“Creating videos for DO-IT allows me to extend the life of each project because they generate continued interest in our program.” -- Sheryl Burgstahler

As part of your grant proposal, think about requesting the funds needed to produce a short video that will maximize the impact of your project and increase dissemination. Including a video in your proposal is a great opportunity to:

• Share stories from beneficiaries of your research
• Share lessons learned during research
• Record a lecture of your results
• Generate further interest in your project from outside sources
• Have ready-to-use presentations for your department’s next conference or lecture
• Train future research staff, as well as other researchers in your field of study

Your produced video can be distributed as a CD, DVD or VHS, or through the Internet as streaming media. In addition, many University of Washington programs air on UWTV, which is broadcast throughout Washington state on cable channels and nationally on DishNetwork satellite. Packaged with corresponding print publications, your video can get the information you want known about your research to literally anywhere in the world. If dissemination of information to the general public is a requirement of your grant, this is an excellent and cost effective way of meeting that requirement.

A video also helps create sustainability for your project as it can be used to contribute revenue through the sale of your final production.

“Creating videos for DO-IT allows me to extend the life of each project because they generate continued interest in our program,” says Sheryl Burgstahler, DO-IT director.  “I’ve sent videos as far away as Australia, and since we charge for each video, that also helps keep our programs going.” DO-IT, a UW program that helps students with disabilities achieve success in everyday activities, has produced more than 25 videos as a way to meet the dissemination efforts of their projects, including “Camp: Beyond Summer,” which shows how to include kids with disabilities at summer camp by adding the Internet to camp programs.

For more information about how you can incorporate a video into your research proposal, contact Lisa Yeakel at (206) 221-7600 or complete the online form. The UWTV Production staff can help you develop an appropriate budget to use in an initial proposal with no contractual obligation.