The University of Wisconsin–Madison is pleased to announce an exciting partnership between the Division of the Arts and the Center for Healthy Minds (CHM). Arts for Healthy Minds: Centering Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Arts Practices in Advancing Human Flourishing, Belonging, and Well-being in Higher Education, generously backed by CHM, offers up to $25,000 in mini-grants, with three to five grants expected to be awarded, each ranging from $1,000 to $15,000. The grants are intended to fund creative arts research projects that promote interdisciplinarity and inclusivity while enhancing human flourishing, belonging, and well-being on campus.
Eligibility for these grants is open to all faculty, staff and graduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The form for proposals will open the week of November 15, and are welcome until January 15, 2024. Proposals should include a project narrative, assessment plans, and a detailed budget.
Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with the initiative’s goals, potential impact within the UW–Madison community, and project feasibility. The review committee named the “Arts and Well-being Committee,” will announce grant recipients by March 2024. The committee has representation from the Division of the Arts and the Center for Healthy Minds and includes: Tony Chambers, Richie Davidson, Heather Harris, Helen Lee, Grant Nelsestuen and Chris Walker.
Awarded projects will run for a one-year period, with a one-page report due one month following the end date of the award. For inquiries or assistance related to this call for proposals, please contact Heather Harris at hharris7@wisc.edu or (608) 890-3074.
application FAQs
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Who can apply?
UW-Madison faculty, staff or graduate students.
Can collaborators outside of UW-Madison participate?
Yes, as long as the applicant is faculty, staff or a graduate student of UW-Madison, external collaborators can be included in the project.
Can Center for Healthy Minds or Division of the Arts affiliated staff, faculty or graduate students apply?
Yes.
How does the grant award process work?
Awarded funding will go to the applicant’s affiliated department. Applicants will work with their department to arrange purchases subject to university rules and regulations.
Will $25,000 total be awarded for each individual project?
No, the $25K total is intended to fund mini-grants with three to five grants expected to be awarded, each ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.
Can budget be used for facilitators, or only for the project (materials/rental) costs themselves?
Yes, facilitators can be included in the project costs. All costs related to the project should be included in the budget.
Can the project start in the fall, or does it have to start in June/July?
The project needs to occur between June/July 2024-July/July 2025, but can entail whatever months are relevant to the project.
Can the project only last a few months until the funds are used, or does it have to run a full year?
Yes, the project can last however long is relevant to the project.
If we do workshops do they have to happen at the Center for Healthy Minds?
No, Center for Healthy Minds and Division of the Arts are grantors. Projects do not need to occur in Center for Healthy Minds or Division of the Arts spaces.