For any questions or more information regarding the mini-grants, please reach out to Dr. Nora Tyeklar, Post-Doctoral Scholar for Transforming Lives Initiatives.
Who can apply?
This mini-grant application process is open to all members of the UMA community, including full and part-time faculty, staff, and students. We encourage both individual submissions and proposals that include collaboration across UMA and with community organizations.
How much can I apply for?
Award amounts will vary but will be typically no more than $1500 per project. Funds must be spent on the approved project by December 31, 2025.
What kinds of projects will be funded?
Priority will be given to projects supporting Strategy 5: Foster Inclusion in UMA’s 2021-2025 Strategic Plan.
Options might include, but are not limited to:
- Creating a stipend for a student worker/intern for Transforming Lives related work.
- Funding a guest speaker or speaker series.
- Working with a community organization to sponsor workshops or training.
- Underwriting a project to assist UMA student equity and inclusion.
- Funding the purchase of books, videos, or other physical materials.
How will my application be evaluated?
Each application will be evaluated by a grant reader committee, to include at least one student evaluator. The applications will be rated on a 1-5 scale in the following categories:
- Potential impact on Transforming Lives climate at UMA.
- Strength of project plan/details.
- Connection to furthering the goals of Strategy 5: Foster Inclusion in the UMA Strategic Plan
By applying for a mini-grant award, the applicant agrees to 1) provide oversight for project activities and progress 2) ensure that incurred expenses support the original proposal intent and budget while complying with University policies 3) ensure that expenses occur within the starting and ending dates of the project stated, and 4) submit grant progress reports upon request.
Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2024-2025 Transforming Lives Council Mini-Grants!
- The ELL Zone Featured Episode, Making Education Inclusive Through Performance – Nathaniel Berger, Writing Faculty
- Notebooks Behind Bars – Elizabeth Daly, Student Services Coordinator, Saco Center
- Inclusive Campus Spaces and Outreach Initiative – Lynett Kelly, Student Serives Coordinator, and Jesse Tiemissen, Administrative Specialist
- Natalie Diaz to Keynote Maine Plunkett Poetry Festival – Ellen Taylor, Professor of English
- Stigma on Campus – Heidi Toner, President, Bangor Student Government Association
- Transforming Lives Student Scholarship Concert – Lindsey Wiehl, Assistant Professor of Music