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College of Applied Science and Technology

Grants for Innovation in Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI)

In keeping with our commitment outlined in the CAST strategic plan to building an equitable and inclusive community and a culture of collaboration and belonging in the college and university, CAST Grants for Innovation in DEBI should act, inform, and/or teach strategies to increase belonging and engagement to marginalized and historically underrepresented groups, increase awareness of appreciation for a diverse and inclusive community, and inform the CAST community on issues of social justice, diversity, and intercultural communication.

Apply for a DEBI grant

Amount:
Varies (maximum request of $5,000)

Due Date:
First Monday of October

Eligibility

CAST faculty and staff can apply.

  • Grant funds are intended to be used within one fiscal year.
  • Proposals can range in size depending on the scope, with a maximum request of $5,000.
  • Funds must be transferred to a campus account; meaning that applicants must be a part of a CAST Department/School.
  • Existing events or activities that are funded through another mechanism will not be prioritized. For example, CAST Grants for Innovation in DEBI cannot be used to fund faculty/staff salary, professional travel, publication costs, or conference fees.

Example Requests

  • Establishment of a learning community to promote DEBI through a facilitated reading group, series of workshops, or training.
  • Creation of resources that expand access, support diverse populations, and advance inclusion and belonging.
  • Innovations in teaching and research that aim to promote DEBI.

Submission Requirements

Proposals must contain the following:

  • The names of the author(s), Department/School and contact information.
  • A two-page (maximum), double-spaced proposal containing the following information: Project description, objectives, timeline for implementation, dissemination and assessment, significance to diversity and inclusion, and a detailed budget.

Next Steps

Notifications will be emailed on December. Projects can begin once grant recipients have been notified.

Project award monies must be spent by June 30.

Recipients must submit a Final Report via email to cerabe@IllinoisState.edu after the conclusion of the project but no later than July 31.

The final report should include a narrative description of who participated, a brief assessment of outcomes (intended and unintended), and future plans for engaging diversity and inclusion efforts and a financial record to include all expenditures and receipts.