Grant Application

The BreakingGround initiative awards grants of up to $2,500 to UMBC faculty, staff, and students to implement educational and community-building courses and programs that foster civic agency: the capacity to initiate and make meaningful contributions to social change.

Students pose for a group photo.

A student wearing a shirt that says "Getting Real About Civic Engagement" watches a presentation.

Launched as part of UMBC’s broader civic engagement and empowerment work, the program encourages applicants to design projects that empower participants to work collaboratively, address social challenges, and contribute to positive change in communities, including UMBC’s campus community. Grants are intended to serve as early-stage funding that allows promising ideas to take shape, pilot new approaches, and demonstrate impact, often leading to expanded projects, sustained partnerships, or additional external funding. Through BreakingGround seed grants, UMBC fosters a culture of civic agency and shared responsibility for advancing a thriving democracy. Select “Past Awards” in the sidebar menu for examples of previously funded BreakingGround projects.

Applications should be submitted through this form and include three major components:

  • Basic information (e.g., name, contact information)
  • Your proposed budget detailing how you intend to use the funds, for which there is a template
  • A narrative explanation detailing your proposal

All components should be entered and uploaded through the form linked at the bottom of this page. Click here to download a PDF version of this application with all questions.

NEED HELP THINKING THROUGH YOUR IDEA? 

The Center for Democracy and Civic Life is available to help applicants at all stages of their proposal writing process. The Center can help applicants with brainstorming (for those who are early in their planning process) and refining proposal drafts. If you are interested in getting further support, please email the Center at civiclife@umbc.edu.

CRITERIA

This application must be connected to a UMBC office, department, or recognized student organization. Proposals should reflect BreakingGround values and help position participants to make meaningful contributions to the campus and/or surrounding community.

DELIVERABLES TO BREAKINGGROUND COMMITTEE

Applicants who are awarded funds must agree to:

  • Manage funds strategically and appropriately to support the work you propose.
  • Complete a BreakingGround grant evaluation report.

Regarding the evaluation report, we will follow up with award recipients to discuss what this will look like, as what we will ask you to report will be influenced by how you describe the outcomes of your project in your letter. We will also provide support to applicants who need guidance on how to evaluate their projects.

PROPOSAL DEADLINES

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the Center for Democracy and Civic Life at civiclife@umbc.edu.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY