Call for Community-Based Research Proposals: Engaging Communities for Positive Change

We are seeking proposals that utilize a community-based research framework that exemplifies the following principles:

1. Having both a faculty member and a community member as co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs): We strongly encourage proposals with a co-PI structure, with representation from academia and the community, to ensure a balanced and inclusive leadership approach.
2. Challenging typical models of academic research: We encourage innovative approaches that go beyond traditional research methods and methodologies, allowing for genuine collaboration and knowledge co-creation.
3. Equalizing power dynamics between academia and surrounding communities: We value projects that prioritize equal partnerships, where the voices and perspectives of community members are respected and valued.
4. Recognizing the history of extracting knowledge from marginalized communities: We acknowledge the historical imbalance in academic research and expect proposals to demonstrate a commitment to addressing this by centering the knowledge and experiences of marginalized communities.
5. Incorporating a cohort of interdisciplinary undergraduate students into the project: We believe in the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the unique perspectives that undergraduate students can bring to community-based research projects.
6. Demonstrating how the project will strengthen the relationship between the university and the surrounding community: We are interested in projects that foster long-term partnerships and create mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community.
7. Utilizing concepts from Emergent Strategy, Translational Research Model, or other community-based research frameworks: We encourage proposals that embrace the principles of Emergent Strategy, focusing on adaptability, decentralization, and interdependence. Additionally, incorporating the Translational Research Model can help bridge the gap between research findings and real-world impact. Other community-based research frameworks can be utilized, but proposals should show how their project engages and expands upon the existing community-based research literature.
8. Having a detailed plan on how project members will learn and develop community-based research skills. This should include training and capacity-building strategies among project members, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with the community and conduct research in a community-based context.
9. Clarity of time commitment: Proposals should provide a clearly outlined timetable demonstrating the allocation of time and responsibilities for each team member. This will allow us to assess the feasibility of the project and the commitment of the team to the proposed research.
10. Types of eligible community-based organizations: Proposals are welcome from a wide range of community-based organizations. This includes but is not limited to non-profit organizations, grassroots initiatives, schools, community groups, and social enterprises. Organizations should have a demonstrated commitment to the community they serve and a clear alignment with the goals of the project.
11. Distribution of funds must be approved by CPECE: All proposals must include a detailed budget plan. The distribution of funds, including any changes to the original budget allocation, must be approved by the Center for Public Education and Community Engagement (CPECE).
12. Committing to an ongoing partnership and ensuring lasting benefits to the community: We expect proposals to outline plans for sustained engagement and collaboration beyond the three-year funding period, ensuring that the project's outcomes continue to benefit the community in the long run.
13. As we envision these projects to be continuing partnerships between TCU and a community organization, proposals should include plans to seek external funding beyond the three years to continue and strengthen the original aims of the research. The principles of external funders should align with the Community-Based Research framework outlined in the original proposal.

1. Eligible Community-Based Organizations: Proposals are welcome from a wide range of community-based organizations. This includes but is not limited to non-profit organizations, grassroots initiatives, schools, community groups, and social enterprises. Organizations should have a demonstrated commitment to the community they serve and a clear alignment with the goals of the project.
2. Collaborative Approach: We encourage innovative and inclusive approaches that foster genuine collaboration and co-creation of knowledge.
3. Empowering Communities: Your voice matters. We value projects that prioritize equal partnerships and respect the knowledge and perspectives of community members.
4. Addressing Historical Imbalances: We recognize the historical imbalance in academic research and expect proposals to demonstrate a commitment to addressing this by centering the knowledge and experiences of marginalized communities.
5. Inclusive Leadership: We encourage proposals with a balanced and inclusive leadership approach, involving both a faculty member from TCU and a community member as co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs).
6. Student Involvement: We believe in the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Undergraduate students bring unique perspectives and can contribute to community-based research projects.
7. Building Partnerships: Strengthen the relationship between TCU and the surrounding community. Foster long-term partnerships and create mutually beneficial relationships.
8. Innovative Approaches: Embrace the principles of Emergent Strategy, which focuses on adaptability, decentralization, and interdependence. We also want partners to consider how their work can bridge the gap between research findings and real-world impact.
9. Ensuring Lasting Benefits: Commit to ongoing engagement and collaboration, ensuring that the project's outcomes continue to benefit the community beyond the three-year funding period.
10. Capacity Building: Develop community-based research skills among project members through training and knowledge sharing to effectively engage with the community.
11. Time Commitment: Applicants should be aware that this is a three-year project. Regular participation in meetings, project activities, and other related commitments is expected. Proposals should detail participation expectations for all members of the project.
12. All Expenses Must be Approved: All project expenses, including those related to research, materials, and project implementation must be pre-approved by the CPECE.
13. Sustainable Funding: Seek external funding beyond the three years to continue and strengthen the original aims of the research. External funders should align with the Community-Based Research framework.