Diversity Enhancement Grants

Diversity Enhancement Grants are available for individuals (students, staff and faculty) and campus organizations that wish to promote diversity as a strength, as a core element in academic excellence, and as a tool for uniting the Truman campus and /or Kirksville community.  The Multicultural Affairs Center (MAC) wishes to ensure that Truman State University encourages, supports, recognizes, and celebrates all aspects of diversity by supporting the Student Affairs Diversity Programming Mission Statement:

It is imperative that Truman State University prepares students to function in our increasingly diverse and global society.   Through programming opportunities, Truman will provide community members with multiple means to engage in cultural exploration.  Students will gain cultural competence through acquiring knowledge of human diversity, developing an understanding of self and others, and demonstrating actions conducive to harmonious living in a pluralistic world.

Individuals and/or groups are invited to apply for a Diversity Enhancement Grant in order to fund a program or event that celebrates diversity in conjunction with a cultural heritage month (i.e. Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian American Heritage Month, etc.).  The MAC also provides grants for other diversity events that support the University's commitment to diversity, including programs/ events that foster leadership, service, and/or education, including attending programs outside of the Kirksville area.

The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is available to offer technical assistance, such as signing contracts, event planning, event management, evaluation, etc.  Visit their Event Management website for more information.

Grant Guidelines

Grants are available for a maximum of $700.  Upon receiving a Diversity Enhancement Grant, recipients must meet with Kati Smith, Programming Coordinator for the Multicultural Affairs Center, to determine how the funds will be allocated.

Funding can be provided for an event that has received funding in the past.  However, changes should be made to the program to diversify the experience for participants.

All funded programs will be included in any MAC publicity.  If any other publicity is created by the sponsoring organization or individual, the provided MAC logo must be included.

Organizations will not receive funding if they are charging admission to an event.  Funding will only be provided to events that do not require payment for entry.

After the event is complete, grant recipients must complete an online Program Evaluation.

Cultural Months

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

November: Native American Heritage Month

January: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition Week

February: Black History Month

March: Women's History Month

April: Asian American Heritage Month

Application Process

You can apply for a grant by completing the Online Application.  Decisions regarding funds will be made within one week of the due date for applications.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee containing students, faculty and staff and rated using the appropriate rating form, one for a Heritage Month Diversity Proposal and one for a Diversity Enhancement Grant Proposal.  Proposals that are found to meet the goals of the University's commitment to diversity will most likely receive the majority of the requested amount, if not the requested amount in full.

Application Deadlines

For timely consideration, proposals should be submitted according to the following schedule.  All applications are due by 5 PM. 

Additional Questions?

Contact Kati Smith at katismith@truman.edu or 660-785-4142.

Apply for a grant online!