Year of Global Engagement Event Grant

This grant program will support internationally focused events, in line with President Ono’s declaration of this year as the Year of Global Engagement. Supported events and programs include cultural activities, conferences, symposia, and other events aimed at U-M students, faculty, and staff. Applications are welcome from U-M units, with a preference for proposals developed in collaboration with students or student organizations. Grants cannot be used for ongoing or recurring events, such as lecture series or annual conferences. They are specifically intended for new programming that meet one or more of the following objectives: 

• Promote cultural humility and understanding: build empathy, respect, and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives 
• Raise awareness of global interconnectedness: help students understand the deep interconnections between countries, cultures, and industries in today’s globalized world
• Prepare students to become global leaders: encourage students to adopt a mindset that values international collaboration and responsibility, while fostering the ability to co-create across cultures

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Speaking engagements where international leaders, diplomats, scholars, or activists speak about global issues, international diplomacy, experiences living or working in different countries
• Global Symposiums on international issues such as climate change, global health, or human rights
• Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competitions 
• Global Art Exhibits
• International Cultural Festivals

Individual grants will be up to $10,000. Units will be requested to contribute 25% in cost share. Proposals will be accepted twice this year—in March and September—for events taking place in AY 2024-2025 or AY 2025-2026. All events supported will be featured on the Global Michigan and Year of Democracy websites and promoted throughout the theme years.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be from U-M unit at Ann Arbor, Flint or Dearborn  
• 25% cost sharing from home unit (staff time does not count as cost-share)

Grant Guidelines

• Grants can be used for internationally focused events, such as cultural activities, conferences, symposia, and other events
• Grants cannot be used for ongoing or recurring events, such as lecture series or annual conferences. They are specifically intended for new programming

Application Process

• Event Proposal: provide a detailed description of the proposed event, including how it aligns with one or more of the grant’s objectives. Explain the rationale behind the event, the intended and expected audience, the timeline for implementation, and the methods you will use to evaluate its success
• Requested funding amount and a breakdown of the specific expenses to be covered. Applicants can request up to $10,000
• A letter of support from applicant’s unit (unit director, department chair or dean). If the applicant is collaborating with a student organization, please provide a letter of support from the organization’s student leader or advisor
• Apply Now!

Deadline: March 17, 2025

Questions: Aileen Ash (amash@umich.edu)