The Global Society for Online Literacy Educators (GSOLE) is an international organization that connects those who teach writing and composition as digital literacies in online settings. Dedicated to diversity, inclusivity, and access in literacy-based online education, GSOLE awards grants to members to support research in relevant areas of interest related to its mission.

Read GSOLE's Mission Statement

GSOLE will award one or more grants to support research related to online literacy education. We welcome proposals and research that addresses GSOLE’s mission in general and that focuses on equity and inclusion in online teaching and learning in particular. GSOLE’s mission and a list of potential research areas about online literacy are posted at the web pages listed below. In reviewing these web pages, we also encourage participants to consider other topics related to how online writing instruction can support equitable access, opportunities, and support for all learners.

For those interested, we are offering a mentorship-based feedback model this year where applicants can submit a proposal for early feedback (by April 12, 2024) and resubmit for final consideration (by May 17, 2024). We particularly encourage part-time, contract, and early career educators to apply. We also encourage applications from underrepresented groups and institutions. 

One or more GSOLE research grants will be offered ranging from $500 to $2,000.

The project proposal should indicate:

• The research question and brief background (sample research questions)
• A budget for the amount requested
• The scope of work to be done
• A research plan that provides details about the methodology, specific methods, the scope of work to be done, and timeline for conducting the research
• Relevance to GSOLE’s mission
• Please describe any particular areas of interest related to the mission of the organization.
• Please explain the project's connections to GSOLE's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) efforts (See mission statement).   

Funds may be proposed to assist with work-time (child care, course load reduction buyouts,etc), technology (i.e., data analysis software, research equipment) needs, participant participation or recruitment, or research-related travel (i.e., archival research, interviews, etc).

Awardees are also expected to submit an article to ROLE for publication funded by the grant within 12 months of receiving the grant.

To apply for a research grant, submit the following materials to with the subject line “GSOLE Research Grant Application 2024” to <research@gsole.org>:

• Updated CV
• Two page proposal that includes the research question(s) and brief background, research methods, scope of work, and timeline to conduct the research
• Budget that articulates how funds would be used

• Relevance to GSOLE’s mission and area of interest
• Clarity of the research plan and design
• Grounding in relevant literature and scholarship

• GSOLE does not pay indirect costs (institutional overhead).
• The award amount will be made to the researcher or lead researcher if the proposal is submitted by a team. If the award is to a team, the lead researcher is responsible for payment of funds to other team members.
• Researcher or lead researcher will be required to submit a W-9 IRS form to the GSOLE Treasurer prior to receiving funding.
• Researcher or lead researcher is responsible for all tax liabilities on the amount received.