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Center for Civic Engagement

Grants and Scholarships

The following grant opportunities are available to the University community for programs and initiatives related to civic engagement.

Center for Civic Engagement Grants

Registered Student Organization Grant Program

The Registered Student Organization Grant Program, in partnership with the Dean of Students Office, is intended to support Registered Student Organization programs that encourage civic engagement on Illinois State University's campus and within the Bloomington/Normal community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Contact Afiwa TETE at atete@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-1100 with any questions or concerns.

For Spring 2025, full funding may not be available for applications received after April 15, 2025.

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Community Resilience Grant Program

This grant program, offered in partnership with COUNTRY Financial, supports interdisciplinary projects that strengthen community resilience and enhance the relationship between Illinois State University (ISU) and the Bloomington-Normal community. Proposals should focus on developing strategies that promote meaningful community engagement and a more resilient, connected community as described in two foundational studies:

  • COUNTRY Financial Community Resilience Index highlights that resilient communities show strong community engagement, collaboration, respect, and trust in local leadership. These factors contribute to better preparedness, stronger relationships, and improved quality of life.
  • Optimal College Town Assessment (OCTA) conducted by the Center for Civic Engagement reveals that while the ISU-community ("town/gown") relationship is generally classified as "traditional" (comfortable but passive), there is strong alignment in priorities between ISU and the Bloomington-Normal communities and recognition of the mutually beneficial relationship between the two. Results further suggest that targeted efforts to enhance engagement and transparency can further improve town/gown relations and build a more resilient and interconnected community better equipped to face future challenges and opportunities.

Building a resilient community requires intentional collaboration, continuous reflection, and a shared vision for the future. Thus, this grant program seeks to fund proposals that develop interdisciplinary strategies that strengthen community resilience and enhance the town/gown relationship between Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal community by fostering engagement, collaboration, respect, and trust. This grant will award $5,000 to 3 interdisciplinary teams addressing issues related to community resilience. Proposals are due at 5pm CDT on September 9, 2025. Contact Rachel Waring-Sparks at raspar1@ilstu.edu or Katy Strzepek at kastrze@ilstu.edu with any questions.

Call for Proposals  Submit your application (opens June 1)

Faculty/Instructor Community Engagement Learning Grant Program

The Faculty/Instructor Community Engagement Learning Grant Program is intended to support incorporating the principles and goals of Illinois State's core value of civic engagement into students' curricular experiences. The grants are intended to reimburse faculty for expenses directly associated with course-based events, activities, or projects that develop students' civic and community knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors and prepare them to participate in social change. Grants support community engagement projects such as service learning assignments, guest speakers, travel expenses for class trips, material for in-class activities/assignments, etc.

Applications are now closed.

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Civic Engagement Grant Awards

Civic Engagement Grant Awards, co-sponsored by CCE, Senior Professionals, and the State Farm Foundation, are available for Illinois State University student organizations or individuals participating in an in-course project that is aimed at improving or educating within the Bloomington-Normal community. See the PDF below for the full award criteria. Applications and more information can be found at the Senior Professionals website.

 

Center for Civic Engagement Scholarships

The Nikita D. Richards Perseverance & Civic Engagement Scholarship

The Nikita D. Richards Perseverance & Civic Engagement Scholarship was established by Nikita to help assist students who, like her, experienced socioeconomic challenges, and who are utilizing their time at ISU to fulfill their purpose in life. She has committed her life to being civically engaged at the local, state and national level and encourages all Redbirds to get involved and make a difference on our campus and in our community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

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The Dr. Aja C. Holmes Alternative Breaks Fund

As a former Alternative Breaks participant, Dr. Aja C. Holmes understands the positive and lifelong impact this program can have on ISU students. Her fund is designed to offer partial fee waivers to offset Alternative Breaks trip costs for students who want to participate but cannot afford to without financial assistance. Requirements and other information are available at Scholarship Finder. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

To check out all the Center for Civic Engagement Funds and make a gift, visit the ISU Giving webpage.

COUNTRY Financial Civic Engagement and Responsibility Minor Scholarship

Thanks to a generous contribution from COUNTRY Financial, this scholarship is designed to support students in the Civic Engagement and Responsibility Minor who have been accepted to complete a community-engaged internship for the capstone class for the CER Minor (IDS 398.a02). Students who receive the scholarship will be asked to give a brief presentation about what they learned to donors.

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Michael D. Schermer Student Leader Excellence Scholarship

The Michael D. Schermer Student Leader Excellence Fund was established by Mr. Schermer to help further Illinois State University's goal of preparing students to be informed and engaged citizens who will promote and further the collective goals of society. To apply for this scholarship, applicants must have a High School GPA of 3.00 or higher, submit an essay, fulfill the community service requirement, and have leadership experience.  Applications must be submitted by June 30. Contact Afiwa TETE at atete@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-8116 with any questions or concerns.

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Other Illinois State University Grants

Student Sustainability Fund

The Student Sustainability Fund offers grants for creative student, faculty, or staff projects that contribute to the University's commitment to creating a more sustainable campus and community. This fund helps students travel to conferences and plan campus projects like solar picnic tables and new bicycle racks. This program is administered entirely by the Student Sustainability Committee. Visit their website for more information.

Teaching Innovation Grants

Teaching Innovations grants support the development of innovative pedagogical approaches and resources for courses, programs, or other curriculum components at Illinois State University. These grants are awarded by the Center for Integrated Professional Developmnet (CIPD). Visit their website for more information.

Civic Engagement Scholarship

The Civic Engagement Scholarship recognizes freshman and transfer students who are committed to civic engagement and community service, having 100+ community service hours since beginning high school. The scholarship awards $2,000 per year, and it is renewable during your undergraduate career. This scholarship is managed by Admissions. Visit their website for more information.

External Grant Sources