Southern Connecticut State University invites proposals for projects that advance equity, inclusion, and student success—particularly for historically marginalized student groups. This grant supports initiatives that strengthen persistence and retention by addressing barriers, promoting belonging, and creating culturally affirming experiences that validate students’ identities and lived experiences.

 

Our Commitment

At Southern, we are committed to identifying and addressing systemic barriers to equity, access, and success for all members of our community. We also believe in constructive dialogue—where we treat one another with dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility as we share varying perspectives—with the goal of creating a culture of inclusion and belonging. We understand the complexities of reconciling multiple realities towards the goal of achieving justice and we prioritize efforts that strive to maintain the dignity of all parties as we work towards finding better truths.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.

 

Objectives

• Develop programs that foster a sense of belonging and cultural affirmation for faculty, staff, and students
• Share knowledge and strategies that improve persistence for marginalized
• student populations.
• Support bridge-building efforts that encourage dialogue across differences and strengthen community.

 

Examples of Fundable Activities

• Culturally Affirming Programming: Events celebrating diverse identities, traditions, and histories to enhance belonging.
• Bridge-Building Dialogues: Facilitated conversations that promote understanding and collaboration across perspectives.
• Interactive workshops on persistence strategies for marginalized students.
• Research exploring culturally responsive practices and their impact on retention.
• Social media/video campaigns promoting inclusive and affirming campus culture.
• Honoraria for guest speakers with expertise in equity, cultural affirmation, and constructive dialogue.

 

Funding & Compliance

Grants are available between $500 up to a max of $1500. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify and demonstrate that requested grant funds will adhere to SCSU policies for general operating funds and then to manage all purchases in compliance with all university procedures. Grant funds may not be used to purchase electronics.

In addition, all applications granted will be required to provide a summary of their impact and poster presentation of their project and outcomes in the Fall 2026 Community Empowerment Conference. More details to be announced at a later date.

 

Requirements

Submit a completed application. A review committee will evaluate once a month (2nd Wednesday of every month) considering:

• Institutional and Legal compliance.
• Impact on marginalized student persistence.
• Integration of culturally affirming practices and bridge-building principles.
• Commitment to dignity, respect, kindness, compassion, and civility.

Please list the amount of financial sponsorship you are requesting and a proposed budget. For grant requests that provide partial funding for a larger event, please include detailed information about the larger event and the context for which the student success and equity grant should be considered.

Selected programs and projects will be required to submit the finalized details of their experience to both the university calendar for promotion and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for record-keeping. Do you agree to complete this process?

Selected Programs and projects requestors will be required to complete all administrative processes associated with executing the program and completing payment in a timely fashion. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as the following:

• Collecting all needed information for tax purposes to process a payment/beginning honorarium paperwork as needed.
• Placing orders for food and beverage items
• Completing the room reservations process
• Developing a supply order list for your program or project for ordering
• Developing a poster presentation of project and delivered outcomes for the Fall 2026 Community Empowerment Conference (more details to be announced at a later date)
• Additional administrative items as communicated by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion