Wellbeing & Success Mini-Grants

Funding Opportunities

Basic Information

1. Full-time faculty  members may request up to $2,000 of funding to support their participation in activities that will enhance their professional success in their roles at Texas Tech. Funds awarded may be less than the amount that was requested.
2. Individuals may not submit more than one proposal.
3. Funded programs/activities should take place between March 1 and August 31, 2026.
4. Applicants submitting proposals for activities that take place before March 1 should discuss their plans with their unit-level business managers to ensure that any costs paid out of pocket or via departmental/unit funds can be reimbursed if a proposal for an event taking place prior to March 1 is approved.
5. Faculty who were funded for wellbeing and success programming during the 2024-2025 academic year are not eligible to apply for funding for the 2025-2026 Mini-Grant program.
6. Faculty  who were funded for wellbeing and success programming during the 2022-2023 or 2023-2024 academic years are eligible to apply for funding for the 2025-2026 Mini-Grant program, but should be advised that priority will be given to faculty  members who have not previously received this award.

Apply for a Mini Grant

Proposals

1. Proposals must be submitted using the Faculty Success Mini-Grant Proposal Form. The Form requires:

1. Narrative description of the proposed program;
2. Program’s alignment with and ability to advance success in the applicant’s position at TTU;
3. Anticipated objectives of or expected deliverables supported by the program;
4. Dates activities will take place, included intended completion date;
5. Budget;
6. Confirmation of support from immediate supervisor.

2. Faculty Success Mini-Grant Proposal Forms must be submitted by Friday, February 27, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted or reviewed.

Funds may be requested to support:

1. Registration fees for domestic or international academic conferences or other directed, professional development activities specifically related to an employee’s position at TTU;
2. Publication fees and fees associated with submitting projects to juried competitions, as long as the publications and competitions align with the applicant’s position at TTU;
3. Travel associated with attendance at approved activities, including auxiliary costs like baggage fees and local transportation;
4. Meals and incidentals while traveling to and participating in the approved activities, up to the maximum allowable per diem rate;
5. Lodging associated with approved activities up to the maximum allowable per diem rate.

Funds may not be requested to support:

1. Self-directed research (including archival research), development, creative, or other professional activities; or any educational experiences in which the learner assumes responsibility for their own learning process;
2. Licensures, trainings, or certifications that are required for the employee to perform their current job at TTU – these types of activities should be funded by the employee’s home department/unit;
3. Alcohol;
4. Personable consumables;
5. Consulting fees;
6. Costs associated with provision of medical treatment, including mental health treatment;
7. Food/Beverage other than individual per diem costs associated with attending an approved event;
8. Any activities taking place after August 31, 2026.

Additional Information

1. Funding is limited and is not guaranteed.
2. Selection for this award will be made based on the information submitted in the proposal and in accordance with Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.09.
3. Priority will be given to:
   a. Invited keynotes or other significant addresses at academic conferences, juried competitions or similar events;
   b. Peer-reviewed presentations at academic conferences, juried competitions, or similar events;
   c. Participation in professional development activities that will clearly enhance the applicant’s ability to advance in their position.
4. Awarded funds cannot carry forward into FY 27.
5. Awarded funds cannot be renewed.
6. Previously, this program was open to full-time faculty and full-time staff.  Beginning with this award cycle, staff proposals will be managed separately.  Announcements about the call for propsals from staff members for this program are forthcoming.

Background

The President's Mental Wellness Committee was tasked in October 2021 to better identify areas of greatest need, and resources to address those needs, related to the wellness of Texas Tech University faculty and staff. With sustained support from the Offices of the President and Provost, the Committee became a formal Council for Staff & Faculty Wellbeing in September 2024. The Council for Staff & Faculty Wellbeing, working closely with the Office of Faculty Success, is pleased to announce a call for proposals for programming in support of fulltime staff and faculty professional wellbeing and success. Please see the detailed call below:

APPLICATION FORM COMING SOON