Leadership Grant FAQs

What do I do if I don't know the exact amount of my expenses?

Do your best to give us an accurate budget and do not give us a range for your grant request (such as “$140-$160 dollars”); we will award you the lower value if you do. Round up your approximation -- it is better to overestimate your budget than underestimate.

If I don't use the maximum grant amount allowed, am I allowed to submit additional applications for other ventures?

Students may only apply for one leadership grant per semester, but are welcome to reapply in future semesters and/or seek alternative avenues of funding. 

What goods or services can I not use a BLI Grant for?

 We are unable to fund: Gifts/Gift Cards or Cash Payments, Political Campaign Activities, Staff Salaries, llegal Activities, For-Profit Activities, Charitable donations to organizations outside the University, Alcohol/Tobacco Products, and/or Religious Exercise.

• Equipment purchases require written confirmation of plan for storage/shared usage
• Projects requiring travel overseas must be registered with CGIS and secure travel insurance
• For more on the University's funding policies, contact the Center for Campus Involvement at 734-763-5900 or (uminvolvement@umich.edu)
• If you have any further questions about what constitutes a gift, email (BLIgrants@umich.edu)

How can I collect my grant reward?

Rewards can be received in two ways: 1) through PeoplePay, which gets disbursed as a physical check* or 2) by shortcode for a University of Michigan student organization (SOA). No other alternative methods will be provided.

• Awards can only be distributed to current undergraduate students
• *If you have been employed by the University of Michigan in the last 12 months you will receive the award as a direct deposit instead of a physical check. 
  

Can multiple team members apply for funding for the same project?

We will not accept multiple submissions from different students for the same project during an application cycle. Student organizations cannot receive more than $4,000 in BLI grants during the academic year.

What is the rolling submission process for BLI Grants?

Leadership Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the semester, in the order applications are received. Since funding is limited, we recommend applying early in the cycle. You will be notified of your grant status within 10-15 business days after submission.

When can I collect my grant reward?

Once the payment request is submitted, it takes 30 business days to process through PeoplePay. 

A PeoplePay representative will reach out with any relevant steps and tax forms. Respond promptly to the communications from the PeoplePay representative to expedite your payment.

Please contact us if you have not received your funding within 30 days of the submission of the payment request.

I am in a time crunch - I applied for a Grant, and because of deadlines, I need to have the funds sooner than the grant will be processed. What do I do?

Email Shea Ankers (ankerss@umich.edu) and (BLIGrants@umich.edu) if you are looking for special accommodations for the processing of your grant.

Can I reapply for the same project in the same academic year?

If you are reapplying for the same project in the same academic year, you must update your application. We will not accept a copy of your previous submission.

I applied during the Fall cycle and received the full amount I'm eligible for. Can I apply again during the Winter cycle?

You cannot exceed the maximum funding amount you’re eligible for within the same academic year. Please refer to the funding guidelines for further details.

I was awarded funding by the BLI! What is this final blog that is part of the grant process?

You must submit a final blog and pictures to the BLI staff within 10 days of your project’s completion. 

There are no length parameters to this writing; the blog post should be an engaging recount of your experience executing your project. These blog posts will be uploaded to the BLI website underneath the Student Voices blog, so be sure to construct something that you would feel comfortable presenting to your peers! You can include the following: a summary of your project, how well it followed your original goals, how challenges were dealt with, newly developed leadership skills (using the BLI Habits as context), and any potential next steps. You are also encouraged to include pictures and media to augment your writing.

Please submit using this form.

What happens if I am awarded a Grant, but I do not write the required blog post on time?

Failure to write the required reflection/blog post will be noted and will affect your eligibility to apply for future BLI experiences and opportunities.

• Projects concluding after the end of the semester are still responsible for submitting a blog post
• Graduating seniors must submit their blog posts before graduation

Who can I speak with if I am new to grant writing and have questions about how to write a grant application?

Here is an example of a grant to review and an outline of funding guidelines. Please contact (BLIgrants@umich.edu) with all of your questions!

Below, you can find a list of helpful resources to use when writing your grant proposals. Please click on the links to access these materials and enhance your submission process!

• Additional Funding Opportunities Through the University of Michigan
• BLI Mindful Mindset
• BLI Habits
• Sample Grant Short Answer Responses
• Sample Project Budget Plan