Skip to content Skip to main navigation Report an accessibility issue

The Social Justice Innovation Initiative

Grant Proposal Announcement

College of Social Work Announces Call for 2020 Social Justice Innovation Initiative Proposals

The Social Justice Innovation Initiative (SJII) at the College of Social Work was made possible through a gift by longtime College supporter, Susan Cooper. The initiative offers a unique framework for understanding many of society’s most pressing issues around education, healthcare, and social justice. The Initiative provides grants for students and faculty to creatively challenge social injustices in their communities.

In 2018, the focus for the SJII was “Challenge Racism”. Eleven student and faculty groups applied for funding through this initiative and four proposals were funded. New York Times reporter Nikole Hannah Jones was the inaugural guest in the SJII Keynote Series.

In 2019, the focus expanded to include Sexism and Intersectionality. Again, eleven groups applied and five groups were funded. The Coalition of Black Social Workers (CBSW) invited Austin Channing-Brown to speak in Nashville in February 2019. Heather McGhee was the fall keynote in November 2019.

For 2020, we are delighted to announce a new funding opportunity available to students, faculty, and staff from the SJII and administered by the College. The 2020 focus remains the same. We invite applicants to think creatively about how to address racism or sexism or to highlight intersectionality – 1. In our own College (Knoxville and Nashville), 2. On the UT campus, and 3. In our broader local communities.

Please consider applying for this funding opportunity. The process will open in January 2020. All Letters of Intent should be submitted via e-mail to tmurchis@utk.edu. More detail is provided below.

Here are the details:

  • Grants will range in size from $5,000 to $15,000.
  • Proposed projects may include any activity that aligns with the 2020 focus.
    • Projects may include research, art, community engagement, etc.
    • Funds may be used for a variety of purposes within the parameters of UT policy.
  • We are accepting one page, single-spaced Letters of Intent.
  • The deadline for submitting letters of intent is Friday, February 14 at 5:00pm.
  • Student proposals must include a full-time faculty or staff member for fiscal purposes.
  • Faculty and staff proposals must include student involvement.
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with other UTK departments (sociology, library, etc.), existing community projects or engage community-based organizations.
  • The funds must be used and project must be implemented sometime during calendar year 2020.

Please include the following information in your Letter of Intent:

  • How much money is requested?
  • How will the funds be utilized?
  • Who are the major members (students, faculty, and staff) included in the project?
  • Who are the potential partners (UTK department, community group)?
  • What are the basic objectives / goals of your proposed project?
  • How will the impact be measured?
  • What experience do you have in implementing a grant or program? (Note: no experience required.)

Once the committee has reviewed the letters of intent, applicants will be notified of their status by February 28. Groups selected to move forward will receive requests for proposal packages and details for submission.

The SJII plans to focus on a new area of interest each calendar year while the donation lasts. Consider this grant cycle a one-time opportunity – which may or may not be repeated for future focus areas.

Please contact Tony Murchison at tmurchis@utk.edu or 865-974-2349 with any questions you may have.