We encourage scholarship on, or directly pertaining to, the upstate region of New York by providing support for both the costs of research as well as stipend awards for the faculty researchers.

Funding for Faculty Research

The Upstate Institute encourages Colgate faculty from all academic departments and programs to propose scholarship on, or directly pertaining to, the upstate region of New York by providing funding for local projects each year.


Read more about research funding

Community-Based Course Development Grants

Through course development grants, the Upstate Institute provides faculty with resources necessary to offer students opportunities to apply research skills in the support of local agencies that provide service to the community.


Read more about Course Development Grants

Mohawk Consortium College-in-Prison Program

This program delivers credit-bearing courses inside Mohawk Correctional Facility, a medium security men's prison in Rome, NY, through a partnership with Hamilton College and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC). Each year, one course will be offered by a Colgate faculty member, usually as a once-a-week evening seminar for up to 12 students. 

Discretionary Requests

Requests for discretionary funding can be make to the Upstate Institute from Colgate faculty throughout the year. In addition to funding for research and teaching, these funds can be used to support collaborations and discussions that inform issues pertinent to the Upstate region, or that promote dialogue on potential or existing campus-community partnerships.

Ideas for Research

In partnership with the Community Board, the Upstate Institute has created a list of potential research projects that would support and inform the work being done by not-for-profit organizations in our community. This annual list identifies areas where no, or insufficient, research exists on issues of importance to the region.

Burke Chair

The Gretchen Hoadley Burke '81 Endowed Chair for Regional Studies is an annual appointment that supports outstanding teaching and research on the Upstate New York region. The appointment is for both Colgate faculty and leading scholars in and/or on the Upstate New York region. Read more about the Burke Chair.

Logistical Support

The Upstate Institute has a number of resources available for faculty interested in developing a community-based research project and incorporating community-based research as a part of coursework. The Upstate Institute can make connections with organizations doing relevant work in the community, and can assist with developing partner agreements. We can also provide training for students, help with implementing research, and assist in making the results of research available to the community.

Deadlines and Quick Links

Type of Support Link Deadline
Community Based Research Grant Guidelines January 26, 2024
Discretionary Grants Email Anytime
Funding for Symposia or Workshops Guidelines January 26, 2024
Course Development Grants Guidelines November 10, 2023
Burke Chair Form October 13, 2023
College in Prison Program Email Anytime