NASPA Alabama Engagement Grant

Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice Region III
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025

The NASPA-AL Board of Directors developed the Engagement Grant to provide financial support to institutions of higher education that are committed to fostering welcoming, student-centered environments that promote academic access, success, and civic engagement. This initiative reflects NASPA’s broader commitment to supporting student affairs professionals in creating enriching and mission-aligned educational experiences.

Submissions for the Engagement Grant should address one or more of the following:

  • Support professional development initiatives that equip staff to identify and address barriers to student success, with a focus on evidence-informed strategies that promote achievement and engagement for all students.
  • Expand institutional efforts to foster environments where all students feel supported in their academic and personal development, regardless of background or identity.
  • Collaborate on research-based practices and programs that enhance campus climate, promote student well-being, and align with the principles of access, equal opportunity, and academic excellence.

The grant award amount will range from $500-$1,500 and will be awarded to a minimum of 1 and maximum of 3 participants on an annual basis.

Presented By

NASPA Alabama

Eligibility

  • Individual or team of individuals working at any level and at any institution type.  All applicants or applicant teams must include at least one NASPA member.

  • All institution types are all eligible to apply.

  • Each applicant’s direct supervisor must sign off on the proposal.

 

Proposed Timeline

  • August - Call for Proposals

  • October 17 - Application Submission Deadline

  • October - Application Review to Select Finalists

  • November - Finalists Interviews

  • December - Grant Recipients Announced

  • January - Grant Initiative Implementation

  • January - Grant Recipients provide presentation on project at NASPA-AL Drive-In

 

Application Packet Requirements

Application packets should include: 

  • Applicant and Institutional Profile

  • Proposal Abstract (500 word limit) - A succinct, yet comprehensive description of project goals and objectives, plan of work, intended outcomes, and measures of success

  • Inclusion Project Plan (2500 word limit) - Should include a detailed description of the following:

    • Objectives - What are the project goals, objectives, and learning outcomes?

    • Significance - What is the project rationale? How is it significant and related to the NASPA strategic plan? 

    • Design - What methods will be used to implement the project, achieve the proposed outcomes, and evaluate success? Please describe your approach, including timelines, key activities, and how outcomes will be measured and sustained.

    • Applicability and Transferability - How does this project address shared challenges on your campus and beyond? Describe how the project could be adapted for use at other institutions. How do you plan to communicate results and best practices to the broader higher education community?

    • Engagement - In what ways does this project introduce something new, innovative, or meaningfully improved to foster student connection, participation, or success? Explain how your approach creatively enhances student engagement or expands opportunities for meaningful campus involvement.

    • Impact - How will this project strengthen your campus’s ability to promote meaningful student engagement and a sense of belonging? Describe the long-term benefits of the project and how it supports a supportive and collaborative campus environment.

  • Management Plan and Budget - An outline of proposed plan activities with related timelines and a budget detailing allocation of grant funds to specific plan expense items, including justification.

Grant Recipients

2023-2024:

  • The University of West Alabama

2022-2023:

  • The University of West Alabama

2021-2022:

  • Birmingham Southern College