Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue announces grant program for Universities of Wisconsin faculty, staff, and students

Student free speech and academic freedom workshop slated for April
 

MADISON, Wis.— The Wisconsin Institute for Citizenship and Civil Dialogue (WICCD) invites faculty, staff, and students at the Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) to apply for grants that enhance democracy through civil dialogue in a robust marketplace of ideas.

WICCD will provide such grants in four areas: research, events and related activities, assessment, and curriculum and professional development. A total of $90,000 is budgeted for the spring grant cycle.

“Consistent with our strategic plan, the Universities of Wisconsin aim to be a national leader in promoting the First Amendment and civil dialogue,” said UWs President Jay Rothman. “With the Institute’s leadership, these grants provide a catalyst for that work at all our universities.”

Applications are now being accepted, and deadlines vary:

• For projects to be completed or substantially started by June 30, 2024, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted.
• For projects that will not begin or be substantially started until after June 30, applications are due by April 15 with funding to be awarded by May 15.

Thereafter, each academic year will have two grant cycles. Fall semester applications are due October 15 while spring semester applications will be due March 15.

More information on the grant program, application process, criteria, selection process, and use of funds can be found at wisconsin.edu/wiccd/wiccd-grant-program/.

Successful recipients must submit a report to WICCD on the project's outcome.

WICCD also announced today it will hold a workshop for Universities of Wisconsin students focused on free speech and academic freedom on Saturday, April 20, at UW-La Crosse. The day-long workshop is open to 24 students who must complete a set of readings to prepare for it.

Participating students will receive a $400 all-inclusive stipend. A full agenda, application, and more information can be found at wisconsin.edu/wiccd/free-speech-workshop/.

“We are very pleased to provide these grant and workshop opportunities to students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the Universities of Wisconsin,” said Tim Shiell, WICCD interim director. “These opportunities will enable the 13 universities to build on their current strong foundations and put the UWs on the road to national leadership in promoting civil dialogue.”

The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 162,500 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mark Pitsch
Universities of Wisconsin
608-265-3419
mpitsch@uwsa.edu
universityrelations@uwsa.edu