Overview:
The Ginsberg Center provides multiple forms of financial resources for student groups and organizations to engage in positive change through social justice education, leadership development, and meaningful service experiences with the community. The Community Engagement Grant program allows us to deepen our partnerships with student organizations and support community-based initiatives. Community Engagement Grants are offered on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.
Funding is intended to support partnerships between UM student organizations and external community organizations or agencies (i.e. non-profit, government office, etc), who are working together to collectively address a community identified need. We invite proposals from organizations who already have an existing community partnership or those seeking to establish a local, sustainable partnership.
Funds may be used for costs such as materials, supplies, etc. Funding is NOT to be used for t-shirts, airfare, speaker honorarium, or on-campus events that are not in direct partnership with the community.
Priority for funding will be given to:
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Organizational initiatives that take place in the community with a community partner toward a community-defined need or priority.
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Projects towards the establishment or cultivation of a sustainable, ongoing partnership
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Projects in line with Ginsberg Center Guiding Principles
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Projects that represent various community-engaged pathways
While virtual and in-person projects are both eligible for grant funding, only projects that adhere with state of Michigan and University guidelines and policies regarding COVID-19 will be funded. If your organization is not able to adhere to these guidelines and policies, funding will not be provided.
Amounts:
The Community Engagement Grant has two ranges of funding:
For small-scale initiatives: Funding up to $300
For large-scale initiatives: Funding up to $800
*Note: there is a $1000 maximum for funding per organization per academic year.
Process Requirements:
The process for grant funding with the Ginsberg Center is an interactive process, in which group members work with members of the Ginsberg Center team to increase the potential for positive, sustainable community impact. While the grant process is similar for both small- and large-scale initiatives, receipt of funding for a large-scale initiative may require more rigorous requirements. Requirements for all grant funded groups include:
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Attendance at an “Entering, Engaging, and Exiting Communities” workshop.
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Two advising meetings with Ginsberg Center staff; once before the initiative and once after.
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Create an e-portfolio that highlights both the community impact and student learning from the project, along with a final budget report.
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Attend the Ginsberg Grants Teach-In, which takes place in April.
*All workshops and advising meetings have virtual/in-person options with Ginsberg Center staff.
Deadlines:
Community Engagement Grants are offered on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. The deadlines are as follows:
September 14th
October 12th
November 9th
December 7th
January 11th
February 15th
March 15th
*Decisions will be released 10-14 days after the application deadline.
Applications:
Applications can be found through MaizePages. Student organizations must use their updated MaizePages account in order to access and submit their application. Applications will be available starting August 30, 2022.
Other Considerations:
Please contact ginsberginfo@umich.edu to talk about possible funding opportunities if:
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You are a part of a group that is not a Registered Student Organization, but is planning an initiative that meets the above criteria.
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You are part of a group or organization that is seeking funding for an event that occurred before the application deadline.