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 (the project must achieve student learning and meet a community-identified need). 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 must demonstrate the use of service learning best practices, including: 1) a reciprocal planning process with the community partner(s); 2) integration of academic content and the service experience; 3) and student reflection assignments that relate and reinforce the service and learning

Application and Grant Procedures

• An application must be submitted, including a budget to articulate how the funds will be used.
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a mini grants subcommittee. 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 project/experience must be completed within the fiscal year that funds are requested.

• 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 two weeks of the project completion date.

• 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. It should follow the "What, So What, Now What" model (what did you do, what was the result or impact, and what will you do as a result of the project?). 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, Assistant Director, at amanda.martin@drake.edu, no later than three weeks after the project concludes.

Funding Priorities:

• Priority will be given to projects that could not be completed without this funding
• Annual events should have a sustainability plan for funding for the future
• Possible uses of funds include but are not limited to: supplies and materials, some printing costs, food (food over $60 for events happening on campus must go through Sodexo). See examples of past funded projects.
• Funds cannot be used to reimburse or provide incentive to Drake faculty or staff for local travel or for cash gifts. Gift cards require individual recipients to complete a gift card prize form and submit a W9

Questions? 
Check out the FAQs or contact Amanda Martin at amanda.martin@drake.edu or x2767. 

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 generally range from $25-$200 ($200 maximum)
• 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 year (*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:

• The mini grant committee will review the application.
• The committee 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. It should follow the "What, So What, Now What" model (what did you do, what was the result or impact, and what will you do as a result of the project?). 
• In the event that your proposal is declined, the requester or organization can contact the committee chair for questions or clarification.

Questions?
Please contact Amanda Martin if you have questions. 

Drake's global learning scholarships support students who are studying abroad. There are two scholarships for students participating in service-learning abroad. 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. 

Requirements:

• 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. 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today. 

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