The David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement is accepting grant applications to fund projects, programs and networks of people dedicated to community-engaged learning. The three open funding opportunities support a wide range of activities, including curricular, co-curricular, research, leadership and network-building.

Offered for the first time this year, Public Issue Network Grants are designed to help build and broaden networks of people working on a shared issue of concern so that they can coordinate and expand resources and deepen their collective impact.

“At a place as big and decentralized as Cornell, it’s not unusual for people to be working on the same public issue, topic or theme for years and never cross paths,” says Anna Sims Bartel, associate director of community-engaged curricula and practice and program manager for the grant. “Through the new Public Issue Network Grants, we’re excited to support teams as they either begin to build a new network or expand an existing network around a shared public issue.”

Public Issue Network Grants offer two levels of funding that successful applicants can use over one to three years. “Seed support” offers up to $5,000 that can be used to help identify interested parties and map the network, as well as to develop new collaborations around a shared issue of concern. “Network support” offers up to $30,000 to support the expansion and impact of an existing network. Letters of intent are due November 1, and full applications are due January 10.

Engaged Faculty Research Grants incentivize undergraduate participation in faculty and staff-led research that strengthens the well-being of communities. This grant provides up to $30,000 over two years to support both introductory and advanced community-engaged research and scholarship, done in collaboration with undergraduates and community partners. There are two types of Engaged Faculty Research Grants: Public Purpose Research Grants and Impact Grants. The application deadline for both is October 15.

Engaged Opportunity Grants support faculty and staff with up to $3,000 to create, enhance or sustain community-engaged learning opportunities for undergraduate students. There are three deadlines per year. The next one is October 29.

Faculty, staff and students from every school and college can participate on project teams, though the eligibility of lead applicants varies across each grant. Individuals from schools and colleges participating in the Engaged College Initiative may not be eligible to apply for a grant, but can be on a team with members from other colleges. If you have questions about your eligibility or specific project, email einhorncenter@cornell.edu.

Ashlee McGandy is content strategist in the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement.