Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs (and their answers) about

• Applying to the Jacobs Research Funds
• Carrying out JRF-sponsored research
• Archiving field materials
• Gaining access to others' archived materials

Frequently asked questions about applying to the Jacobs Research Funds

• When can I expect to receive notification of a decision about my application to the Jacobs Research Funds?

  The JRF Advisory Committee typically meets in March or April to decide which proposals will be funded. You should therefore expect to receive notification some time between late March and early May.

  Back to top

Frequently asked questions about carrying out JRF-sponsored research

• I've been working on my funded project, and I find I have money left at the end of the year. Can I keep working on the project until the funds are exhausted?

  Yes, but you cannot apply (and expect to receive) funding for a continuation of your project or a new project until your final report has been received and your field materials have been archived.

  Back to top

• When are projects supposed to be completed?

  There is no set time limit. The answer to this question will vary considerably between projects. One common scenario is for the bulk of the data collection to be carried out over the summer and the analysis, write-up and archiving will take place in the fall and early winter. In the case of the larger Kinkade grants, the analysis and write-up may take considerably longer. Keep in mind if you would like to move your project to a new phase, you cannot receive additional Jacobs funding until a final report has been written and materials from your current funded project have been archived.

  Back to top

• My proposal was funded, but now my personal circumstances have changed and I think I need to postpone the project for one year. Is this possible?

  You should write to jgrant@cob.org as soon as possible. Explain how the delay will not be deleterious to the success of the project. If the award check has not been mailed, it will be sent the following year (if your explanation is convincing).

  Back to top

• My proposal was funded, but now my circumstances have changed and I cannot carry out the project this year as planned. However, I have found someone else who could do the work. Is it possible to substitute one PI for another?

  There is no guarantee of this. You will need to submit a new work plan as well as see that new letters of recommendation are submitted for any new personnel. Then the board will consider the new proposal. Contact jgrant@cob.org as soon as possible if this is your situation.

  Back to top

• My proposal was funded, but circumstances have changed which will make it hard for me to carry out the originally intended project (e.g. a crucial individual has died). Can I keep the award and change my work plan?

  There isn't really a general, all-purpose answer to this question. It would be best to write up a brief (one-page) summary of the new work plan and forward it to jgrant@cob.org. Your situation will be discussed by the board and a decision made as soon as possible.

  Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions about archiving field materials

• Why do I need to archive my materials?

  Archiving protects vital and potentially irreplaceable information, not only for the depositor but for subsequent generations of scholars and descendants of the research consultants.

  Back to top

• Am I required to deposit original field materials or copies only?

  You are only required to deposit copies, but if you prefer you may deposit originals in addition to or instead of copies. If your originals are in a non-digital format, and you have created digital versions, you are especially encouraged to deposit both. Please indicate which materials are originals.

  Back to top

• Can I modify the Deed of Gift?

  Your submitted Deed of Gift must include the following information: name of collection, description of collection, date of award, and your signature. You may modify or include an addition term or condition relating to access to your deposited materials. For example, you may elect to grant public access to your materials sooner than the default 25 years.

  Back to top

• What does Name of Collection refer to on the Deed Of Gift form?

  This should include your name and a very general description of what is being deposited. E.g. "Pamela Amoss field notes, recordings and related materials for Nooksack language."

  Back to top

• What does Description of Collection refer to on the Deed Of Gift form?

  Roughly speaking, Description of Collection should answer two questions: "What's in the box of materials being archived?" and "What are the materials about?" Please describe the types of physical materials/formats in the box (examples: field notebooks, field notes, paper notebooks, compact discs, transcriptions), physical count of each (e.g. 5 CDs, 2 notebooks, 6 mss.), and which indigenous group/language they relate to. Describe the overall scope and content of the material being archived (e.g. sermon, songs, narrative, elicitation, interview, etc.). Give full names (avoid initials) of all people involved in the materials being archived, and dates when the field research was conducted. Your description will be included in the library's catalog record of the materials.

  Back to top

• Can I archive my materials somewhere else?

  Materials collected with a grant from the JRF must be deposited in the University of Washington archives. In addition, depositors may deposit copies in other archives. This may in fact be the most appropriate option for projects which fall outside of the Pacific Northwest. The location of the archive you are using is to be indicated on the Final Report Form.

  Back to top

Frequently Asked Questions about gaining access to someone else's deposited materials

• I would like to get a copy of someone else's materials deposited in the JRF Collection. How do I go about doing that?

  Contact University of Washington Special Collections. Main Phone Number: 206-543-1929. Email: speccoll@uw.edu

  (You will need to obtain written permission to view the materials. Contact the donor. If the donor is deceased or incapacitated, then you will need to obtain permission from two JRF Collection trustees. Special Collections has a current list. You will need to complete an Archival Materials Retrieval Request. You may also have to fill out an Audio Reproduction Request. The person you talk to at Special Collections will help you with all of that.)

  Back to top