The Division of Diversity and Engagement provides several funding opportunities for UTK faculty and staff. Competitive funding is rooted and awarded in data driven potential to support the Volunteer spirit, encourage discovery, and create impact.  The Request for Proposals will open on August 1. The deadline for Challenge Grant, Engagement and Outreach Grant, and Sponsorship proposals is September 15, 2023 at noon. If you have been awarded funds in any of these categories in the last three years, you are not eligible for funding.

Please note that all awarded funds must be spent before the fiscal year-end which is June 30, 2024. For more information contact Dr. Javiette Samuel, Associate Vice Chancellor at jsamuel@utk.edu.

View Current Funding Recipients View Past Funding Recipients

Challenge Grant

Challenge grants are available for faculty-led teaching or research projects that focus on a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) topics. Projects must demonstrate relevance, research, reciprocity, and resilience. Individual and team projects are accepted. Up to $3,000 may be requested. Apply here.

Engagement and Outreach Grant

Proposals up to $2,000 are considered for projects and activities that focus on public engagement and outreach. Individuals and teams can apply here.

Sponsorship

Funding is provided for individuals and teams that support a variety of projects that address UT’s land grant mission of teaching, research, and service/public engagement. Up to $1,000 can be requested. Apply here.

Dr. Marva Rudolph Scholarship

Established in 2014, the Marva Rudolph Fund honors the life and legacy of Marva Rudolph, a long-term employee and champion of equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Rudolph was passionate about students and creating respectful and inclusive living, learning, and working environments. The fund was created to assist students in their personal development as it relates to diversity and inclusion and to support their initiatives to build a more accessible, equitable and welcoming campus community. View the 2021 Marva Rudolph Scholarship Recipients and apply here.