The Chandler Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Division and the Human Relations Commission are offering mini-grants of up to $1,000. These grants align with the city's DEI mission: "To cultivate a community and municipal organization that embraces diversity to create a more inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and thrive." The program seeks proposals that support DEI initiatives for youth aged 5-18, directly contributing to the city's strategic goal of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment.
The target beneficiaries of these grants are youth ages 5-18 within the Chandler community, including students in K-12 schools. The impact goals are to enhance diversity education and programming, address various dimensions of diversity, and ultimately create a more inclusive and equitable community for its residents and students. Eligibility extends to teachers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups located in Chandler or providing services to Chandler residents or students.
The program prioritizes diversity education projects or programs in K-12 schools. Other considerations for funding include the creativity of the project, the scope of student participation and involvement, interagency collaboration, the availability of multiple funding sources, the ability to complete the project within a one-year timeline, and a demonstrated need for the program. All proposals must address one or more dimensions of diversity, such as age, socio-economic status, culture, ability and disability, ethnicity, gender and identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or language.
Expected outcomes include increased awareness and understanding of diversity among youth, the implementation of innovative DEI programs, and stronger community collaboration on diversity initiatives. Measurable results will be assessed based on criteria such as the project's ability to address diversity dimensions, its reflection of the Chandler DEI mission, a clear and reasonable budget, and a focus on DEI projects or programs for K-12 students. This grant program embodies a theory of change where targeted investment in youth-focused DEI initiatives will lead to a more inclusive and equitable community.
