  • Disseminating knowledge that can improve living conditions, quality of life and/or health and well-being
  • Promoting diversity and educating against intolerance

The HEAA expects these grants to help further the awardees’ academic interests, research, outreach, career preparation, professional development and commitment to public service.

Grants will be awarded based on the strength of the application as well as an effort to provide awards equally across the various departments within the College of Human Ecology.

Recipients of funding will attend a required meeting with Alumni Affairs to learn about fund disbursement and must agree to providing a one-page final report upon the project's completion.

Student Grant Application (due March 7, 2025)
Faculty Recommendation Form (due March 7, 2025)

FAQ

What is the application process?
Complete the application form here.  One faculty member/advisor recommendation is required.  Rather than a formal letter, they must complete a short form here.

What is the typical award granted?
Individual grant awards range of from $200 to $2,000 per recipient depending on need and strength of application.

What kinds of projects can be funded by this grant? 
Individual research projects and service trips/projects can be funded by this grant. Honors theses are allowed.

What is the eligibility criteria?
You must be a current CHE student. As long as your work is related to the college’s mission you are eligible to apply. Preference is given to undergraduate students, but graduate students may apply as well.

What do students typically request funding for?

  • supplies for research/service projects
  • participant prizes/incentives
  • software or equipment to carry out research
  • air fare/transportation costs
  • conference fees to present research
  • Note: Grant funds are not awarded for lodging, meals or personal expenses.

What advice do you have for a good application?

  • Make sure to clearly describe the expected outcomes of your project. 
  • Proofread your application thoroughly and make sure that it is well-written, clear, and concise. 
  • Include a detailed summary of your intended project. 
  • If your project is associated with a service trip, make sure to identify the expected outcomes of the trip: What will you learn? What will you give back? How will your project benefit others? 
  • Focus on the core mission of your project, and emphasize how your contribution will make an impact on the field of interest. 
  • Ensure your faculty/advisor recommendation form is completed by the deadline.

What if I’m doing research with a professor?
Research projects done with a professor can only be funded if there is no existing funding stream for the project. 

When is the application due?
Early November and early March of every year. Only completed applications including a recommendation will be considered.  Students are responsible for ensuring the recommendation is received by the date due.

If I am awarded a grant, what is expected of me?
If selected for grant funding, you must attend a mandatory session explaining next steps for accessing and spending your funds.  Receipts are required for any purchases and must be submitted within 60 days of the date of purchase.  A final report of your project is required upon completion.  All funds must be expended within one year from the date the grant was funded.

If I received a grant in the past, can I apply again?
Previous recipients of a grant are eligible to reapply for funding a different project, however award preference is given to students who have not received prior funding.

What if my project is cancelled after receiving funding?
If a grant is awarded but the project/event is postponed,  or drastically changed, funding may be retracted.  Please contact CHE alumni affairs at heaad@cornell.edu. 

Are there resources available to help me fill out the grant application? 
For any questions about the grant application, please contact Deborah Surine (dc97@cornell.edu and 607-255-7802) who coordinates the grant program.