Grant Program

A grant program will provide funding, through a competitive application process, for initiatives that widen and deepen the presence of viewpoint diversity on campus and foster dialogue across differences.

Eligible grant projects might include, but are not limited to: 

• Designing or redesigning a course or module
• Launching professional development initiatives for staff that build skills or opportunities for viewpoint diversity or civil discourse
• Organizing convenings across campus communities to engage with multiple viewpoints
• Preparing and submitting competitive applications for external funding that encourage and foster political, philosophical, or religious viewpoint diversity
• Hosting a student-led leadership-building, skill-building, or conference opportunity for civil dialogue or viewpoint diversity 
• Coordinating a panel of speakers featuring a range of viewpoints followed by discussions
• Facilitating conversations or training opportunities in a residence hall or other student-centered spaces
• Producing performances or media projects that engage with diverse perspectives
• A seed opportunity for a larger-scale effort or project focused on pluralism or civil discourse

Other ideas are welcome! 

Award details

• Student-led projects: Eligible for grants up to $10,000
• Faculty/staff-led projects: Eligible for grants up to $50,000
• Awards available: Approximately 5–10 grants will be awarded
• Funding deadline: All grants must be used by January 2027. Extensions can be requested.
• Reporting requirements: Grant recipients must submit a final report detailing project outcomes and impact by February 2027

Eligibility

• All UW–Madison faculty and staff are eligible to apply
• All UW–Madison degree-seeking students, including registered student organizations, may apply with a UW–Madison faculty or staff member serving as their project adviser

Submission process

Proposals must be submitted online and include:

• Project title
• Name of UW–Madison unit, group, or student organization submitting the grant proposal
• School/college or administrative division under which the unit or group is administratively housed (not applicable for student organizations)
• Name, title, and email address of the project leader
• A description of the project to include:
  • One-paragraph abstract/summary of the project
  • Clear and concise project narrative (less than one page)
  • Intended audience
  • Implementation plan and timeline
  • Anticipated impact, outcomes, and/or gaps addressed within the campus landscape
  • Detailed budget including the requested grant amount and any additional funding sources 
• Brief letter of support from a department chair, director, or dean (for faculty and staff projects)
• Brief letter of support from a UW–Madison faculty or staff member (for student projects)

The description should be written in a manner that is understandable to an individual who may not be trained in the discipline.