Campus Climate Micro-Grants provide targeted funding for projects that respond directly to campus climate data and community-identified needs. Designed as a flexible, action-oriented investment, the micro-grants support initiatives that strengthen belonging, reduce bias, and enhance experiences of inclusion and respect across the University’s campuses. Informed by the university-wide Campus Climate Survey and related assessments, funded projects focus on evidence-based strategies such as facilitated dialogues, community-building efforts, curricular and co-curricular innovations, and professional development. Collectively, these initiatives translate institutional data into local action and shared learning.
The micro-grants support students, staff and faculty to create enriched community experiences, provide opportunities for civic engagement, and foster an inclusive campus. In addition they support pluralism by supporting work that balances freedom of expression with openness, mutual respect, and care.
As an implementation mechanism for Elevate Extraordinary 2030, the Campus Climate Micro-Grants demonstrate how modest, timely investments can support an inclusive campus climate and foster scalable practices to create an enriched community experience and a sense of belonging for us all.
What Are U of M Campus Climate Micro-Grants?
U of M Campus Climate Micro-Grants offer an opportunity for individuals and groups within the University of Minnesota community to secure funding for new or existing projects that actively contribute to enhancing our campus climate. These grants are dedicated to fostering a university environment where respect, belonging, and inclusion are woven into everyday experiences.
Why Campus Climate Micro-Grants?
These grants are not just about financial assistance; they are about empowering our University community to effect positive change. They serve as a response to the valuable insights gathered from the 2023 Systemwide Campus Climate Survey. The data from this survey guide us in identifying areas where we can make a difference, and the Campus Climate Micro-Grants offer resources to turn ideas into impactful projects.
Building a Better Campus Climate
We invite all systemwide University of Minnesota community members, including students, faculty, staff, and affiliated organizations, to explore the Campus Climate Micro-Grants program. If you have a project in mind that aligns with our mission to foster a welcoming and supportive campus, we encourage you to apply for funding.
Your active participation in the Campus Climate Micro-Grants program helps shape a more connected and empowering University environment for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change at the University of Minnesota.
Campus Climate Awardees
2023-24
Valerie Aas Marina Aleixo Jaydon Antoine Jessica Arend Edgar Arriaga Jessica Boccio Saena Dozier Sam Franco Danni Gilbert Ashley Kremin Caitlin Lichtenfels Jessica Lopez Lyman Jody O'Connor | Natalie Platt Sharandra Pugh Diana Soran Jasmine Kar Tang Tamera Thomasson-Ehrhart Shannon Vadnie Laichia Vang Lin Xiu Keelin Yenney Keri Youngstrand Dawn York-Bentley |
2025-26
| Carrie Walling Institute For Global Studies, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Brewing Justice Coffee Hour: Building Belonging and Equipping Students to Advance Equity | Nithya Kailad College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Inclusivity Coffee Hours with the Society of Women Engineers |
| Pashoua Vang College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities DRC and LAC Access Abroad Summit | Angie Hastings School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Indian Health Services/Tribal Elective |
| Nora Pearson College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, University of Minnesota Twin Cities SWAC Community Art Initiative | Kacey Gregerson College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Enhancing Inclusive Teaching Techniques in Chemical Engineering & Materials Science |
| Deborah Pearson College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities De Profundis Ego Resurrexit | Jessica Arend College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Tri-Psychology Queer Affinity Group (TPQ) |
| Satomi Mitani College of Education and Human Development, University of Minnesota Twin Cities Series of CEHD International Student Events | Husna Ibrahim University of Minnesota Twin Cities DEIJ Retreat: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Retreat |