Faculty and Staff Diversity Mini-Grant - *Program Suspended*

The President’s Office, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Diversity and Inclusion Office are pleased to announce creation of the Faculty and Staff Diversity Mini-Grant Program, effective September 16, 2008. These mini-grants will provide financial assistance for new, innovative projects, workshops, and activities that strengthen excellence in diversity and inclusion. 

Applications may be submitted by any current faculty or staff member; however, they must represent a team of at least three people. This is consistent with Ferris’ core value of collaboration.

Awards can range from $500 to $5,000.

The Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion will appoint an ad hoc committee consisting of five faculty/staff members. The ad hoc committee will review applications and make recommendations during Fall and Spring semesters (see table below). The ad hoc committee will bring its recommendations to the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion for final approval. Members of the ad hoc committee are eligible to apply for the grants but must recuse themsself from evaluation of the application. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications well in advance of the proposed starting date.

Grant Projects Starting Date After	Applications Due	Grant Review Date By
September 30, 2019	September 20, 2019	September 27, 2019
January 27, 2020	January 17, 2020	January 24, 2020

Applications will be reviewed on the following criteria:

1. It is the applicant’s responsibility to write a convincing application with supporting arguments and evidence. Please use the accompanying rubric as a guide.
2. The proposed event or project should have a strong conceptual framework that can be identified as strengthening Ferris’ long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion and should outline how the project directly relates to the current FSU Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The event or project should also be consistent with the mission and core values of Ferris as expressed in the University’s Strategic Plan.
3. The proposed event or project should be clearly defined with easily identified starting and ending points and specific activities.
4. The proposed event or project should have specific goals, and measurable outcomes.
5. The proposed event or project should have a plan for assessing learning.
6. The proposed event or project should have a broad impact upon the University community or target a historically under-represented or under-served group at the University. It cannot be limited to in-class presentations. Grant applicants are encouraged to seek broad visibility for the event or project.
7. Periodically, the Diversity and Inclusion Office can/will make a call for grant proposals on specific topics and types of grants that would help the university attain its goal of being a diverse and inclusive institution. Applicants can still submit proposals on other topics, but the call could inspire people to get involved in the program and write grants catered to the call for proposals.
8. A final report is required and it will appear on the Diversity and Inclusion Office’s website. That report is due no later than three months after the funded activity. Failure to submit a final report will disqualify applicants from receiving future Faculty and Staff Diversity Mini- Grants.

Applications should be submitted to Patty Terryn in the Diversity and Inclusion Office, CSS 312.

Review of applications will continue contingent on available funds. At the committees' discretion, applicants may be asked to participate in a brief interview to better explain their proposal.

Successful applicants are expected to include the Diversity and Inclusion Office’s emblem on all promotional material and to mention that the event/project was funded by a Faculty/Staff Diversity Mini-Grant.

• Download the application.Word Doc
• Mini Grant Rubric.Word Doc
• Final Report Form. Word Doc

Mini-grants can be used for many purposes, including but not limited to the following:

• Guest speakers on a diversity topic.
• Special program(s) intended to increase respect for diversity and individual differences.
• Equipment or other material items used to support under-represented or under-served groups.
• Projects to enhance and support the recruitment, retention, and development of a diverse full-time faculty and staff.
• Events that expand the inclusion of issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity,sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs.

For more information, contact Franklin Hughes, Diversity and Inclusion Office, (231) 591-3970.

View Previous Grant Awardees