Funding Guidelines & Criteria

All BTU supported engagements must involve the following key components:

  • An expected outcome of positive university and community impact
  • Outcomes must directly link to at least one of the five BTU impact areas:
    • High-quality and equitable education
    • Strong neighborhoods and sustainable communities
    • Thriving and competitive economy
    • Lifelong health and well-being
    • Vibrant arts and cultural community
  • An established or developing community partner
  • Led by a TU faculty or staff. Student led programs or projects must be submitted by their faculty or staff liaison/lead.
  • Evidence of creating an enriched learning environment
  • All engagements for which support is being requested must first be captured in the BTU Database
  • BTU enrichment and transportation support must be spent and reimbursed in the fiscal year in which it is approved (July 1–June 20)
  • BTU support is not considered a grant or an award and will be allocated based on actual expenses related to engagement and partnership work.
  • Recipients of BTU support will be required to complete an outcomes report at the end of the  semester in which support has concluded.
  • Prior to submitting any request for BTU support, they must first be shared and discussed with the appropriate Chair or Department Head. 

Transportation Support Guidelines 

BTU Transportation supports the utilization of Towson University shuttles, the rental of vans, and parking codes for faculty, staff, or students traveling off-campus, or partners traveling on-campus, for partnership and community engagement projects. Please note the following transportation support guidelines:

  • BTU will support the utilization of Towson University shuttles for all transportation requests in which busses are needed for 20 or more individuals.
    • For groups under 20 individuals, BTU will support the utilization of van rentals through Fleet Services.
  • For planning purposes, please keep the following in mind:
    • TU shuttles accommodate approximately 30 individuals
    • TU shuttles cannot leave the state of Maryland and travel should be kept within an hour from campus
    • Shuttles may have more flexibility on Fridays and over the weekend, though this is not guaranteed.
    • Shuttles are not typically available on days of football games, commencement, move-in, and Impact TU
    • Scheduling is typically more flexible, with more availability, during the summer months
    • For van rentals, faculty, staff, and students who plan to drive vans will need to comply with Fleet Services policies, including completing a training course if needed
  • Transportation requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of travel date