At Los Rios, we are committed to equity and diversity. We work to ensure that every student can participate fully, succeed, and reach their potential. Our goal is to support marginalized voices, honor the many identities within our community, and stand against all forms of discrimination.
The CRC Mini-Grants Program provides funding for projects that help advance equitable student outcomes such as improving course success, persistence, GPA, and overall achievement for our Black/African American, Latinx, Native American, and Asian Pacific Islander students.
Mini-Grants are funded through generous contributions from employees and the community to the CRC Fund. These grants support special, one-time projects that are not funded through the regular budget process. They are not intended to sustain ongoing programs beyond the funded year.
Mini-Grant funds may be used to purchase equipment and supplies, bring in external speakers or consultants, or support research, coursework, or activities tied to the college’s institutional equity plan or educational master plan. Mini-Grant funds cannot be used to purchase gift cards or pay stipends to faculty, staff, or students.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning July 1 each academic year, and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
Ideas for Possible Funding
- Projects that enhance teaching and learning effectiveness, improve learning outcomes, remove barriers to student success, improve transfer rates, degree attainment and certificates.
- Spaces for student belonging
- Culturally relevant professional development
- Projects that increase enrollment, course success, persistence and retention
- Faculty and staff training
- Projects and needs tied to Annual Unit Planning, Program Review, and CRC Strategic Plan
- Sync flex classroom furniture and technology
All faculty, staff, and college-sanctioned clubs (with advisor involvement) are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to those who have not received a Mini-Grant in the past.
Each fiscal year, only one application per program will be considered. Your department may submit multiple applications, provided they are not for programs previously funded.
These grants operate as a rolling open application and will remain open until funding is exhausted.
Applications will open July 1 for the following academic year.
All applications must be reviewed and endorsed by the area Dean or Vice President. This ensures the project aligns with department goals and verifies that other funding sources (e.g., SEAP, Strong Workforce) are not already available or more appropriate.
Because funds are limited and awarded on a rolling basis, we ask that Deans and VPs help prioritize projects within their areas that offer the most immediate and meaningful impact for students.
The average award is $500. Grants up to $1,000 will be considered on a limited basis, depending on the availability of funds and the strength of the application.
Recipients may contact CRC Philanthropy to access their funds after July 1. All purchases require approval prior to being made. Details about how to access and use the funds will be included in the award notice.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as received.
What is the project budget, and how much is requested in this application? Be specific and provide justification for your requested amounts. If applicable, what other funds have been committed to this project and from what sources?
CRC Mini Grant Application
- All purchases of equipment, supplies, etc. using Mini-Grant funds must adhere to Los Rios Community College District purchasing guidelines and standard operating procedures.
- The CRC Philanthropy Mini-Grant committee will review all applications and make final funding decisions. If awarded, funds must be used within the academic year on the award letter.
- A brief report of how the funds were used and impact to students and/or college programs must be submitted within 60 days after expenditure of all funds. Failure to do so could impact future applications.
- Any printed material for publicity for events utilizing Mini-Grant support must contain the following acknowledgement, “This program (project) was funded in part by a grant from CRC Philanthropy.”
The Mini-Grant Application is currently closed. The application will open here on July 1.