Applications Open
One month before application deadline
Applications Due
March 1
May 15
September 1
December 1
Microgrants are seed grants designed to support new research projects and/or explore ideas in the field of nineteenth-century British/empire periodical studies.
The Microgrants scheme was established in response to the 2025 survey of RSVP’s members, who informed us that they would benefit greatly from access to smaller pockets of funding for existing or exploratory projects. (For our full list of awards, please see the Eligibility chart). The funding for these grants is made possible through the generosity of the late Eileen Curran, Professor Emerita of English, Colby College, and inspired by her pioneering research on Victorian periodicals.
Applicants can request $300 USD to support research activities. Microgrants could be used for:
- Subscriptions to digital archives or tools
- Supporting travel to local, in-person archives
- Purchasing a periodical or magazine for study
- Attending short courses or workshops on research methodologies or tools directly related to periodicals research
These grants are intended to facilitate original research and cannot be used for expenses related to publications, attending conferences, or otherwise disseminating research.
We intend to grant up to 4 microgrants each application period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Microgrants are open to researchers at any stage of their career.
Researchers are not required to have a scholarly affiliation in order to receive the funding.
However, all applicants:
(1) must be a member of RSVP at the time of their application and
(2) must use the funding for research in nineteenth-century periodicals of Britain and its empire
Those who receive a Microgrant are not eligible to receive another in the same calendar year. However, unsuccessful applicants may apply again in another cycle in the same calendar year.
Application Process
There are four application deadlines annually: 1 March, 15 May, 1 September, and 1 December (the portal closes at 11:59 p.m. PST).
The application portal will open approximately one month before each quarterly deadline.
The form will require applicants to answer three brief questions about their:
- Interest and/or experience in nineteenth-century periodicals of Britain and its empire
- Plans to use the microgrant
- How the microgrant would help the research interests or project
Applications will be reviewed by members of RSVP’s Board of Directors.
If there are more applications than available funding, the adjudication committee will rank applications according to:
- Expected impact of grant to the applicant
- Clarity and cohesion of application
When will I hear if I have received a Microgrant?
Awardees will be announced within 4-5 weeks of the application deadline.
When will I receive my Microgrant?
Funding will be disbursed by mailed cheque.
Reporting
Awardees will be asked to write a blog post of 250-500 words describing what they used the microgrant for and reflecting on how this initiative supported new avenues for research. This post must be submitted to the Digital Content Manager between six to twelve months after receiving the microgrant and will appear on the RSVP website to publicize RSVP’s funding opportunities and members’ research. Blog posts are a crucial part of our accountability structure, as well as a tool to build community and facilitate a pipeline.