Travel Grants Program

Academic researchers presenting research papers that use the Kauffman Firm Survey data may apply for travel funding to cover airfare (domestic airfare only) and hotel expenses for U.S.-based academic conferences.  You can apply for a travel grant at any time at least sixty days before the beginning of the conference, but funding, if approved, is only provided upon proof of acceptance of the research paper by the conference organizers.  Researchers are limited to a maximum of 3 travel grants per year and a maximum of 3 travel grants will be given per conference.

Proposals will be reviewed on a monthly basis.  To apply, please submit the following to arobb@kauffman.org:

  1. Cover letter, which outlines the background of the presenter/author, the paper to be presented, the conference name, location, and dates, and estimated costs for conference hotel.  Also please specify if you are applying for airfare and hotel or just one or the other.
  2. Author/presenter CVs
  3. Full paper (abstracts are not sufficient)

Airline (or train) and hotel accommodations will be covered directly by the Foundation if procedures are followed.  All arrangements should be made through the Kauffman Travel Agent. No travel expenses or exceptions will be reimbursed outside of this procedure. Mileage, parking, registration fees, and other incidental travel costs will NOT be reimbursed by the Kauffman Foundation.

In order to ensure use of Kauffman Foundation resources in ways that achieve our charitable goals most effectively and are consistent with the law and donor intent, the following guidelines will be enforced in air travel:

  • Most direct flights (we pay for trip portion to and from originating destination only)
  • Coach fares only (any upgrades, travel insurance, change fees, and other airline related charges outside traditional coach class reservations are the responsibility of the traveler)
If you have any further questions on this program, please contact Alicia Robb at arobb@kauffman.org.  

Research Grants

Best Paper Awards

NORC Seat Sponsorship
  • Special Note - Travel Grants

    While the KFS Travel Grant Program is typically only available for travel to conferences held within the United States, an exception will be made for the 2010 Academy of Management conference to be held in Montreal.  The 2010 Babson College Entrepreneurship Research Conference being held in Switzerland will not be eligible under this program. 

    FAQ's

    Q) What conferences are eligible for this grants program?

    A) Any major academic conference is eligible (American Economics Association, American Finance Association, Academy of Management, etc.). Other smaller, targeted, high-quality conferences that focus on entrepreneurship, economics, or finance will be considered on an individual basis.

    Q) I do not have a final paper. Can I still apply?

    A) Drafts of papers are acceptable, however, they must already include some empirical results from the KFS data.  Abstracts are not acceptable.

    Q) Do I have to accept the itinerary the Kauffman Foundation suggests?

    A) The Kauffman Foundation is providing you with one round-trip ticket. Our practice is to purchase the lowest-priced ticket at the time of booking. If you do not accept that particular itinerary, you have the option of changing it but will be asked to pay the difference between the suggested itinerary's fare and the fare you choose.

    Q) How will that payment be handled?

    A) The Kauffman Foundation will cover travel costs directly for the airfare or hotel room accommodations when approved for this program and booked in accordance with our stated procedures. You may be required to submit your own credit card number for incidentals at the hotel.

    Q) Do I have to use your travel agent?

    A) If you want the ticket provided by the Kauffman Foundation or want to be reimbursed for a portion of the ticket, the answer is "yes.”

    Q) Are scholars living outside of the United States eligible to apply?

    A) Yes, however, the Kauffman Foundation will cover only hotel for scholars traveling from outside of the United States.  Airfare will not be covered in this instance.

    Q) Is there a limit to the number of awards a research could potentially win?

    A) In 2009, only one travel grant per researcher will be considered.  In 2010, it is anticipated this will be increased to up to two travel grants per researcher per year.