Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Can upcoming seniors apply for the racial justice grants?

    Yes, undergraduate and graduate students graduating in Spring 2024 can apply for racial justice grants for projects that will be implemented prior to the May 2024 commencement. Seniors are encouraged to discuss their project timeline in the application proposal. If the graduating student is the lead applicant, it is recommended that the application disclose how the project will be implemented prior to commencement and address how the applicant will strive for the sustainability of the project after the applicant graduates.

  • Can students that are graduating Spring 2023, apply for the Racial Justice Grants?

    No. Only students enrolled in full-time coursework for the duration of the cycle are eligible to apply.

  • Can students, faculty, and staff from other campuses apply?

    Yes, applicants who are working or studying at the medical and RSMAS campuses can apply and receive funds from the racial justice grant program. If the project involves working with an external community partner, the project must follow University COVID-19 guidelines for conducting off-campus research/community service.

  • The proposal asks applicants to discuss evaluation of impact. How can impact be measured in the implementation period?

    We understand that the implementation period for the grant program is limited, and this will be considered when evaluating projects' impact. Further, impact can be measured in a number of ways including but not limited to (1) number of participants, (2) relationship with community partner, (3) participant surveys, and/or (4) project progress. Awardees may request additional time through the Summer 2024 to complete impact statements.

  • In light of the pandemic, can students, faculty, and staff apply virtually?

    Yes, applicants who are working or studying remotely can apply and receive funds from the racial justice grant program. Given the pandemic, virtual programming will definitely be considered for funding. Students who have elected to study remotely should propose initiatives that are also remote. If the project involves working with an external community partner, the project must follow University COVID-19 guidelines for conducting off-campus research/community service.

  • Can funds be used to support community partners, facilitators, or speakers?

    Yes, budgets may include compensation for external community partners, speakers, and/or facilitators. If awarded a racial justice grant, the external party would need to supply the applicants with an invoice that will be used to process payment. This invoice is not necessary for submission until after an award is confirmed.

  • Are there any ineligible expenses?

    Funds can be used for a variety of options including compensation for community partners, speakers, and/or facilitators. Other budget items can include but are not limited to: project supplies, tools, project-related travel, event catering, and/or compensate participants. However, any projects from which the project applicants will receive direct wages, salaries, or a stipend are ineligible.

  • Can another university serve as a community partner on a proposal? Can students from other universities be team members on the application?

    While internal UM departments are welcomed to serve as community partners on proposals, other universities are not eligible to serve as community partners. Additionally, all team members must be affiliated with UM, whether student, faculty, or staff.

  • Are former lead grant recipients eligible to reapply?

    Former project leads are illegible to apply as a lead for future funding.

  • Are former applicants eligible to reapply?

    You are encouraged to resubmit a proposal for funding in future cycles.