Application Info

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Description & Criteria

Through the Anchor University grants program, the Robert S. Nelsen Civic Engagement grant aims to support innovative projects and programs, both new and existing, that focus on civic and community engagement to enhance the long-term welfare of the Sacramento Region. This grant seeks to advance civic education, community organizing and advocacy, voter engagement, and civic innovation and technology as drivers of societal advancement. By funding projects that promote civic participation, the grants aim to enhance the quality of life in communities by expanding access and opportunity.

Criteria:

• Civic Education Programs: Educate community members on their rights, responsibilities and the importance of civic participation. This may include projects to increase civic literacy, mentoring and leadership development.
• Community Organizing and Advocacy: Support grassroots organizations that work to address social issues and promote positive change in their communities. This may include advocacy campaigns, research projects, community organizing, and coalition-building activities.
• Voter Engagement and Mobilization: Assist programs to increase voter turnout, especially among underrepresented populations. This may include voter registration drives, outreach campaigns and efforts to remove barriers to voting.
• Civic Innovation and Technology: Sponsor initiatives that use technology to enhance civic engagement and promote transparency and accountability in organizations. This may include the development of digital tools, platforms and apps that educate citizens and facilitate communication with stakeholders.

Required

1. Meets at least one of the specified criteria.
2. All applicants must have at least one (1) new or existing community partner. Community partners may include non-profits, advocacy groups, schools, and government agencies, etc. The community partner organization must provide a letter of support that describes the depth of the partnership that includes the following:
   
   • A brief description of the community partner and its mission
   • The approximate start dates of the partnership
   • How the proposed project benefits the community partner
   • The role of faculty/staff and students in the proposed project
   • An explanation of how the partnership contributes to equity, anti-racism, and/or social justice
   • The expected outcomes of the proposed project
   • Must be submitted on the community organization's letterhead with contact information
3. The proposed activities must connect directly to Sac State student success, link to learning outcomes, or encourage student engagement and retention.
4. The proposed activities will have faculty/staff and student roles.
5. The proposed activities must advance equity, antiracism, and/or social justice in our community and/or on campus.

Preferred

1. The proposed activities will ensure the sustainability of the project or partnership.
2. The proposed activities will help community partners in their research, evaluation, and/or capacity building.
3. The proposed activities will expand opportunities for scholarly research or creative activities by faculty, staff, or students.
4. The proposed activities will enhance Sacramento State students’ sense of community by participating in community engagement projects.
5. The proposed activities will involve a partnership with another department, program, or center within the University.

Permissible and Non-Permissible Expenses

Permissible Expenses:

• Supplies
• Materials
• Equipment
• Mileage reimbursement
• Food, drinks, and refreshments
• Student employment (assistants, paid intern)**

Permissible Payments:

• Payment to a non-profit organization or K-12 school
• Payment to non-CSU employed individuals to perform services
• Payment to a business to perform services
• Payment to a guest speaker
• Payment to an individual providing training service

Non-Permissible:

• Gift cards
• Tuition assistance or scholarships for enrolled students
• Student stipend
• Staff stipend or bonus
• Faculty assigned time/release time

Please Note:**

• The student assistant job classification shall be used for all payments to students.
• Due to federal law, students without work authorization cannot be paid with General Fund dollars. Campus units looking to hire such students should contact the Student Employment office for questions.
• Visit the Account Services' webpage for more funding information about payments to students.