Civic Imagination Grant

STATUS: Open!

Fall 23 – Spring 24

Deadline: Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis

Civic imagination is “the capacity to imagine alternatives to current cultural, social, political, or economic conditions; one cannot change the world unless one can imagine what a better world might look like… an equal participant within a democratic culture, and as empathetic to the plight of others different than one’s self.”

Resources

About the grant

PCCE is pleased to announce the release of $15,000 for our Civic Imagination Grants, which are available to partners (nonprofits and higher ed institutions) for up to $3000 each. PCCE’s Civic Imagination Grant program is designed to support community-based organizations and higher ed institutions working together in New York & Pennsylvania whether by proximity or interest in similar topics to address common issues. These grants may focus on one of these types: Partnership and Co-Sponsorship. Funds are drawn from an internal grant and have been approved by PCCE’s Board.

The Civic Imagination Grants build on partners’ capacity to cultivate civic imagination, deepen civic and community engagement, and strengthen PCCE’s regional communities. This year, we are especially interested in supporting efforts that focus on racial healing, democratic engagement, and climate justice/change. However, we will consider applications with robust ideas that may not directly focus on these three topics.

Grant Type Requirements

Partnership Grants: Partnership applications (up to $3000) will be co-designed by at least three organizations (campuses and community partners) with at least one PCCE partner serving as the lead applicant.
Co-Sponsorship Grants: Co-sponsorship Grants applications (up to $500) will focus on convening around PCCE priorities and partnership development. Registration and promotion support offered by PCCE.

Aligned with PCCE’s mission, Civic Imagination Grants will accomplish this through one of the following focus areas:

Issue-focused convening which highlights a community-identified need, gathers multiple stakeholders synchronizing efforts, and enhances community & economic development such as: diversity, equity, and inclusion, the opioid epidemic, food access & security, community gardens, refugee/immigrant integration, etc.
Professional development for campus leaders such as center directors, staff, faculty, or students. Topics may include: faculty development for service/community-based learning, community engaged research, voter engagement, deliberative dialogue.

application information

In order to have your information prepared, we have included a PDF of the application in the RFA to provide a preview of all of the information requested. All applications for Civic Imagination Grants must be submitted on-line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

For any questions about the application, please contact Danelle Wagner at Danelle@pcce.org

Grant Requirements for Civic Imagination Grants:

In order to align and coordinate calendars with other regional consortia events, PCCE will assist and guide grantees in program design and/or speaker enlistment. All events must be concluded by 6/14/24. Recommended lead-time for promotion is 8 weeks.
Grantees must draw on a steering committee representing all organizations to lead in event planning through program design, logistics, budget planning, developing printed agenda, coordination of room, and catering.
PCCE offers assistance with promotion of the event, Zoom webinar capability for conference calls, and registration coordination (for a fee). Recommended lead-time for promotion is 8 weeks.
Grant funds will be applied to programmatic content only such as costs associated with costs for speakers or facilitators (travel, housing), and/or technology. PCCE recommends that a nominal registration fee be charged to cover incidentals such as catering, space, or free registrations. If PCCE manages registration a small per person fee will be assessed for managing financial aspects of the event.
A final report summarizing the event(s), achievement of goals/outcomes through event summary, samples of event PR (must include PCCE logo) and photos, an invoice summarizing final expenditures due 30 days following the conclusion of the grant supported event(s) or by 6/21/24 will be submitted through Google Forms.
Accepted applications will be invited to participate in a Civic Imagination Grants Kickoff Session to discuss resources available and opportunities to connect with fellow grantees. The Kickoff session will occur in February, 2024. Further details to follow. It is highly encouraged that accepted applicants are present.

Grant awards will be based on completed applications, compelling rationale for partner events, demonstration of building regional capacity to deepen community engagement, and applications which represent diversity within geographical regions and organizational type.

Application Requirements/Deadline:
Accepted on a Rolling Basis

1. Letters of support from the lead partner applicant’s executive leadership.
2. Preference will be given to applications that amplify racial healing, democratic engagement, and climate justice/change.

Any questions regarding the application, contact Danelle Wagner, Danelle@pcce.org.

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