Mini Grants

There are many ways to integrate a community component into a course. At Drake, community engaged learning opportunities are designed to link learning outcomes to community needs in order to deepen a student’s knowledge and development.

A limited number of mini-grants to support academic service-learning projects are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are expended. Mini grants typically range anywhere from $25-200.

Mini Grant Criteria: Application Form

• The project/experience must fall under the definition of Community Engagement/Service-Learning as defined by the Experiential Learning Council: www.drake.edu/servicelearning/aboutus/definitions. Funds are also available for projects with a global service-learning component, and those definitions can also be found on the definitions page. 

• The project/experience must be completed within the fiscal year that funds are requested.

• An application must be submitted, including a budget to articulate how the funds will be used.

• Critical Reflection must be a component of the experience

• Grant recipients must submit a final report/reflection

• Original receipts for the expenses need to be submitted to the Office of Community Engaged Learning within 2 weeks of the project completion date.

Application Review Process:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Community Engaged Learning Council. It is highly encouraged you submit your application at least 30 days in advance of the activity taking place to ensure the committee has time to review and ask questions if necessary. No funding will be granted after an activity has occurred. The funding will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis until all funding has been expended for the year.

Reporting:

As a part of the critical reflection process, participants of the experience should put together a blog post that details the project, its impact, student learning and reflection, quanitifiables, testimonials, and photos. The blog post will be shared on the Community Engaged Learning blog and may be further shared across the campus and community to share the story of community engaged learning. The blog post should be submitted to Amanda Martin, Program Coordinator, at amanda.martin@drake.edu, no later than 3 weeks after the project concludes.

Questions? 
Please contact Amanda Martin, Program Coordinator, at amanda.martin@drake.edu or x2767. 

Drake’s Community Action Board (CAB), in collaboration with the Office of Community Engaged Learning & Service, is pleased to offer co-curricular mini-grants to support students and student organizations in carrying out service-learning and social justice programming.

Application FormOverview:

• Grants range from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $200
• Individuals and organizations must submit an online application to be considered for funding
• Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis; funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the funds are depleted
• Applications will be responded to within two weeks, not including university breaks
• Student organizations are limited to receiving funding only once per semester (*does not include Residence Life - each RA can receive funding once)

 Criteria:

• The individual or organization must work with a community partner
• Projects should help meet a community-identified need, spread awareness, or make a meaningful impact for others
• The project must have a reasonably listed process and obtainable goals
• Critical reflection should be incorporated into the project

 Selection Process:

• CAB's Finance Committee will review the application
• CAB reserves the right to adjust the amount awarded to each organization’s request
• Individuals or organizations will be notified of any decision via e-mail
• If your request is approved, you will need to submit original receipts to the Office of Community Engaged Learning & Service. You will be contacted about what paperwork is needed
• Grant recipients will also be asked to provide a blog post following the event that details the project, its impact, student learning and reflection, testimonials and photos. The blog post will be shared across campus to share the story of community engaged learning
• In the event that your proposal is declined, the requester or organization can contact CAB's Treasurer for questions or clarification

Questions?
Please contact Lauren Oreto, CAB Treasurer, if you have questions.

CAB’s Mission is to engage students in meaningful service and collaborative initiatives that inspire them to strengthen relationships with the ​communities of which they are a part.

Drake's global learning scholarships support students who are studying abroad. There are two scholarships for students participating in service-learning abroad. Application Form The scholarships are need based, but have slightly different selection criteria. Be sure to review the criteria before submitting your global learning scholarship application. For questions please contact Maria Rohach, Assistant Director of Drake Administered Programs Abroad.

Olson Global Service-Learning Match Grants are awarded to student global service-learning projects with faculty/staff support where funds or in-kind donations have been appropriated or raised but where additional funds would be beneficial. 

• Funds or in-kind donations of at least $500 must have already been raised
• Projects must have a strong global service-learning emphasis
• Student applicants must have demonstrated faculty/staff support

Two grants of $500 will be awarded this academic year.  Please note that we are NOT able to reimburse for individual’s mileage or personal costs. 

The application for Spring and May-Term courses will be available soon. 

Questions: Contact Amanda Martin, Community Engaged Learning Program Coordinator at amanda.martin@drake.edu.