Application and Award Process

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with Leesa Love, U of I - OAPF Fund Manager, or their library liaison to determine whether their application meets the eligibility criteria.

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In FY 2026, the total allocation will be split into two funding periods:

  • Funding Period #1 = $12,500: Articles accepted for publication between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 - (Opens August 17, 2026)
  • Funding Period #2 = $12,500: Articles accepted for publication between January 1, 2027 and June 16, 2027

Applicants must be current U of I affiliates throughout the application, award, and payment/reimbursement process. Cases in which an applicant leaves or graduates from the U of I during the award or payment/reimbursement process will be referred to the Dean of Libraries for review and final decision.

Application Process

Award Process

  1. The U of I - OAPF Fund Manager will use a standard rubric to evaluate the application based on eligibility criteria and make a preliminary funding decision that is contingent upon receiving proper documentation
  2. Applicants will receive an email with their preliminary funding decision and a copy of the rubric
  3. Funded applicants will then email their official invoice (and receipt if seeking reimbursement) directly to the OAPF Fund Manager and the Library’s Fiscal Officer

Payment and Reimbursement Process

U of I - OAPF funding is contingent upon providing proper documentation to the U of I - OAPF Fund Manager and the Library’s Fiscal Officer. Documentation differs based on the preferred method of payment, as detailed below:

  • Option 1: U of I - OAPF pays the invoice
  • Option 2: U of I - OAPF reimburses applicant for invoice payment

Invoices or receipts with issue dates or payment dates that have been changed (including, but not limited to: reissued invoices, credit notes, etc.) may not meet the U of I - OAPF’s documentation requirements.