The Office of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development’s I-Excel Mini-Grant is designed to support faculty and staff members at Elon University in enhancing their self-awareness and critical consciousness in matters of belonging, well-being and inclusive excellence concepts. This mini-grant aims to empower individuals to actively engage in inclusive excellence professional development activities that foster respect for human differences, support belonging and well-being, and advance Elon’s commitment to creating a community where all can Thrive in alignment with our Boldly Elon strategic plan.

Small grants up to $500 are awarded to employees to participate in experiences or obtain resources to advance inclusive excellence education and development (e.g., registration fees, webinars, books, travel and tuition, etc.). The application process operates on a rolling deadline, meaning applications will be reviewed and awarded on an ongoing basis until all available funds have been distributed. Once funds are fully allocated or we reach the application deadline, the application process will close. A new application cycle opens each semester: Fall 2025 deadline is December 6; Spring 2026 deadline is May 1.

In addition, mandatory certificates for an employee’s job, continuing education units (CEU) credits, or requirements by law are not eligible for the I-Excel mini-grant.

Criteria:

Eligibility: All full-time and part-time faculty and staff members at Elon are eligible to apply.

Purpose: The mini-grant supports activities that help individuals deepen self-awareness and critical consciousness—moving from understanding to action—focused on belonging, well-being, and inclusive excellence principles. Employees must demonstrate how the propose funding will support 1 or more of the following areas:

a.     Increasing knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, histories, and relationships related to anti-bias and other Inclusive Excellence concepts.

b.    Enhance understanding of systems that promote a sense of belonging by engaging in self-reflection, inquiry, and/or dialogue to take meaningful action, deepen self-awareness, and better understand the perspectives, experiences, and actions of others.

c.     Develop skills to recognize and challenge identity-based bias and promote sense of belonging at Elon.

Budget: The grant will provide up to $500 per recipient to cover expenses associated with inclusive excellence professional development activities.

Application Process

Submission: Applicants may submit their completed applications at any time during the semester until funding is depleted. A new application cycle opens each semester.

Review Timeline: Applications will be reviewed by the following Monday after submitted, in the order they are received. Applications will undergo an anonymous process by members of the Division of Inclusive Excellence to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Notification: Applicants will be notified of their status within 24 hours of review.

Funding Distribution: Approved applicants will receive funds in accordance with the grant’s disbursement schedule. The application period will remain open until all funds have been awarded.
Once funds are exhausted, the application link will be closed until next semester.

Application Form

Submit responses to the following items in 2 pages or less (12 pt. font, single spaced). Please title document as follows: LastName_iexcelgrant_semester (e.g., Fullwood_iexcelgrant_Fall25)

  1. Description of proposed inclusive excellence education and development activity.
  2. Describe how the proposed activity will support or enhance your development in 1 or more of the following areas:
    1. Increasing knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, histories, and relationships related to anti-bias and other Inclusive Excellence concepts.
    2. Enhance understanding of systems that hinder a sense of belonging by engaging in self-reflection, inquiry, and/or dialogue to take meaningful action, deepen self-awareness, and better understand the perspectives, experiences, and actions of others.
    3. Develop skills to recognize and challenge identity-based bias and promote sense of belonging at Elon.
  3. How will the proposed activity support both your current professional goals and your future professional growth?
  4. How will you plan to apply your insights and lessons learned with colleagues or students on campus?
  5. Budget Breakdown: Please provide an itemized breakdown of how the grant funds will be utilized.
  6. Timeline: Provide an estimated timeline for completing the proposed inclusive excellence education and development activity.

For any inquiries or assistance regarding the I-Excel mini-grant application process, please contact Carla Fullwood (cfullwood@elon.edu).