The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research was established in 2009 to aid in the social, cultural, and economic development of Ras Al Khaimah, a northern emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Established through Emiri decree by His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the Foundation is considered a non-profit, quasi-governmental organization.
The Al Qasimi Foundation seeks to generate a world-class body of research on Ras Al Khaimah and the broader UAE, develop local capacity in the public sector, and engage the community in its work. Initially focused on education, the Foundation has expanded its priority areas to include health and wellness, urban and community development, and arts and culture. Signature initiatives include competitive international research grants, teacher and student professional development programs, and the annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival.
His Highness seeks to ground policy decisions firmly in relevant bodies of research that reflect the best thinking in the world as well as the local Ras Al Khaimah and UAE contexts. To this end, the Al Qasimi Foundation serves as a bridge between the research and policymaking communities—bringing to scholars’ attention public policy questions important to Ras Al Khaimah, and, in turn, disseminating research findings to promote innovative policy tools and models that will impact positive social change. The Al Qasimi Foundation approaches its work collaboratively and aims to establish relationships with talented scholars and world-class universities, innovative public policy research centers, established government institutions, and strategic partners in the private and non-governmental sectors.
The Al Qasimi Foundation’s Seed Grants provide modest start-up funding (maximum 50,000 AED) to conduct applied research or to pilot initiatives that fall beyond the scope of its Doctoral and Faculty Research programs. Individuals and organizations in the United Arab Emirates and overseas are eligible to apply, and proposals are welcomed from a wide range of disciplines and professional fields.
Benefits
- Start-up funding (maximum 50,000 AED).
** Grant funds are allocated based on the proposal’s budget and may be used for a variety of purposes, such as travel (airfare, car rental, accommodation), research assistant support, equipment purchases, translation or other professional services, event hosting, and printed materials.
Eligibilities
The minimum eligibility criteria for prospective Seed Grant applicants:
- Applicant must demonstrate collaboration between at least two different organizations, one of which must be in the United Arab Emirates.
- Applicant must demonstrate collaboration between at least two different organizations, one of which must be in the United Arab Emirates.
- Applicant must illustrate capacity to successfully undertake the proposed project or applied research based on prior experiences.
- Applicant must leverage matching funds, expertise, or other in-kind resources to achieve anticipated goals and outcomes.
- Proposal must focus on the United Arab Emirates, and specifically the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. If the proposal includes other locations, Ras Al Khaimah must be a significant emphasis and beneficiary of the project.
- Proposal must address an education, public health, urban planning/development, or closely related public policy issue relevant to Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates.
- Applicant must demonstrate how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s 2019-2023 Research, Capacity Development, or Community Engagement strategies.
- Proposal must address sustainability considerations and anticipated next steps for once Seed Grant funding ends (as applicable).
Application Process
- Online application form in the grant management portal
- Introductory cover letter addressing reason(s) for interest in the Seed Grants, a brief summary of the collaborators involved (including cumulative expertise and skills relevant to the proposal), and how the proposal aligns with the Al Qasimi Foundation’s work and mission.
- CV or resume for the project leader and key collaborator(s) outlining their educational backgrounds, publications, work experience, honors and awards, and professional association affiliations.
- Proposal that includes (1) an overview of the project and its relevance; (2) literature review or appropriate background information; (3) proposed methodology; and (4) expected results.
- Anticipated timeline for the proposed project, including key milestones and associated deliverables.
- Completed Seed Grant Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request (Foundation contribution not to exceed 50,000 AED).
- Letter of recommendation from a colleague (or organization if applying as an institution), which must indicate the length of time, extent, and nature of the recommending party’s relationship with the applicant.
- Official documentation of IRB approval for the proposed project if it will involve research activities (or plans for gaining approval if not available at time of application)
- Support letters from partner institutions in Ras Al Khaimah and the United Arab Emirates (as applicable).
** All materials submitted for funding consideration will automatically become the property of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research and will not be returned to the sender.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
