The Small Ask program provides funding for important and innovative smaller-scale information technology projects that enable enterprise-wide administrative, academic, or research priorities. By allowing smaller IT projects to seek funding, the Small Ask program adds flexibility and options to the IT capital funding process, while also increasing transparency and strengthening connections with HUIT for best practices and planning.

Projects proposed for Small Ask funding are expected to meet the following criteria:

• Be endorsed by a vice president, vice provost, administrative dean, School dean, or School CIO
• Support the creation of a new capability or system enhancement
• Be scalable (in the case of projects whose intended user group is a single school or department rather than a University-wide audience)

In addition:

• Funding of up to $250,000 may be requested
• Project duration may be up to a maximum of 12 months
• Ongoing operating costs must be funded by a School or unit

The ITCRB and Small Ask program team manages the proposal process and supports proposal teams and sponsors at each stage. Proposals are reviewed by the Project Review Committee (PRC) and the ITCRB Small Ask Subcommittee for strategic alignment, business priority, and project readiness. Funding decisions are typically made within 4 months of proposal submission.

For milestone dates, see the timeline. Small Ask proposal teams typically follow these steps:

1. Submit an "Intent to Submit" survey to notify the program team of your proposal
2. Prepare a full proposal using the provided template, including an estimated budget
3. Proposers complete any technical reviews identified by the program team and submit requested documentation
4. Present to and answer questions from the Project Review Committee (PRC); any PRC feedback is shared with proposers
5. The PRC makes recommendations to the ITCRB Small Ask Subcommittee (SASC) for prioritization, approval, and funding. The SASC makes funding decisions.
6. If funding is approved: create and submit a full and final budget using a provided template, comply with funding stipulations, submit monthly status reports, and follow change request processes as needed.

FY28 Small Ask Funding Cycle Proposal Templates

• FY28 Small Ask Intent to Submit survey
• Download a copy of the FY28 Small Ask full proposal template
• FY28 Small Ask budget template available in July 2026

Guides

• Small Ask Proposal Cycle - Guide to Deliverables
• Session materials: Introduction to the ITCRB and Small Ask funding programs and FY28 proposal cycles (materials available after session on July 22, 2026) 

Active Project Forms and Templates

• ITCRB Change and Funds Rollover Request Policy and Form
• ITCRB and Small Ask Completion Report template

Office Hours

ITCRB and Small Ask Office Hours are held at key points throughout proposal cycle. Invitations are sent to the ITRCB-PMs email group and by request to interested colleagues. 

Contact

Email the ITCRB and Small Ask program at ITCRB_Program@harvard.edu for questions, support, and planning conversations.

Join and ask questions in the #itcrb-participants Slack channel and the ITCRB-PMs email group. Please contact the program team if you would like to be added to these groups.