Mini-Grant Program

Deadline: Jan. 29, 2026

Call for Proposals

The Office for Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing invites proposals for initiatives that strengthen engagement, connection, and community across the University of Pittsburgh, supporting an environment where individuals may succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

Through the Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant Program, we aim to support creative projects that cultivate a sense of belonging, enhance communication and collaboration, and foster a culture of care, opportunity, accessibility, and wellbeing on our campuses.

These grants reflect the University’s commitment to Pillar 3 of the Plan for Pitt: We will be welcoming and engaged. As a place-based institution, Pitt strives to represent the communities we serve, expand opportunities, and increase engagement that positively impacts our University and the broader region.

Mini Grant Application Deadline

Applications should be submitted online through the provided Qualtrics form by Thursday, Jan. 29. Award decisions are anticipated to be communicated to all applicants by Friday, Feb. 6.

Applicants are encouraged to reach out with questions in advance of applying: wellbeing@pitt.edu or 412-648-7860.

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Mini Grant Details

Goals of the Pitt Wellbeing Mini Grant Program

  1. Encourage faculty, staff, and students to actively engage in developing and implementing initiatives that promote connection, collaboration, and communication within the University community.
  2. Support programs and activities that foster a welcoming and inclusive culture rooted in care, opportunity, accessibility, and shared purpose.
  3. Strengthening campus engagement by funding initiatives that advance belonging, promote cross-cultural and interdisciplinary connections, and reflect Pitt’s role as a place-based institution connected to its communities.
  4. Inspire sustainable practices and partnerships that contribute to a campus culture of wellbeing and engagement.

Through this program, we aim to generate ideas, foster initiatives, and stimulate efforts that enrich the culture, community and overall wellbeing of the University of Pittsburgh.

Target Areas

Proposals for initiatives and programs in one or more of the following target areas are encouraged:

  • Create opportunities that build belonging, connection, and accessibility across campus.
  • Enhance communication and dialogue across roles, departments, and groups.
  • Develop collaborative projects that unite units, organizations, or individuals—across roles, cultures, or disciplines—around shared goals.
  • Foster a culture of care and opportunity that supports the wellbeing of Pitt community members.
  • Strengthen engagement with local and global communities consistent with Pitt’s place-based mission.

Alignment with the Plan for Pitt

All proposals should demonstrate alignment with Pillar 3: We will be welcoming and engaged, particularly one or more of the following objectives:

  • 3.1 Represent the communities we serve and expand opportunities.
  • 3.2 Cultivate belonging and a welcoming culture.
  • 3.3 Be an employer of choice.
  • 3.4 Increase engagement across the communities we serve.
  • 3.5 Expand global engagement.

Award Committee

An award committee, comprising representatives from Pitt Communities and other campus partners, will be tasked with reviewing and making recommendations to the Office for Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing for approval. The results will be announced to all participants promptly after the deadline.

Grant Amount

Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grants are designed to enhance or build initiatives that further the University's mission and the Plan for Pitt.

  • Grant proposals may request a maximum of $1,000.
  • Each unit, group or organization is eligible for one mini-grant per academic year.
  • Proposals demonstrating matching funds or in-kind contributions from partnering departments, organizations or co-sponsors will receive additional consideration.

Proposal Requirements

All faculty, staff and students at the University of Pittsburgh are eligible to submit proposals. Proposals may specify partnerships with other University units or community groups willing to invest in or co-sponsor the initiative. Letter(s) of Support are welcome but not required.

Proposals must be submitted online through the provided Qualtrics form by the deadline provided. Proposals must be submitted in their completed form (that is, with full information concerning all aspects of the initiative and/or program) for consideration.

All funds must be spent by the end of the fiscal year in which the funds are disbursed. A commitment to providing Pitt Wellbeing with a report after funds are dispersed is required.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Alignment: Extent to which the proposal advances one or more objectives of Pillar 3 of the Plan for Pitt.
  • Engagement Impact: Expected effectiveness in strengthening belonging, culture, communication, connection, and wellbeing within the University community.
  • Collaboration: Degree to which the proposal promotes partnerships among faculty, staff, and students or across departments, units, organizations, or disciplines.
  • Sustainability: Extent to which the proposal demonstrates potential for continued engagement or long-term impact.
  • Matching Support: Inclusion of matching funds, shared resources, or in-kind contributions that enhance the project’s reach and sustainability.
  • Audience Scope: Reach of the initiative, with preference given to projects that engage larger or multiple audiences across campus.

Award Requirements

As a condition of receiving the funds, awardees are required to submit a final report to the Office for Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing within thirty (30) days after completion of the program/initiative for which the funds were granted or the end of the fiscal year, whichever comes first. The report should be limited to 1,000 words and should include the following information:

  • Program objectives and impacts: How was the identified need addressed, and how effective was the project?
  • Project evaluation: Describe how the project’s effectiveness was evaluated.
  • Sustainability: Will the program continue? Describe plans to continue, extend, or modify the initiative in the future.
  • Products or recognition: List any materials, media coverage, or outcomes such as presentations, websites, publications, or other deliverables related to the project.