Diversity Initiative Growth Grant
DIGG

APPLICATIONS 
The Office of Diversity, Equity & Community
will begin taking applications for the 2009-10 Academic Year on September 8, 2009
deliver to
Administration 104 or medwards@uidaho.edu

Introduction

Campus-wide diversity programs are vital to enrich the entire campus community. Support for diversity programming is one commitment from the UI President and Provost’s offices. These programs contribute to fulfilling the goals and objectives set forth in the Diversity Plan (Diversity and Human Rights at the UI: A Comprehensive Plan for Action and Accountability).

The Diversity Initiative Growth Grant (DIGG) program was established to encourage university-wide programming aimed at promoting increased awareness of diversity issues from as many perspectives and viewpoints as possible. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply for grants.

The UI Diversity Plan

Since 2004, the Provost’s office has made $50,000 available for diversity programming, and continues this support for 2009-2010. The intent is to invest in programs and projects that advance the goals of the University’s Diversity Plan.  Thus, DIGG grants should assist the UI to meet our diversity plan goals.

Process

The 2009-2010 DIGG grant process will be coordinated by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Community.  A small coordinating committee will meet to determine grant deadlines, procedures, and any application or other changes to the DIGG grant process. This group also offers training in grant writing for those writing their first DIGG grants; appoints and works with the reading group; and concurs on reading group recommendations for final decisions related to funding grants. Note that current members of the DIGG coordinating committee may not submit DIGG grant applications. A separate reading group consists of members of the UI community who serve as proposal reviewers. The reading group reviews and scores all grant submissions, meets to review scores, and makes final recommendations to the Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity & Community who will consider the committee recommendations and determine the exact funding awards for each grant application.

DIGG grants are offered on a continuing basis.  Beginning September, 8th applications may be submitted for Fall & Spring.  Awards will be granted until all funds have been allocated.

There are two types of DIGG grants: major theme grants and mini-grants as described below:

· Major Theme DIGG grants: available for up to $5,000

o Themes include:

§ African American culture and issues
§ Asian American culture and issues
§ Disability issues
§ Hispanic/Latino/a culture and issues
§ Human Rights
§ International Perspectives
§ Native American culture and issues
§ Sexual Orientation/GLBT issues
§ Women and gender, including masculinity issues

o · Mini-grants: These smaller grants of up to $2,500 support projects in any diversity area and are not limited to particular themes. They may address the themes described above or they may address other diversity topics.

· Criteria for all DIGG grant applications:

o Creativity: projects that attempt to respond to diversity issues on campus using creative ideas, programs, and projects or new solutions to solve diversity-related problems will be given strong consideration

o Link to helping UI fulfill Diversity Plan goals

o Impact: should be broad and seek to raise awareness or include a large number of campus community individuals

o Target audience: can be students (current or future), faculty, or staff.

o Proposals should be well-written, typed, with clearly outlined evaluation plans and specific ideas for program sustainability (note that training will be available in how to write a DIGG grant)

How to Apply for Funding

1) Complete the DIGG grant application. Follow all grant application instructions carefully.

2)  Submit your completed application to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Community. 

3) Each grant application is reviewed by members of the DIGG Reading Group, volunteers who serve as proposal reviewers for the DIGG grant program. All grants are recommended for either full funding or no funding.

4) Funding decisions are usually made within 2 weeks of application submission.

5) All applications must be submitted 4 weeks before scheduled event/program.
 
6)  DIGG grants will not be awarded for any program/event which coincides with another DIGG grant funded program, or major university diversity program unless programs complement one another.  (Please check calendar on diversity page for diversity events).

DIGG Application