Departmental Seed Grants for Innovation in Diversity and Inclusion

About this program

The American Economic Association and its Committee on the Status of Minority Groups in the Economics Profession (CSMGEP) offer Departmental Seed Grants—one-time awards up to $5,000 to U.S.-based economics departments to establish new bridge or training programs that increase representation of underrepresented minorities (URM) in economics. Up to four departments may be funded each year for projects such as mentoring, paid research assistantships, or extended preparation for graduate study; winners are notified by early December. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based economics departments proposing entirely new programs that have institutional financial support to continue at least five years after the award and must provide a program outline with budget and faculty support, clear measurable goals, a statement of prior efforts, a Plan to Degree Completion, and identification of a dedicated faculty mentor. Applications are due by 5:00 pm ET on the second Friday of October and must be submitted to info@csmgep.org; URM includes groups traditionally underrepresented in economics (e.g., American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black non-Hispanic, Hispanic, Pacific Islander).