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* to either an individual researcher or a group of researchers. The two-page project proposal should indicate:

• The research question and brief background that engages in relevant literature
• A research plan that provides details about the methodology and specific methods that considers impact of work
• A budget for the amount requested with timeline
• The scope of work to be done and plans for dissemination
• Relevance to GSOLE’s mission & connections to GSOLE's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) efforts (See mission statement)
• A brief overview of how the grant will further the applicant’s career, trajectory, etc.

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 adhere to the following benchmarks:

• After 6-12 months:
• Present findings/emerging findings/methods/etc. at the GSOLE Annual Conference or through a GSOLE Webinar
• Attend an optional support meeting with Committee Members where grant recipients can receive advice around methods, analysis, etc.
• After 1 Year: Provide a 2-page write up about research progress to the GSOLE Executive Board
• Before 2 Years: Submit an article to ROLE for publication

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

• Exigence of Project
• Potential for Innovation & Impact
• Relevance to GSOLE’s mission and area of interest
• Engagement with IDEA
• Clarity of Research Questions & Methods
• Description of Budget Statement

• 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.