Time-Out Grant

Over twenty years ago, an anonymous alumna established the Time-Out Grant. Since then, many women and men have had the unique opportunity to take a “time-out” and do something different. Now again, Vassar alumnae/i who have reached their 40th birthday by June 30th of 2013, and who wish to make a career change or to take time out to pursue a strongly desired endeavor, but lack the financial resources to do so, may apply for the grant.

The Time-Out Grant proposal may be in any field – science, business, education, the arts, human services, environment, etc. Any proposal that involves risk, experiment or significant change will be considered. The proposal may be, but need not be, related to one’s career. Please provide assurances that the Time-Out Grant is necessary in the fulfillment of the plan. The project must be planned to take place over a minimum of twelve months and may extend for a longer period. Applicants must be willing to take a full year off from their previous activities to devote full time to the project.

To Apply

The Time Out application and information are available online at this link and may be sent electronically or via the postal service. Applications will not be accepted by fax. Samples of past awards are also available for your review on the Grants and Fellowships main page.

Your completed application must be sent electronically or postmarked no later than Friday, December 7, 2012. You will be notified by e-mail when your application has been received. It is your responsibility to see to it that references are submitted by December 7, 2012. If you experience any technical difficulties in accessing the application, please contact us at oaadweb@vassar.edu for assistance. For general questions about the Time-Out Grant and the application/award process, please contact the Time Out Grant Chair, Diane Sauter at disauter@vassar.edu.

The Time-Out Grant recipient will be selected by April 30, 2013. The award will be $45,000. The successful applicant should be prepared to begin the project within twelve months of the grant award announcement.