2009 NASPA /Merck Grant Program Guidelines

About the Program

The purpose of the NASPA/Merck State Pharmacy Association Grant Program is to assist state pharmacy associations with special projects and activities that directly benefit their members. We are seeking grant proposals which would be of value to state associations and the profession of pharmacy which otherwise might not be accomplished. The maximum amount of each grant is $15,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible to receive funding, the state pharmacy association must be a member in good standing of NASPA for the year the grant proposal is submitted. State pharmacy associations that have received a grant for the current calendar year are not eligible to apply for a grant for the next calendar year.

Proposal Structure

1. Each grant proposal should contain at least the following information in no more than eight double-spaced, typed pages:

  • Purpose of the project (a one paragraph description).
  • Rationale or need for the project (if applicable).
  • Description of how the project will be completed (e.g., if a research initiative, describe design and methods).
  • Timetable of program with specific dates of project milestones to assist the NASPA/Merck Grant Committee in monitoring the progress of each project.
  • A key contact person responsible for oversight of the project and a list of those people expected to be involved in the project.
  • Detailed budget describing the major cost items. The total funding requested for any one proposal may not exceed $15,000.
  • The financial or other forms of support (e.g., “in-kind” support), if any, that the state pharmacy association is prepared to commit or provide to the project for which funding is requested.
  • An explanation of how the results of the grant program will be shared with other NASPA members. A copy of the completed project must be provided for every state.

2. Proposals for the following types of programs will not be considered:

  • Funding for lobbying efforts.
  • Support for capital improvements.
  • Salaries of association staff.
  • Reimbursement of members’ travel, meals, and meeting expenses.
  • Strategic planning sessions or long-range planning programs which benefit only one organization.
  • Cost of dispensing prescription studies.
  • Projects which will take longer than the 18 month time period to complete.
  • Projects that are already developed or in development by the association.  The NASPA Grant Program is intended to support new projects.
  • Projects that are already developed and controlled by entities other than the association (e.g. a school of pharmacy, another pharmacy organization).

3. Multi-state submissions are acceptable. If two state associations would like to combine efforts on a project and submit one proposal, the Grant Review Committee will welcome these applications. In such a case, the maximum funding request cannot exceed $30,000 ($15,000 per state).

4. All grant proposals must be submitted via email by March 4, 2009 to: akpharm@cox.net

5. A state may not submit more than one grant proposal. Grant recipients will be ineligible to submit a proposal the following year.

Proposal Selection

  1. Proposals will be judged on their value to pharmacists in that state and to the profession of pharmacy in general.  Applicants must be able to share projects with other state associations.
  2. The NASPA/Merck Grant Committee will be established by the NASPA Executive Committee. The Grant Committee will review and select proposals for funding prior to the NASPA Annual Meeting (held during the APhA Annual Meeting).  Grant recipients will be announced at that meeting.  Recipients will be chosen solely on merit by the NASPA/Merck Grant Committee and not by Merck. The decision for selection of proposals by the NASPA/Merck Grant Committee is considered final.
  3. Seventy-five percent of the approved funds will be provided to the grant recipients shortly after the announcement of their selection. The remaining 25 percent of the allocated funds will be released to the grant recipients after completion and presentation of the project’s results.
  4. Grant recipients are required to provide a final report to the NASPA members at either an Annual (APhA) Meeting or Mid-Year (NCPA) Meeting within 18 months of the awarding of the grant by the Committee.