Learning and Research

Community-Engaged Learning Faculty Grant

Office of Community Relations

Overview:
The Community-Engaged Learning Faculty Grant supports USF faculty (tenure-track and adjunct) who wish to incorporate community-based projects into their courses in collaboration with local organizations, nonprofits, or public agencies.

Purpose:
This initiative promotes meaningful learning while fostering positive social impact in the greater St. Petersburg region.

Award Amount:
$5,000 is available to fund projects in 2026. Each applicant can request an amount not greater than $1,000 per course project. Smaller grants can allow more grants to be applied.

Use of Funds:

  • Project materials or supplies
  • Local transportation or travel support
  • Community partner honoraria
  • Event or showcase expenses
  • Modest student incentives or stipends
  • Printing or dissemination of research
  • Other (to be approved in advance)

Eligibility:

  • Open to full-time and part-time USF St. faculty.
  • Priority to new/early career faculty and new projects.
  • Courses offered in Spring or Fall 2026
  • Courses that include a community engagement component
  • Should this mini-grant persist, faculty cannot receive it two consecutive years.

Project Criteria:

  • A clearly defined partnership with a community organization
  • Academic integration that aligns with course outcomes
  • Structured student engagement and reflection
  • Impact on both student learning and community benefit
  • Preference given to projects addressing underserved communities, sustainability, economic mobility, or public wellbeing

Follow Up Requirements: Final Report of no more than one page describing the activity, the number of students and community members involved, the community organization partner, and how it benefied the greater St. Petersburg area.

Important Dates

Deadline to Apply: October 1, 2025
Award Notification: November 1, 2025
Project Period: Spring or Fall 2026