Mini-Grant Program

Currently Open: Fall 2026

The Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing invites proposals for innovative initiatives that strengthen engagement, connection, and community across the University of Pittsburgh. Through the Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant Program, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to develop and implement projects that cultivate belonging, enhance collaboration, and contribute to a welcoming campus culture where individuals can succeed academically, professionally, and personally.

The program supports creative ideas that advance 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, strengthen partnerships, and foster a culture rooted in care, accessibility, engagement, and wellbeing.

Beyond providing financial support, the Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant Program creates opportunities for recipients to share their work, build new partnerships, and inspire future engagement initiatives across the University community.

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Application Timeline

*Award recipients will receive funding after providing the contact information for their departmental financial administrator so funds can be transferred to the appropriate University account.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing with questions prior to applying: wellbeing@pitt.edu; 412-648-7860

Mini Grant Details

The Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant Program seeks to:

• Encourage faculty, staff, and students to develop innovative initiatives that strengthen engagement, connection, and wellbeing across the University.
• Foster a welcoming campus culture rooted in belonging, accessibility, collaboration, care, and shared purpose.
• Support partnerships that connect departments, schools, student organizations, and community partners around common goals.
• Promote sustainable programs and practices that continue to benefit the Pitt community beyond the initial funding period.
• Inspire ideas and initiatives that advance the University's mission while supporting the goals of the Plan for Pitt.

Target Areas

Proposals addressing one or more of the following areas are encouraged:

• Create opportunities that strengthen belonging, connection, and accessibility across campus.
• Enhance communication, dialogue, and relationship-building among faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop collaborative initiatives that unite departments, schools, organizations, disciplines, or community partners.
• Foster a culture of care, opportunity, engagement, and wellbeing throughout the University community.
• Strengthen engagement with local, regional, national, or global communities in support of Pitt's place-based mission.

Alignment with the Plan for Pitt

Proposals should demonstrate alignment with one or more objectives within Pillar 3: We will be welcoming and engaged.

• 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.

Grant Information

• Grant proposals may request up to $1,500.
• Projects may occur during the Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027 semesters.
• Funding will be distributed within one week of award notification after recipients provide the contact information for their departmental financial administrator.
• Each University unit, department, organization, or group is eligible to receive one Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant per academic year.
• Proposals demonstrating matching funds, shared resources, or in-kind support from collaborating departments or partners will receive additional consideration.

Eligibility

• All University of Pittsburgh faculty, staff, and students are eligible to apply. 
• Collaborative proposals involving multiple University units, departments, student organizations, or community partners are strongly encouraged. Letters of support are welcome but are not required.
• Applications must be submitted through the online Qualtrics application by the published deadline. If unable to apply online, applicants should contact the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing to discuss accommodations. 

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Alignment: Demonstrates meaningful connection to one or more objectives of Pillar 3 of the Plan for Pitt.
• Engagement Impact: Strengthens belonging, connection, communication, collaboration, accessibility, or wellbeing within the University community.
• Collaboration: Encourages partnerships among faculty, staff, students, departments, schools, organizations, disciplines, or community partners.
• Sustainability: Demonstrates potential for continued engagement, lasting impact, or future growth beyond the grant period.
• Matching Support: Includes matching funds, shared resources, or in-kind contributions that strengthen the project's impact.
• Audience Scope: Engages broad or multiple audiences across the University community.

Awardee Responsibilities

Recipients of a Pitt Wellbeing Mini-Grant agree to:

• Complete all funded activities by May 1, 2027.
• Use awarded funds in accordance with all applicable University financial policies and procedures.
• Provide the contact information for their departmental financial administrator so funds may be transferred to the appropriate University account.
• Acknowledge Pitt Wellbeing as a sponsor in promotional materials related to the funded initiative. Official logos and suggested language will be provided.
• Notify the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing of any significant changes to the approved project as soon as possible. Major modifications may require review and could result in revocation of funding and/or affect eligibility for future funding opportunities.
• Keep the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing informed of program dates and promotional opportunities so the initiative may be highlighted through University communication channels.

Pitt Wellbeing Symposium

• Award recipients are required to share their funded initiative in a poster-style presentation gallery during the Pitt Wellbeing Symposium in mid- to late-May 2027 (Date TBD).
• The symposium provides an opportunity to showcase innovative engagement and wellbeing initiatives, exchange ideas with colleagues and community partners, and contribute to advancing Pitt Wellbeing and the goals of the Plan for Pitt.
• At least one representative from each funded project is expected to participate. If a representative is unable to attend, recipients should contact the Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing to discuss accommodations. 
• The symposium poster presentation serves as the final project deliverable in place of a written report. Additional guidance regarding poster format, expectations, and presentation requirements will be provided to award recipients following project selection. 
• The Office of Institutional Engagement & Wellbeing will provide poster printing at no cost to recipients. Poster printing is separate from, and will not reduce, the awarded grant funds.