The Engaged Scholarship Research/Creative Activities Grants Program for Faculty and Staff is providing financial support that helps facilitate positive outcomes for both scholars and communities. Conducting scholarship that is mutually beneficial for both university scholars and communities is the very foundation of engaged scholarship. The Scholarship Committee welcomes the submission of domestic and international engaged scholarship project proposals.

Institutions of awarded projects will receive funding directly from the Engagement Scholarship Consortium.

Guidelines & Funding Information

Faculty and staff from ESC Member Institutions may apply for up to $5,000 to fund a one-year project. Collaborative projects among faculty and/or staff from more than one discipline and/or at more than one university are encouraged. Funds may be used for faculty, graduate, undergraduate, community partner, and administrative stipends; supplies and expenses; and/or project-related travel. No indirect costs will be associated with this seed award. Funds may not be used for travel to conferences.

• Funds may be used for faculty, graduate, undergraduate, community partner, and administrative stipends; supplies, materials, and expenses; and/or project-related travel. However, funds may not be used for fringe costs or faculty effort.
• No indirect costs will be associated with this award.
• Funds will not be distributed using wire transfer.
• Funds will not be distributed to individuals.
• Awardees are expected to work with their institutions Contracts/Grants department to remit funds via invoice and obtain any necessary pre-approvals by the date specified in the deadlines section.
• Funds may not be used for travel to conferences.
• By accepting the funds, you agree to the terms above.

Deadlines

• Application open: Friday, August 29, 2025
• Application deadline: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST
• Notifications to applicants: November 21, 2025
• Grant Period: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
• Invoice Due Date from Awarded Institutions: June 1, 2026
  • Grants are not awarded to individuals. All awardees are expected to adhere to their school’s contract and grants policies. Awards are not distributed until ESC receives an invoice from the awardees institution.
• Post Award Deliverable: Friday, January 15, 2027
• Presentation: No presentation is required. However, grant awardees are encouraged to submit a proposal to present their grant-funded work/findings at the next ESC Conference.

Application Components and Assessment

• Project Description – Provide a clear and comprehensive description of the project, emphasizing the significance of the community engagement issue being addressed and the potential for generating new insights, practices, or outcomes that benefit both the community and the field. (200-word count / 10 points)
• Project Relevance – Describe how the project addresses a significant community engagement need or opportunity. Clearly explain the relevance of the target issue to the community or communities involved and provide a strong justification for the project’s necessity and timeliness. Highlight how the proposed work responds to current challenges, priorities, or emerging opportunities in the field of community engagement. (200-word count / 10 points)
• Significance in the Field of Community Engagement – Explain how the project will advance knowledge, practice, or innovation in the field of community engagement, including its potential to serve as a model, inform policy or practice, or contribute to broader systemic change. (200-word count / 10 points)
• Stakeholder Inclusion & Their Role – Identify all key community and institutional stakeholders involved in the project and describe their roles and responsibilities. Demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, reciprocity, and shared decision-making that values the knowledge, skills, and assets of all partners. (200-word count / 10 points)
• Project Objectives, Measurement, and Dissemination – Present well-defined objectives that are grounded in community engagement principles. Provide a clear methodology for measuring progress and outcomes (including formative and summative evaluation) and outline a comprehensive plan for disseminating findings to both community stakeholders and the broader field. (200-word count / 10 points)
• Project Budget – Provide a detailed and realistic budget that clearly explains how awarded funds will be allocated across project components. Demonstrate a sound financial strategy that ensures resources are used efficiently and equitably, with attention to sustaining community engagement beyond the grant period. (100-word count / 10 points)
• Project Timeline – Present a clear, realistic timeline that reflects an understanding of the phases of community engagement work. Include well-defined milestones and achievable deliverables within the proposed timeframe and demonstrate effective project management that is responsive to community contexts. (100-word count / 10 points)

All application questions must be answered and submitted using the online application linked below.

Questions

Questions related to the ESC Grants Program may be directed to Daniela Susnara (dsusnara@ua.edu), Program Director, Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership, University of Alabama or Benjamin Berger (bberger1@swarthmore.edu), Executive Director, Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, Swarthmore College.

Additional Information

• Introduction to Engaged Scholarship
• Post Award Deliverable Information

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