Funding Opportunities

The Rhodes Family Institute offers financial support for undergraduate researchers and their mentors in a variety of ways including stipends, project support, and conference travel expenses. Funding is provided by LCU, as well as through endowments generously provided by the Rhodes Family and the CH Foundation.

Christine DeVitt Research Scholars

• Program Objective: Encourage high quality undergraduate research in the Arts and Sciences at LCU through recognizing select students as Christine DeVitt Undergraduate Research Scholars and supporting their research activities with funding provided by the CH Foundation operating endowment.
• Up to four students will be designated as Scholars for a one-year term. Each student will receive $3,500 in total support ($2,000 stipend, up to $1,250 of research support, and a $250 mentor stipend). Scholar status can be renewed for additional years of support at the discretion of the RFI Advisory Committee.
• Applications are encouraged from any undergraduate student from any major/departmentproviding that they: 1) have a faculty mentor that has committed to work with them during the term, 2) have at least one full semester remaining before graduation, and 3) be in good academic standing with the university.
• Please review the criteria and requirements of the program before completing the application.
• Applications are due by March 25th, 2022.

Christine DeVitt Research Scholars Application

Faculty Mentor Stipends

The Rhodes Family Institute periodically offers stipends to undergraduate research mentors in order to recognize existing mentors’ efforts and encourage additional faculty to become mentors.

Applications are currently being accepted from faculty who will be mentoring undergraduate students during the summer and/or fall of 2022. Applications are due by March 25th, 2022.

Mentor Stipend Application

Conference Travel Funding

Applications funding to attend the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) will be solicited during the fall semester. Students and mentors seeking funding for other conferences should contact the Rhodes Family Institute Director for information about the application process, deadlines, and funding availability.

Project Grants

The Rhodes Family Institute offers small grants to support new and ongoing undergraduate research projects at LCU.  Each spring and fall, grant proposals may be submitted for projects that will be conducted in the following months. Proposals will be evaluated by the Advisory Council, and funding will be awarded to projects that show great promise and provide persuasive justification for funding. Funds may be used to pay for project materials or travel necessary to accomplishing the research. Funds must not be used for conference travel expenses. Separate funding is available for these expenses.

Students wanting to obtain funding should submit an online application, in consultation with their mentor. Information about upcoming deadlines and additional details can be obtained by contacting the Director.