The Dependent Care Grant provides funds to assist PhD and MFA students with dependents so that they may participate as fully as possible in professional development opportunities such as learned society meetings, academic conferences, workshops or other Northwestern University events that extend beyond the normal academic responsibilities of the student’s home department or of The Graduate School.

Eligibility: Graduate students (PhD and MFA) with one dependent or more may apply for a grant to pay for the cost of dependent care (either at the conference site or at home) while traveling to conferences, while participating in professional development outside the normal course of instruction, or while doing short-term field work. To apply for the grant, students must complete the attached application, write a brief description of the professional development work to be accomplished during the grant period, and submit a proposed budget.  This grant is considered a separate grant from the Conference Travel Grant. Students may apply for both grants simultaneously.   

Questions: Please contact gradfund@northwestern.edu with any questions, or call Lesley Perry at 847/491-7332. Please include your name and department in all messages.

Covered Costs: The Dependent Care Grant will only cover the cost of dependent care (travel; care at home, at a conference site, or at a daycare center) while the graduate student is traveling to/from and participating in the professional development event.  Grants are subject to required tax withholdings/implications and will be grossed up by 25% to assist with the potential tax liability.

Application Deadline: The Dependent Care Grant is awarded on a rolling basis throughout the academic year (September 1 – August 31), or until funds are depleted. Students should apply as far in advance as possible of the professional development event. Retroactive approval will not be given after an event.

Award Notification: Each student will receive notice of a decision in a timely manner after receipt of application. An email will notify the student and the home department of the dollar amount of the award.
 

2009-10 Application