Submit Application

Deadline for initial round of funding is Friday, 11/15. 

As part of the commitment inherent in being a leading college in a public research university, the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) has established the Community Engagement Grant Program. The program will support faculty research and teaching that extends our interests, expertise, and curiosity to community partners in San Diego and beyond. These grants are designed to encourage project-based collaborations that can address needs and issues in the communities we serve, promote research into new areas and/or funding sources, and enable student learning outside the classroom.

Support funding from this program can be used for a variety of non-salaried expenses that enhance research and teaching partnerships with established community organizations or related entities. Initially, at least four grants of up to $1500 will be available (total number TBD based on budget). Eligible activities include (but are not necessarily limited to) travel, participant honorariums or stipends, and meeting costs. No salary support or release time may be funded with these grants.

For the first round of grants, only those faculty with demonstrated established relationships with community organizations are eligible to apply. Future rounds, which will include some training on community-engaged research methodologies, ethics, and impact, will be open to both established and newer researchers. 

Proposal Requirements

• Project summary (300 words or fewer): Identify the project, key participants and activities, and expected outcomes.
• Relationship statement (300 words or fewer):
  Identify the partner(s) you will work with via this grant and their role within their communities. Detail your prior history with these partner(s) and how you have worked responsibly and respectfully with them.
• Potential next steps (200 words or fewer): Identify how you hope to build upon this mini-grant work to extend your research, support future teaching, and/or pursue funding opportunities.
• Brief budget outline (projected activities and costs, up to $1500)

Award Terms and Conditions

The awards are for a 6-month period. If needed, a one-time-only time extension request may be considered with a strong justification.

Any remaining funds after the grant’s termination date are to be returned to the College of Arts and Letters.

The California State University Community Partnership Initiative (CPI) supports community-based organizations (CBOs) that establish, extend and/or strengthen collaborative partnerships between California State University (CSU) campuses and the communities they serve. The CPI grant seeks to enhance and encourage CBOs efforts in underrepresented communities’ that utilize collaborative relationships with CSU campuses to address critical needs in the following areas:

● Academic Preparation

● College Access

● Enrollment

● Degree Completion

Campus Partners may be eligible for awards up to $20,000.

Your campus partner needs to complete the application, provide proof of 501c3 status, and a signed letter of intent to collaborate from you to send to [email protected]. 

CPI Applicationi for 2024 cycle.

Instructions for CPI Application.

DEADLINE: Friday, March 22, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST.

QUESTIONS? Please contact John Hamilton, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Strategic Partnerships and Student Success Initiatives, at [email protected].