FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the FAQ Page
Here you'll find answers to common questions about co-sponsored events, grant funding, promotional materials, and event reporting. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and straightforward as possible.
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Franke General Grant Information
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How can I access information about Franke grant programs?
For Franke grant programs, please see the Apply page on the Franke website.
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For Franke Event Grants, Faculty Grants, and Book Manuscript Workshop Grants, Calls for Proposals are available on the Franke website for continuous reference for these programs.
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For the three Franke grant programs mentioned above, CFPs are also available on the UChicago InfoReady portal during the first five weeks of autumn, winter, and spring quarters. In addition, CFPs are emailed to Humanities faculty members at the beginning of academic quarters (autumn, winter, spring).
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For the Franke Faculty Fellowship program, the CFP is available on the Franke website and announced on InfoReady at the end of autumn quarter, when the CFP is also emailed to Humanities and Social Sciences faculty.
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What is a Franke co-sponsored event?
A Franke co-sponsored event is an academic event that receives partial funding and promotional support from the Franke Institute for the Humanities at the University of Chicago.
Who should I contact with questions about my grant?
For all grant-related inquiries, please contact Vee Bonney, Manager of Finance and Events, at vbonney@uchicago.edu. Make sure to use your grant’s formal title as the subject of your email.
How far in advance should I apply for a Franke event grant?
Please submit your proposal at least two quarters before your event is planned (e.g., in Autumn quarter for a Spring event), if possible.
Where can I find the budget template?
A budget template can be found in the Supporting Documents section for Franke Event Grant opportunities in InfoReady.
Does receiving an event grant automatically reserve the Franke conference room for my event?
A Franke event grant does not automatically reserve the Franke Conference Room for your event. If you wish to reserve the Franke Conference Room for an event, please check with Vee Bonney about the availability of the Franke conference room at vbonney@uchicago.edu. Upon confirmation of the room's availability, Vee will advise you about the Franke form to fill out and submit to continue with your reservation.
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Promotional Materials
How can I promote my Franke co-sponsored event through the Franke Institute?
The Franke Institute can promote your Franke co-sponsored event on its website, in the Franke lobby, on social media, and on the Franke digital monitor in the Regenstein Library. To have your event publicized online, please send your promotional materials to our Public Affairs Specialist, Rachel Drew, at rdrew@uchicago.edu with a CC to vbonney@uchicago.edu at least two weeks before the event.
What format should the promotional flyer be in for the digital monitor?
For optimal viewing on the Franke digital monitor, promotional flyers should be in portrait orientation (1080 x 1920 pixels).
Does the Franke Institute send out individual event announcements for co-sponsored events?
No, the Franke Institute does not circulate individual event announcements for co-sponsored events. We recommend that you share event notices through the Arts and Humanities mailing list at ahd-events@lists.uchicago.edu.
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Funding and Reimbursement
Does the Franke Institute transfer grant funds to recipients?
No, the Franke Institute operates primarily as a reimbursement-based funding source. Direct vendor payments can be processed through Oracle.
How do I request reimbursement for event expenses?
Submit your reimbursement requests through the Franke Institute’s Payment Request form provided by Vee shortly after paying for an expense with your Franke grant. Please ensure that a UChicago contact collects all supporting forms, documents, and receipts before submission.
What is the process for honoraria and travel reimbursements?
All recipients of honoraria and travel reimbursements must be set up as suppliers in the University’s PaymentWorks system. We recommend initiating this process as early as possible to avoid delays. An honorarium payment request requires a copy of the event’s flyer to be attached to the payment request. Reimbursement requires all applicable receipts and supporting documentation. Amounts to be reimbursed must be clear on items submitted.
Who is responsible for arranging travel, lodging, and catering for my event?
The grant recipient is responsible for making travel, lodging, and catering arrangements. This ensures that organizers can manage event-specific needs more efficiently.
Does the Franke provide staffing for co-sponsored events?
Franke staff are not available to staff co-sponsored events. It can be helpful to include an “event assistant” line item in your budget to hire someone who can help manage event logistics—such as receiving catering, setting up chairs, and overseeing other on-the-ground details.
Can grant funds be used to cover publication costs?
No.
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Reporting and Follow-Up
When is the event summary report due?
The event summary report is due no later than the end of the quarter in which your event took place. You will receive a request for this report after your event.
Can I meet with a Franke representative to discuss my grant?
Yes. Please contact Vee Bonney vbonney@uchicago.edu.
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Conference Room Reservations
What spaces are available for reservation at the Franke Institute?
The Franke Institute offers a conference room (S-118) and an adjacent lounge area for receptions, as well as a small kitchen. The conference room includes two long tables, two round tables, four upholstered chairs, and audience seating.
How do I reserve the Franke conference room?
The initial step is confirming the conference room’s availability with Vee Bonney. Upon confirming availability, Vee will advise you about next steps (including a form to fill out and submit). Please note: Reservations are not confirmed until the online Franke Conference Room Reservation Form has been completed and confirmation notice is received.
What are the guidelines for using the conference room?
Event organizers are responsible for returning any rearranged furniture to its original placement and cleaning the kitchen area if used. Please do not leave leftover food in the Franke refrigerator. Standard cleaning supplies are available for your use. Be sure to remove all personal belongings, turn off all lights, and close or lock all doors facing the Franke lobby before leaving.
What media equipment is available in the conference room?
The room is equipped with an overhead LCD projector, BluRay/DVD/CD player, Apple TV, ShareLink for Windows, and wireless microphones. Lecture capture is available but requires prior training with staff. Please note any multimedia needs on the reservation form.
How do I get keycard access to the conference room?
Keycard access is granted to event organizers and assistants as needed. Keys can be issued up to five days before the event and must be returned within 48 hours after the event concludes.
Are there any special instructions for after-hours or weekend events?
For after-hours or weekend events, organizers must lock the doors to the conference room, kitchen, and hallway upon departure. Furniture and equipment should be returned to their original locations, and lights must be turned off.
Who is responsible for catering and technical support?
Event organizers are responsible for arranging all catering, photocopying, and technical support. The Franke Institute can provide a list of reliable caterers and Audio Visual Services contacts if needed.
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Contact and Support
Who should I contact for technical issues with the Payment Request form?
Please contact Vee Bonney vbonney@uchicago.edu.
How do I stay informed about Franke Institute updates?
Check the Franke Institute website regularly.
We hope this FAQ page answers your questions. If you need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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