Overview

The Center for Africana Futures (CAF) at Texas Southern University invites applications for the Faculty Research & Course Module Seed Grants, providing $1,000 in seed funding to support exploratory research, project development, or new ideas that align with the Center’s mission. These grants are designed to support faculty and research staff in advancing current projects or testing new concepts in Africana Studies, Black Digital Humanities, Digital Humanities, and Media Projects.

Funding is available for research and curriculum development initiatives that explore Africana thought, culture, history, and futures through innovative, interdisciplinary, and digital methodologies.

Eligibility

  • Open to full-time faculty and research staff at Texas Southern University.

  • Proposals should support exploratory research or contribute to current projects in Africana Studies, Black Digital Humanities, or Digital Media.

  • Faculty from all disciplines—including humanities, social sciences, education, computer science, digital media, and arts—are encouraged to apply.

Funding Scope

Each awarded proposal will receive $1,000 in seed funding to support:

  1. Exploratory Research & Digital Humanities Projects

    • Early-stage or exploratory research that could lead to larger projects in Black Digital Humanities, Africana Studies, or Media Studies.

    • Digital humanities initiatives such as archival research, metadata analysis, computational methods, data visualization, or virtual exhibits.

    • Projects integrating multimedia storytelling, oral histories, or interactive digital tools to examine Black experiences.

  1. Course Module Development & Curriculum Innovation

    • Development of new or enhanced digital humanities and Africana Studies modules.

    • Digital pedagogical innovations that incorporate multimedia, digital storytelling, or computational humanities.

    • Course projects utilizing digital archives, interactive media, or data visualization to engage students in Africana Studies.

Allowable Uses of Funds:

  • Software, digital tools, or technology subscriptions (e.g., ArcGIS, Omeka, StoryMap, data visualization tools).

  • Research-related expenses (e.g., digital archives, databases, research materials).

  • Multimedia production costs (e.g., video editing, digital storytelling).

  • Guest speakers, workshops, or project-related learning resources.

Funds may NOT be used for:

  • Salaries, stipends, or indirect costs.

  • General conference travel (unless essential for the project).

Proposal Guidelines

Applicants must submit a 1-2 page proposal that includes:

  • Project Title

  • Applicant Information (Name, Department, Position, Email)

  • Project Description (500 words max)

    • Describe the project’s focus, objectives, and significance.

    • Explain how the project aligns with Black Digital Humanities, Africana Studies, or Media Projects.

    • Identify how the funding will support exploratory research, early-stage development, or existing projects.

  • Methodology & Timeline

    • Describe the approach, digital tools, or platforms that will be used.

    • Provide a brief timeline (all projects must be completed by May 31, 2025).

  • Budget & Justification

    • Outline the proposed budget and how funds will be allocated.

  • Relevance to Africana Futures & Digital Innovation

    • Explain how the project contributes to Africana Studies, Black Digital Humanities, and/or digital research methods.

Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with the Center’s mission (Africana Studies, Digital Humanities, and Media).

  • Innovation and feasibility of the research or curriculum plan.

  • Potential impact on Africana Studies, digital pedagogy, and public engagement.

  • Exploratory nature—preference will be given to projects that use this seed funding to test ideas or support early-stage research.

Award Conditions

  • Grant recipients must submit a final report (2 pages) summarizing project activities and outcomes by May 31, 2025.

  • Recipients may be invited to present their work at a CAF-sponsored colloquium or digital showcase.

  • Acknowledgment of CAF funding is required in any materials, digital platforms, or publications produced.

Application Submission

Submit your proposal as a single PDF document to [insert submission email] with the subject line:
CAF Seed Grant Application – [Your Last Name]

For questions, contact [insert contact information].

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: March 15, 2025

  • Award Notification: March 21, 2025

  • Project Completion Deadline: May 31, 2025

We look forward to supporting exploratory research and curriculum development that advances Black Digital Humanities, Digital Media, and Africana Studies at Texas Southern University.