The Cultural Enrichment Series supports and extends academic experiences past the classroom to allow for diverse and rewarding learning opportunities for the broad High Point University student population. The Cultural Programs Committee seeks proposals that promote thoughtful inquiry, provides rewarding learning opportunities, encourages growth mindset, and allows for examination of diverse worldviews and perspectives.
Cultural Enrichment Grants
Contact Dr. Emily Gerhold
Chair of the Cultural Programs Committee
Daily from 8:00am — 5:00pm.
Cultural Enrichment Grants
The Cultural Programs Committee invites grant proposals from faculty, staff, and student groups (through faculty/staff advisors) that support the mission of HPU by providing rewarding experiences and educational opportunities for the High Point University student population at large. We seek lively and innovative programming that emphasizes interdisciplinary connections, engages diverse populations, affirms and showcases research and creative work, and culminates in well-attended and enjoyable activities and events.
A select number of grants up to $2,500 (or up to $5,000 for grants that are made as collaborations between two or more departments and/or campus offices) are available to support projects that raise the profile of the University by bringing interactive learning opportunities, guest performances, and noteworthy cultural experiences to campus. These include (but are not limited to) festivals, seminars, lectures, performances, film series, debates, and workshops. Events should be open and appealing to a broad cross section of students, faculty, staff. The Cultural Programs Committee will assist successful applicants in planning, publicity, and presentation.
Proposals are to be submitted online via the Grant Application Form. Be sure to read all of the Grant Guidelines before submitting your proposal. Please note that you must email Grace Curran ([email protected]) to check on available locations and times for your event prior to submitting a grant application. For any other questions, contact Dr. Emily Gerhold, chair of the Cultural Programs Committee: [email protected].
Grant Guidelines
Any High Point University faculty, staff and/or student group (through faculty/staff advisors). Applicants are limited to one grant per academic year.
Possibilities include, but are not limited to: concerts, workshops, lectures, interactive digital programs, art displays, outdoor events with multiple stations, and production development for future programming. We encourage cross-curricular collaboration and seek programming that will stimulate a wide cross-section of HPU and the surrounding community (when applicable).
Priority will be given to providing funds for speaking fees, transportation, lodging, meals, and production costs. Proposals may request up to $50 per day to cover the cost of meals for each visitor. Pre-event or post-event receptions will only be considered if sufficient funds remain. Typically only 10% of reception costs will be covered by a grant; the remainder must be provided by the department or some other source. Receptions that involve significant student attendance will be given greater consideration.
Proposals are to be submitted online via the Grant Application page on the cultural programs website. The committee accepts applications on a rolling basis for funds.
When you apply for a grant, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Name and department of faculty or staff member submitting proposal.
- A description of the proposed event, including desired dates, expected number of attendees and any special equipment that will be required.
- A list of available times and locations where the event can be held. Prior to submitting your proposal, you must email Grace Curran ([email protected]) to confirm with her the availability of locations for your event.
- A statement explaining how the event will impact the cultural and intellectual life of the University. For details on what to include in this explanation, see “What criteria are used to award funding?” below.
- Proposed evaluation of the event. This might include feedback given by attendees on a survey or by students through class assignments.
- A line item budget (speaker fees, hotel, travel, meals, catering for event, etc.).
- A letter of support from the department chair stating that funds can be initially withdrawn from the department budget. (See “If I’m Awarded a Grant…” below.)
- For grant requests exceeding the maximum amount available, a letter of support from each department or organization authorizing the additional funds needed for the event.
Click here to see an example of a successful Cultural Enrichment Grant proposal.
Proposals will be judged on the basis of the impact the event would have on the cultural and intellectual life of the University. When submitting a proposal, please keep the following criteria in mind:
- How would the proposed event benefit students and/or faculty?
- Would the proposed event raise the profile of the University?
- Is the proposed event interdisciplinary? The committee would like to encourage events that involve more than one department/discipline. Therefore, preference will be given to proposals that are interdisciplinary in nature.
- Does the proposed event have implications for teaching? Part of the University’s Strategic Plan involves developing “activities that will encourage students to explore relevant connections between events and coursework.” The committee will give preference to events that include a classroom component or that ask students to participate in discussions or to complete assignments related to the event.
Faculty members receiving grants will initially need to pay for the event’s expenses out of their department’s budget. After the event, the faculty member will submit a post-event report and all relevant receipts to Grace Curran ([email protected]) and expenses will be reimbursed up to the amount of the grant.
Who do I contact for more information?
Dr. Emily Gerhold, Chair of the Cultural Programs Committee: 336-841-9557 or [email protected].