Student Org Grant

Student Org Grant is sponsored by University of Michigan Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA). Provides funding to student organizations for events promoting transformative education through the lens of race and ethnicity.

* Toggle submenu for Events & ProgramsEvents & Programs * Toggle submenu for Heritage MonthsHeritage Months * Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month * Native American Heritage Month * Toggle submenu for AboutAbout Through our grants program, MESA helps fund University of Michigan **student organization events that promote transformative education through the lens of race and ethnicity.

** Learn more below about the application, eligibility, process, and requirements—applicants must complete the application and schedule an appointment. **ⓧ****Winter 2026 grants are closed. Grants will reopen in fall 2026.

** To apply for funding for your event, you must: * Be a registered student organization with the Center for Campus Involvement in the current academic year (at time of application) with authorized signers * Have an active University Fund Account through the Student Organization Account Service (SOAS) in good standing** ## Application and program requirements * Application must clearly articulate your event's **connection to advancing MESA's mission** * For example, your event should promote transformative education through the lens of race/ethnicity.

This could be achieved through events that focus on dialogue, identity exploration, cultural education/awareness, cross-cultural initiatives, or community building that supports positive growth and relationships within the U-M community.

* Application must demonstrate your event's **strong educational component** that is aimed at educating the broader community about a particular subject * Your event must be **open to the entire university community**with an emphasis on providing programming for participants or an audience comprised of currently enrolled U-M students ## Budget and funding guidelines **An eligible organization may request up to $1,500 per semester, and up to $3,000 across the entire academic year.

**_**These figures are subject to change at any time based on available remaining funds, and grants are only available while funding lasts. **_ Be sure to review the commonly-requested permitted and prohibited expenses.

Examples of eligible expenses * Rooms rental through U-M Conference and Event Services (Michigan Union, the League, etc.) * Foods that comply with building policies (M-dining and preferred vendors) * Program supplies and materials * Marketing needs such as website domains (no funding will be given for printing expenses) * Technological needs to make events virtual or hybrid Examples of PROHIBITED expenses * Events that do not comply with the law * Events that require travel such as transportation and lodging expenses, registration fees, etc. * **Honorariums such as speaker fees or gifts.

This also applies to honorariums or gifts for UM affiliated staff and faculty.

This includes funding for hosting and accommodations (travel/hotels) for speakers** * Events where alcohol is present * Events that have already occurred or are not happening during the current academic year * Events where the primary audience is non-University students * Events submitted solely by student fee-generated groups, such as the Michigan Student Assembly, Residence Hall Councils, and school/college student governments.

Proposals submitted in conjunction with Voluntary Student Organizations may be considered. * Events promoting or supporting/opposing political candidates, political parties, or ballot proposals.

* Events/Programs for academic credit or class projects * Events that judge individuals on physical appearance or talent * Religious services; note that educational programs centered on religion and spirituality are permitted * Any “break” trips (including but not limited to spring break, alternative break, winter break, etc.) * Funds cannot be used to directly benefit charity or fundraising efforts * Pre-Collegiate programs, including but not limited to recruitment and mentorship of minors * Programs where the primary engagement method is through fashion and/or fashion shows.

We welcome you to talk with our office about eligibility, prior to filling out an application, if you feel your program does meet our mission of social justice education Our grants application is an interactive process.

**An application is only considered complete when the applicant has:** * Step 1: submitted a completed online application (this includes the event flyer and budget)no later than **14 days prior to the date of your event** (the earlier the better!) * Step 2: scheduled an initial meeting with MESA staff _Applications will not be considered if the applicant has not submitted their form and scheduled an appointment.

_ Applicants whose events have been approved for a grant are also required to: * attend a post-event meeting with MESA staff * provide feedback on the grants process * attend an end-of-the-semester celebration in the semester in which the event occurred Find out more about zero-waste events (Office of Campus Sustainability) and additional funding sources outside MESA.

Office of Campus Sustainability A zero waste event is one that aims to reduce waste, recycle and compost as much as possible to divert waste from the landfill. Office of Campus Sustainability can provide free compostable paper plates, utensils, bowls, and cups for student-led events.

Offices and departments that regularly fund student organization events, plus the Student Organization Guidebook, which outlines funding policies and resources across campus including fundraising, donations, raffles and university support. Expand the reach of your event Add your event to Happening @ Michigan—U-M's event's calendar—directly or through MaizePaiges.

This opt-in tool expands the reach of your event through its feeds and tagging. Accessible fields for links, occurrences, locations, and other content. MESA staff is available to help clarify and work with you prior to submitting a proposal.

We are always happy to consult with you about your program or suggest other sources of funding. Please reach out to us at any time if you have questions atmesa. uofm@umich.

eduor call us at (734) 763-9044. ## The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) 530 S State St, Room 3000 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 **Employment Opportunities with MESA** Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm