2022-23 Application Information

Purpose

To provide support to NOVA faculty and staff to complete innovative and informative projects that further NOVA's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion inNOVAtion Program is presented by the Office of DEI and the NOVA Educational Foundation.

Eligibility

NOVA teaching faculty (FT/PT), administrative faculty, professional faculty, and classified staff. A strong preference will be given to proposals that have a college-wide impact, cross-campus collaboration, or cross-department collaboration.

Funding

Awards will range between $100 - $7,000 to allow for the pursuit and completion of innovative DEI projects that support the college's mission, its commitment to Inclusive Excellence, and its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Funding may be used for various types of projects including community partnership events, campus events, faculty, staff or student workshops, student advancement projects, or other DEI-related projects. Awardees will have one year to complete projects from the time of the award and will submit an evaluation of the project to NOVA's DEI Council and the NOVA Educational Foundation.

Projects will be featured on the NOVA DEI website and other college-wide communication efforts. Project leads are required to understand and follow all college, NOVA Educational Foundation, and/or VCCS procurement policies and procedures.  The Office of DEI can provide some assistance in these matters, but project leads are responsible for managing budgets and submitting proper paperwork. A letter of support from the applicant's supervisor is required to ensure the supervisor is aware of the project and supports the applicant in dedicating time and effort towards the project's completion.

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion InNOVAtion Program is presented by the Office of DEI and the NOVA Foundation.
Applications will be evaluated by a review committee that includes a representative from the DEI Council, representatives of the NOVA Educational Foundation Board, and representatives from the Office of DEI.

Timeline

• Grant Application Opens: Tuesday, August 16, 2022
• Application Deadline: Friday, September 30, 2022
• Proposal Review: October 1, 2022–November 1, 2022
• Awards Announced: December 2022

Application Contents

A completed application will require the following elements. Please note that letter(s) of support from faculty or staff member's supervisor(s) will need to be submitted with the application.

• Project title
• Name, title, email, campus affiliation, department affiliation of award applicants
• Description of the project
• Rationale for the project
• Letter(s) of support from the faculty and/or staff member's supervisor(s)
• Budget proposal
• Timeline of activities/project management plan
• Explanation of how the project will be assessed for DEI impact

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on the following rubric:

1. Description of the project - 5 points
2. Rationale for the project - 5 points
3. Budget - 5 points
4. Timeline - 5 points
5. Discussion of Assessment - 5 points

TOTAL = 25 points

For more information, email Dr. Nathan Carter, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, at nacarter@nvcc.edu. 

Visit our helpful Frequently Asked Questions Guide about DEI Innovation Project Budgets.