Funding available to support student-led, student-driven service and volunteer projects this Spring semester! UMD Engage is excited to announce that applications are open for the UMD Service Microgrants!
During the Spring 2025 semester, UMD students are invited to apply for funds to organize student-led, student-driven service and volunteer projects! Microgrants of up to $1,000 are available.
Consider this: When defined traditionally, around 23 percent of 16-24-year-olds report being engaged in formal volunteering. That jumps to 70 percent of youth ages 18-25 when service is defined more broadly (i.e., everyday acts to voter registration to volunteering to advocating for community change).
Bring your service ideas to reality this semester. Microgrants may be used to support many kinds of student-led service projects, including:
- Student Organization Service Projects - Grow your club's service agenda!
- Service Projects Inspired by Course-Based Experiences - Make that class assignment turn into a real-life experience!
- Service Projects Focused on a Personal Passion - Take that idea you have and run with it!
Priority Application Deadline: February 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM CST.
UMD Service Microgrant Application
What is the UMD Service Microgrant program?
The UMD Service Microgrant is an opportunity for students to move their service ideas into action.
What is the definition of “service”?
The UMD Service Microgrant program defines service as “acts intended to benefit people and/or communities by enhancing connections and relationships to address issues and strengthen communities.” (from the 2024 report, Leveraging the Potential of Youth Service)
What kind of expenses are allowed?
Allowable expenses - Grant funds can support transportation costs, food, stipends, materials/supplies, printing, space rental, parking passes, and more!
Unallowable expenses - Money cannot be used to support alternative breaks, and funds cannot be directly donated to an organization.
To help support applicants, the following UMD Service Microgrants Office Hours will be hosted. Swing by to learn more, ask questions, and get assistance in filling out the application. Applicants are welcome to schedule a time with Cheryl or Oliver if the times below do not work!
UMD Service Microgrant Office Hours
- Wednesday, January 29 - 12-1 pm
- Wednesday, January 29 - 5-6 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the money have to be spent? When does the project have to be completed? Per our grant agreement, all UMD Service Microgrant funds must be used by May 15, 2025. No extensions will be allowed. If you have expended your funds, but your event takes place after May 15, 2025, that could be okay, with approval from our funders.
- What if I don’t have a sponsoring student organization or faculty/staff member? If you don’t have a student organization or faculty/staff member who can sponsor your project, UMD Engage is able to sponsor you. As your sponsor, we’d work together to expend the funds you’ve requested.
- Do I have to request the full $1,000? What is the smallest amount I could ask for? We anticipate requests in all amounts. While $1,000 is the most you can request, you can ask for as little as needed. Perhaps you are just looking to get a number of parking passes for guests to come to campus? Whether it’s $50 or $1,000, we are excited for your ideas.
- Do I have to have a certain number of people involved in the project? There is no requirement to have a certain number of people involved in your project. What we are looking for are projects that meet the definition of service: “Acts intended to benefit people and/or communities by enhancing connections and relationships to address issues and strengthen communities.”
- Can I request more money later if I find out I need more? What if I don’t use all the money I am given? We have a priority deadline of February 4th for applications. If we still have money available, additional funds can be considered. Any unspent funds should be reported to UMD Engage so we can consider reallocation to other projects.
- What’s required of me if I am awarded a micro-grant? As a recipient of a UMD Service Microgrant, you’ll be asked to keep UMD Engage informed of any changes, challenges, and successes of your project. All recipients will be asked to do an interview with UMD Engage at the end of the semester so we can discuss lessons learned.
What are some examples of projects that would be a good fit for this opportunity? We are really excited to see what college students want to do with these funds, and creativity is welcomed. As long as the project meets the definition of service and doesn’t conflict with the rules on how the funds CAN’T be used (i.e., direct grants to an organization or an alternative break event), there is a good chance that the project would be a good fit.
Here are some ideas for projects:
- Bringing youth/community to campus (or meeting them off-campus) for an experiential learning opportunity!
- Hosting/collaborating on a community event or program!
- Providing transportation to a community volunteer event!
- Hosting a fundraising or donation drive for a community partner!
- Stipends to support community participation on a board or panel!
- Purchase supplies to help connect people to service (i.e., shovels for snow removal for neighbors; paint to help paint someone's deck)