Way back in late 2023, a few members of OGRD were ruminating on reasons why faculty and staff were choosing not to submit and/or re-apply to grant proposals. We came to the conclusion that many folks were stricken by overwhelming rejection (real, perceived, pre-emptive) and therefore choosing to self-select out from future grant-making. As Valentine’s Day approached—and some of us may or may not have been bitterly single or divorced—there in a lonely office, we decided to re-claim February 14 as a day for all those prospective Principal Investigators/Project Directors (PIs) who have been rejected, been ghosted, and remain lonely. OK, even those who have found their one true connection were invited, too. 
And that’s how the Heartbreakers Party 
began.
What is the Heartbreakers Party?
The Heartbreakers Party is a chance to acknowledge the invisible efforts by prospective PIs to pursue funding in support of their yet-unrealized dreams.
Who may attend the Heartbreakers Party?
Anyone! That includes folks who have:
- Submitted a proposal but went unfunded
- Submitted a proposal and have been ghosted (have not received a decision from the funder)
- Yet to find a sponsor to submit a proposal to (the black hole of loneliness)
- Been funded (found love)
This is also a chance to meet the OGRD staff in person, learn more about proposal development and award management, and learn more about grant-making in general.
What happens at the Heartbreakers Party?
Because there is no one-size-fits-all approach, each institution may customize their party to suit their interests and contexts. That said, EWU chooses to host a three-hour party where folks may drop in at any time. We decorate the office on a shoestring budget, choosing to use leftover red and pink paper–and even filing folders–to make hearts that stick on the walls.
In year 1, we had a reflection space for folks to ruminate over human emotions related to rejection; a piñata to get frustrations out; and refreshments that included blood, sweat, and tears, e.g., Eagle punch, sparkling cider, and water. Snacks included “really salty” pretzels.
In year 2, we kept the same refreshments, but chose to change the interactive stations to include a “Wall of ShFame,” which was a mini-poster session of all proposal submissions within the last 18 months that were either pending or unfunded. Additionally, we showcased the new award decisions. Finally, to encourage folks to attend, we raffled off a Lego set of roses to all party attendees.
In both years, we asked attendees choose appropriate stickers to place on their nametags: broken heart, full heart, ghost, and black circle. Depending on their experiences, they may choose one or all of the stickers.
View a photo collage of our Heartbreakers Parties here.
May I adopt your idea?
Absolutely! The Heartbreakers Party is meant to be shared and implemented in ways that work for your institution. For instance, in 2025 the University of Colorado Colorado Springs hosted “Galentine’s Day” for their women’s research group (a nod to the “Parks & Recreation” TV show). We welcome you to get creative and lean into the campy nature of the Heartbreakers Party initiative.
Do you have any marketing materials to borrow?
View marketing blurbs here.
Dissemination
OGRD presented the Heartbreakers Party and the concept of rejection at the 2024 NCURA Region VI/VII Meeting. View the PowerPoint slides here.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to reach out to Anna Frost (afrost8@ewu.edu) with any questions.
Special Thanks
The idea for the Heartbreakers Party was born in a conversation between Anna Frost and Erin Endres in late 2023. It was Erin’s idea to name it the “Heartbreakers Party.”
