Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grants - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to announce the opportunity for student teams to apply for a Student Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant. The purpose of the Student Mini-Grant is to encourage students to design and implement ways to move the university toward becoming a truly diverse institution. The total amount awarded for both student and staff Mini-Grants varies, but typically totals $7,000 per academic year. Most Mini-Grants are less than $500. The maximum Mini-Grant amount is $1,000.00 per academic year for any registered student organizataion.  

Mini-Grant Objectives
Community, opportunity and inclusion are three of Northern’s core values. In order to encourage collaborative work among members of the university community, students are encouraged to include participants from different backgrounds and interest areas. While all successful applications will emphasize some aspect of diversity, applicants are encouraged to think broadly and creatively about their proposals.

Application Send an email to diversity@nmu.edu. Include the following information: 

1. A summary of the purpose of the grant
2. An estimate of how many people will participate
3. A summary budget of the expected expenses and/or revenue - list whether expenses will be paid from the grant or if a cash advance is necessary
4. A summary of how the Mini-Grant will: 

• Increase deeper understanding of diversity related issues on Northern Michigan University’s campus;
• Maintain, enhance or establish inclusive environments that are conducive to the success of all students at Northern;
• Build collaborative diversity efforts at the university; 
• Help historically underrepresented groups achieve success at NMU.  

Sample Projects: Examples of activities that could be funded include (but are not limited to) University-wide forums; speakers with diversity themes; film or video series; seminars, workshops, and conferences; public education programs; outreach to elementary and secondary schools; community public services programs; faculty/student collaborations to develop new courses; performances. 

Terms and Conditions: Please list the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a sponsor on publicity materials. Submit a summary report to diversity@nmu.edu within one month of the project’s completion. 

Obtaining Funds: Typically, the funds will issued as a reimbursement for, or settlement of, an expense, typically submitted through a Concur expense report. For example, students will ask an organization advisor or sponsoring department faculty to pay for tickets, supplies, or travel expenses using a university credit card. The expense will be settled through Concur with the amount of the Mini-Grant allocated to organization code 260111. Occasionally, students request and will be granted a cash advance. Contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for instructions on cash advances. 

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will not reimburse expenses until the summary report is received. 

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to announce the opportunity for NMU Faculty and Staff to apply for a Faculty/Staff Diversity and Inclusion Mini-Grant. The purpose of the Faculty/Staff Mini-Grant is to encourage NMU employees to design and implement ways to move the university toward becoming a truly diverse institution. The total amount awarded for both student and faculty/staff Mini-Grants varies, but typically totals $7,000 per academic year. Most Mini-Grants are less than $500. The maximum Mini-Grant amount is $1,000.00 per academic year for any faculty member and/or grant application.   

Mini-Grant Objectives
Community, opportunity and inclusion are three of Northern’s core values. In order to encourage collaborative work among members of the university community, applicants are encouraged to include participants from different backgrounds and interest areas. While all successful applications will emphasize some aspect of diversity, applicants are encouraged to think broadly and creatively about their proposals.

Application Send an email to diversity@nmu.edu. Include the following information: 

1. A summary of the purpose of the grant
2. An estimate of how many people will participate
3. A summary budget of the expected expenses and/or revenue 
4. A summary of how the Mini-Grant will: 

• Increase deeper understanding of diversity related issues on Northern Michigan University’s campus;
• Maintain, enhance or establish inclusive environments that are conducive to the success of all students at Northern;
• Build collaborative diversity efforts at the university; 
• Help historically underrepresented groups achieve success at NMU.  

Sample Projects: Examples of activities that could be funded include (but are not limited to) University-wide forums; speakers with diversity themes; film or video series; seminars, workshops, and conferences; public education programs; outreach to elementary and secondary schools; community public services programs; faculty/student collaborations to develop new courses; performances. 

Terms and Conditions: Please list the Office of Diversity and Inclusion as a sponsor on publicity materials. Submit a summary report to diversity@nmu.edu within one month of the project’s completion.

Obtaining Funds: Typically, the funds will issued as a reimbursement for, or settlement of, an expense, typically submitted through a Concur expense report. For example, a university employee will charge tickets, supplies, or travel expenses to a university credit card. The expense will be settled through Concur with the amount of the Mini-Grant allocated to organization code 260111.  The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will approve the expenses processed through Concur. 

Expenses will not be approved for settlement/reimbursement until the summary report is received.