Mini-Grants

Service should be accessible to everyone. We CU tries to make service more accessible to University of Illinois students through mini-grants.

Chigo holding a handmade knit scarfMini-grants are intended for participants in the We CU Scholar Recognition Program. To be eligible, students must complete at least 20 hours of service with a community organization in the Champaign-Urbana area.

Examples of mini-grants awarded in past semesters:

  • Yarn, knitting needles, and supplies for making scarves for newly arrived immigrants 
  • Art supplies and postage for mailing projects like Letters Against Isolation
  • Volunteer training for RACES
  • Travel to and from a service site outside of Champaign-Urbana or a service site that is not easily accessible by the MTD

How to apply for a mini-grant

  1. Keep your receipts! You are required to include a photo or screenshot of your itemized receipt for reimbursement. Travel reimbursement requests must be received within 15 days of the semester ending.
  2. Complete the Mini-Grants Approval Form
  3. You will hear back from the We CU Team about the status of your mini-grant submission within one week.
  4. Typically, funds are dispersed into your student account within two weeks of approval.

Students may submit one mini-grant form each semester, and reimbursements are capped at $199 per semester. Funds will be reimbursed to your student account as a scholarship. Not sure if your expense qualifies for reimbursement? Email the We CU Team (we-cu@illinois.edu)

Chigo Ojiako

We CU Scholar
The Refugee Center

The grant was very helpful in making it possible for me to create unique scarves that could be useful to refugees during the colder months. Even if I am able to help just one person be a bit more bundled up, cozy, and stylish in the harsh winter, I know the project was well worth my time and effort.