You are here: American University Inclusive Excellence Inclusive Excellence Mini-Grants
Contact Us
Office of Inclusive Excellence
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016
United States
Inclusive Excellence Mini-Grants
The Office of Inclusive Excellence (OIE) offers mini-grants (sponsorship) of up to $500 for AU events and initiatives that advance inclusive excellence, belonging, participation, learning, and shared institutional success.
Request Requirements
Email a request of no more than one page to [email protected] at least five weeks before the event. Allow one to two weeks for a response. Include:
- Subject line: Mini-Grant Request
- Organization: Official name, cost center number and details
- Event/initiative: Name, purpose, date, audience, and key activities
- Inclusive excellence connection: How the activity advances belonging, participation, learning, varied perspectives, or shared success
- Expected impact: Intended outcomes and how they will be assessed
- Funding: Amount requested, up to $500, and proposed use
- Primary contact: Name, title or affiliation, email, and phone number
Review and Award Expectations
Awards are based on alignment with inclusive excellence priorities, community benefit, feasibility, and available funds. OIE sets a limited annual allocation; once it is fully distributed, requests must be resubmitted for the next academic year. Submission does not guarantee funding.
Questions: Contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence at [email protected].
Post-award: Within two weeks after the funded activity, recipients must email [email protected] a brief impact testimonial summarizing outcome, reach or engagement, and the connection to inclusive excellence.
For any additional questions not covered under the FAQs, please contact [email protected]
- How much are the grants?
- IE mini-grants range in value up to $500.
- What type of expenses are allowable?
- IE mini-grants are intended to fund programming costs (e.g., translators, videographers, food, program materials, etc.). IE mini-grants cannot be used to purchase equipment (e.g., computers) or to cover personnel expenses.
- When do grant funds need to be spent?
- Grant funds must be spent by the end of the fiscal year in which they are awarded.
- What type of projects can be funded?
- The IE mini-grant program funds a wide variety of collaborative efforts in support of fostering a climate where people of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included.
- When does the project need to happen?
- Projects must take place before the end of the fiscal year in which they are awarded.