The grant prioritizes initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and sustained impact. Projects may be new or ongoing, but proposals must clearly demonstrate feasibility and substantial progress within the Spring 2026 funding period.
Graduate School
Black at Brown [Graduate] Grant
Eligibility
Graduate students may apply as:
- A recognized graduate student group
- A group of four or more graduate students
- An individual applicant with the support of at least one faculty advisor
The submitting student will serve as the lead contact and receive all official communications.
Note: Medical and master’s students may participate as group members but may not serve as lead applicants.
Award Amount & Range
Awards range from $300 to $5,000, depending on project scope and available funds. Because this is a biannual grant, priority will be given to proposals that can be substantially completed during the funding window and articulate a clear plan for impact.
Example Projects
The grant supports a wide range of initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Research and creative work centering the Black diaspora, including projects that address gaps in scholarship, representation, or public knowledge
- History, memory, and recognition initiatives that document, memorialize, or institutionalize the contributions of Black diasporic students, alumni, faculty, and community members
- Projects that engage the built environment to recognize figures historically excluded from commemoration
- Expansion of existing student-led initiatives serving the Black diasporic community
- Community-wide events, alumni or networking programs, and large-scale gatherings that foster sustained connection
- Partnerships with local organizations advancing action against anti-Black racism
- Symposia, conferences, or invited speakers aligned with the grant’s mission
Ongoing initiatives are eligible. Applicants must clearly describe how the proposed funding will expand or meaningfully advance prior work.
Recipient Expectations
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief reflection outlining outcomes and impact. Recipients may also be invited to share their work in a community forum or symposium. Funded projects must acknowledge the Graduate School as a sponsor. Administrative and mentoring support will be available as needed.
Timeline
- Application deadline extended: March 20, 2026 at 5:00 pm
- Decisions released: Late March 2026
- Applications are submitted through UFunds under the Black at Brown [Graduate] Grant tab.
- Note: All project activities must be completed within the Spring 2026 grant period unless prior approval is granted.
Questions
Questions may be directed to graduate_diversity@brown.edu.