Currently not accepting applications

The Dean’s Institutional Access Small Grant Program is a competitive small grants program which provides up to $5,000 for social science initiatives or innovations that advance the Social Science College mission of inclusive excellence.
Funding may be awarded for, but is not limited to, initiatives that have the potential for long-term sustainable and scalable Institutional Access change in SSC, including innovations in Access education, initiatives to improve Access competency, advance climate, and/or retention of students and/or staff.
The Program will award up to 5 grants.

Staff members, including Academic Staff (Academic Specialists and Research Associates) and Support Staff (Research Assistant I, II, III) holding majority appointments in the College of Social Science are eligible to apply.
Applicants may submit to more than one SSC funding program during the grant-application cycle, but a single individual may only be awarded funding from one SSC program of funding per academic year. Program funding cycle is on an academic year basis (August 16th to August 15th).
Applicants should list all applications for funding, including dollar amounts, related to the proposed project whether applications are pending or approved.

Applications should be submitted to the Associate Dean for Access, Faculty Development, and Strategic Implementation as a single PDF document, via email to: SSC.OIASubmission@msu.edu, with Dean’s Dean’s Institutional Access Small Grants Program (Staff) in subject line. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on February 14, 2025.
Application packets should include the following:
1. Application checklist
2. 2-page proposal (single-spaced) addressing significance, methods, and expected outcomes of project and how it advances institutional access. Applicants should also communicate how innovation/initiative will be financially supported beyond year one of funding.
3. CV or resume of Project Lead and members of team, if applicable.
4. 1 supporting letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor including language that the unit(s) are willing to continue to fund the innovation/initiative beyond one year if it demonstrates effectiveness.
5. Detailed 1-page budget, justification, and documentation, with supervisor signoff.

The Associate Dean for Access Faculty Development, and Strategic Implementation will convene a Dean’s Institutional Access Small Grants Program committee.
Committee will evaluate proposals and make a recommendation to the Associate Dean for Access, Faculty Development, and Strategic Implementation.
Funds may only be used for expenses related to the project. Funds may not be used for compensation, course buyouts, conferences, or uses in conflict with university policy regarding expenditure of general funds.

Awardees are expected to submit to the Office of Institutional Access.
- .5-page (single-space) summary of all expenditure incurred by the halfway point of grant year (February 2027).
- 1-page report (single-space) describing outcomes and dissemination plan, should be submitted within 12 months of completion of the award.

The Dean’s Institutional Access Small Grant Program