Eleven departments and projects across ѿapp were recently awarded Faculty and Staff Innovation Grants for Spring 2025, thanks to the generosity of ѿapp employee donors, parking meter revenue, and 1971 Society contributions. Innovation Grants are funds awarded by the ѿapp Foundation to fund projects encouraging innovation to benefit many students. Learning communities and teams of faculty and staff working together can develop a solution and apply for funds annually.
“A committee of faculty, classified staff, and a Foundation Board member carefully reviewed applications in December, notifying awardees in January,” said Stephanie Sellers, Associate Director of Development for the ѿapp Foundation. “Many students will benefit from these wonderful ideas. Congratulations to all the projects selected this year.”
The committee selected 11 outstanding projects, including:
- Addressing Sudden Onset Mental Distress - Counseling Center
- Wizard’s Warehouse Meal Vouchers - Café Verde
- Dandini Garden Informational Signage - Natural History Museum, Learning Commons, Biology Department
- International Education Week Programming - International Student Services
- Compost Cardboard Sustainability Project - Grounds Maintenance
- Sustainable Hygiene Kits - Social Sciences
- ArtFest 2025 Art Supplies - Visual and Performing Arts
- Mammal/Bird Preservation - Natural History Museum, Biology
- Grad Squad Registration Event - Academic Advising
- Student Teachers/Elementary School Art Collaboration - Social Sciences
- Career Assessment - Career and Partnership Training Programs
One of this year’s selected projects is ArtFest, which is receiving a grant for the second year. Liberal Arts Dean Natalie Russell explains the inventive, college-wide approach that ArtFest embraces: “In its third year, ArtFest continues as a multi-day, cross-disciplinary event that embodies innovation in its variety of programming; the event’s alignment with the ѿapp values of access, inclusion, collaboration, and sustainability; the sense of belonging we aim to foster; and the collegial, creative teamwork that demonstrates our shared purpose as educators and the essential role the Arts play in our thriving community.”
“We are so grateful to the donors who have contributed to support the many wonderful and innovative events happening around the college this year,” Russell continued. “ArtFest has become a meaningful way to bring together students, faculty, and staff from across the college, and especially to connect faculty with students outside the classroom in engaging co-curricular projects. Your generosity helps build bridges between the diverse people and learning experiences ѿapp represents and creates a shared sense of belonging for all community members.”
“I would urge faculty and staff to consider giving to this fund as we are limited on how much we can award, and giving even $5-$10 per pay period would help,” said Sellers. “This year, we received 18 grant applications totaling $64,991 with just $20,000 to award. There are many more innovative ways to improve student success and access.”
For more information about Faculty-Staff Innovation Grants, please contact the ѿapp Foundation.