Q1: Who is eligible to submit a grant proposal for the President’s DEI Grants?
Grant proposals must be submitted by CU full-time faculty or CU full-time staff. Students or student groups interested in submitting a proposal need to have a full-time faculty or full-time staff sponsor who will submit the proposal and include a letter of support.
Q2: What types of projects are funded by the President’s DEI Grants?
The grants fund innovative and creative projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the University of Colorado. Projects should advance DEI-related outcomes, demonstrate feasibility and clarity of purpose, indicate the potential for tangible results, and offer effective and innovative approaches to meeting important needs in higher education.
Q3: What is the maximum amount of funding available for a grant?
The maximum funding available for a grant is $8,000.
Q4: What is the duration of the grant funding?
The grant funding is for a one-year FY period from July 1 to June 30.
Q5: What criteria are used to evaluate grant proposals?
Proposals are evaluated based on their advancement of DEI-related outcomes, feasibility, clarity of purpose, potential for tangible results, capacity-building, sustainability, replication, innovation, alignment with campus-wide DEI goals, and fostering of collaboration between groups.
Q6: Are multi-campus projects favored in the evaluation process?
Yes, multi-campus projects or projects with the potential for system-wide impact are favored when other factors are equal.
Q7: How important are sustainability and leveraging additional resources in a grant proposal?
Projects that leverage additional resources are favored when other factors are equal, demonstrating a broader base of support and potential for long-term impact and sustainability.
Q8: What considerations are given to proposals that support existing programs?
If funding is used to support existing programs, proposals that aim to expand or enhance an existing program with long-term sustainability are often viewed more favorably than those focused solely on maintaining current activities. The proposal should clearly outline how these expansions or enhancements will be implemented to demonstrate the program’s growth potential.
Q9: How is the involvement of students valued in research-based projects?
The inclusion of mentoring opportunities for students is highly valued in research-based projects. The proposal should clearly explain the involvement and mentorship of students.
Q10: What is the expected alignment of the projects with the University’s strategic plan?
Projects should advance DEI-related outcomes as identified in CU’s 2021-2026 Strategic Plan and deliver outcomes consistent with campus-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.
Q11: How should proposals demonstrate feasibility and clarity of purpose?
Proposals should provide a clear and detailed plan that outlines the project’s goals, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes, ensuring that the project is realistic and achievable.
Q12: What is meant by capacity-building and sustainability in the context of these grants?
Capacity-building refers to the project’s ability to strengthen the skills, competencies, and abilities of individuals or groups involved. Sustainability refers to the project’s potential to be sustained, integrated and create a lasting impact beyond the grant period.
Q13: Are collaborative projects favored in the selection process?
Yes, projects that foster collaboration between groups (e.g., campuses, departments, staff and faculty, community) are favored, as collaboration can enhance the project’s impact and reach.
Q14: What is the application process for the President’s DEI Grants?
The application process involves submitting a detailed grant proposal that includes the project description, objectives, methodology, timeline, budget, expected outcomes, and letters of support, particularly from a faculty or staff sponsor for student-led initiatives. Specific application guidelines and deadlines will be provided in the call for proposals.
Q15: How are grant recipients recognized?
Grant recipients are honored at a formal in-person ceremony and are publicly recognized for their work contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grant recipients are also encouraged to submit their proposal to present their findings at local, regional, and national conferences (i.e. CU Social Justice Summit, Colorado Equity Day of Action, or National Conference on Race and Ethnicity).