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Making a Difference Grant

Who Can Apply

Mesa Community College service-learning students and those in MCC student organizations can apply for this mini grant in order to fund a service project at one of our approved agencies. 

 

Benefits

The students applying for the Making a Difference grant can use these funds in the community at one our approved organizations.  This allows students to be more connected to the agencies and our community - it allows them to get  more involved with their service project at a deeper level. The agencies benefit from the fact that the Mesa Community College students have chosen to use this grant to help their agency better itself. 

 

Application Guidelines & Process

1) The project must involve Mesa Community College students in service to MCC, neighborhood, or the greater community at an MCC approved community partner

2) Grant will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis, and will be reviewed regularly while funds are available.  Applicants will be notified about the status of their mini-grants within 7-10 business days after submission.

3) The project must include preparation activities that teach students the needed skills or knowledge to implement the project.

4) The funds may not be used to pay personnel, food/candy, gift cards, transportation, or services (i.e. entertainment, catering).  Bottled water is acceptable, if applicable. 

5) Funds will not be given to purchase items only to be donated.  We recognize the need, but the goal of the program is to purchase items that support the project being coordinated. 

6) Preference will be given to groups, individuals, or organizations that have not received a grant in the past. 

 

Maximum Award Amounts  
Per individual student per semester (max 2 awards per year) $100
Per project per semester (more than 1 person doing the same thing and/or during the same activity $200
Per agency per semester (max 2 awards per year) $300
Grant Funding Cycles  
Fall Semester August 15th through December 15th
Spring Semester January 15th through May 15th

Points to Remember

1) Applicants may purchase items ONLY after you are told by a staff member to do so

2) All items must be paid for by the applicant(s) and then will be reimbursed

3) Funds may be used to purchase approved supplies, materials, and equipment

4) All items not consumed, or donated to the partnering organization, need to be returned to Center for Service-Learning (i.e. shovels, storage bins).

5) Be specific on the items being purchased.  For example, don't list prizes, but indicate what type of prizes (i.e. ribbons). 

 

Examples of Past Projects

Class Agency Projects
RDG 095 Adams Elementary School Purchase books to read to kids
COM 100 Arizona Museum for Youth Arts & crafts for the children
EDU 221 Jordan Elementary School Taught exceptional learners about animals and animal characteristics
CFS 157 House of Refuge Planned a "Spring Fling" for homeless families at the House of Refuge with food and games.
SOC 101 Boys & Girls Club - North Tempe Bought headphones for a computer lab in order to enhance the learning experience of the children.

 

Where do The Funds Come From

Funding for the "Making a Difference" grants come from the:

  • Proceeds from our "Lost and Found Sale"
  • Mesa United Way Funds designated to Service-Learning

 

How Do You Apply

The Grant application is available from Dawn Rhodes. Click here for the to download the application online. Making a Difference Grant Application_4-12.pdf

1) Complete the two-page application and submit it to Dawn Rhodes in the Center for Service-Learning

2) Follow the fiscal policies and procedures in the application

3) Complete the Accomplishments Report and submit original receipts as specified.