The Rock Ethics Institute provides limited, supplemental funding support for speakers addressing scholarly and/or creative work on the topic of ethics.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis during the fall and spring semesters and will consider funding based on the institute’s most current budget allotments. Requests more than a year in advance are common.

Award Conditions

1. Funding Range: Award limits are usually $300 for a single speaker, $500 for a panel, and $1,000 for a conference. Additional amounts may be approved occasionally for a major conference.
2. Use of Funds: Funds normally may be used to cover a portion or all of a speaker’s honorarium (see Responsibilities of Sponsoring Group guidelines below) or travel and lodging. Other expenditures require special approval.
3. Funding Limitations: The event at which a speaker or speakers are featured must be free and open to the public. If the speaker or panel is part of a large fee-based program such as a conference requiring paid registration, the specific lecture co-sponsored by the Rock Ethics Institute must be free and open to the public. These funds may not be used for expenses related to classroom presentations or non-academic events.
4. Time of Submission: Application for funding from the Rock Ethics Institute must be made before the event.
5. Funding Period: Arrangements for payment must be made within six months of the date of the confirmation letter.

Application Materials

All requests for Co-Sponsorship of Speaker funding must be made via the online application form.

You will need to include a CV of the speaker and a description of the event that includes an overview of its specific relevance to the study of ethics.

An email will be sent to the requesting email address indicating approval or rejection and, if approved, the amount of funds approved and the process for distribution of funds.

Responsibilities of Individual or Group Awarded Support

Logistical Arrangements: Recipients are expected to make all logistical arrangements for the event, including room scheduling, AV equipment, the introduction of the speaker, lodging, and transportation.

Publicity: Recipients are expected to create and distribute  publicity for the event, including preparation of printed flyers, news releases, and electronic and online publicity.

Acknowledgment: Recipients are expected to acknowledge co-sponsorship and support from the Rock Ethics Institute in all publicity. This includes adding the Rock Ethics Institute wordmark to print and digital materials, as the format of the medium allows. After you receive approval of your co-sponsorship, we will email you the Rock Ethics Institute wordmark.

If you have any questions or need to make further arrangements for your event, please contact David Price at DavidPrice@psu.edu.