Mission Micro-Grant Program

Now in its seventeenth year, the Mission Micro Grant Program awards annual grants of up to $200 to any full- or part-time Detroit Mercy faculty or staff member in support of activities that promote Detroit Mercy’s mission of being a Catholic, Mercy, Jesuit, urban and student-centered university. You can find more on Detroit Mercy's mission statement on the mission website. The call for MMG applications occurs in September and awards are announced in November.

Why have a program like this?

  • Because we believe that our mission is something that lives most powerfully in the day-to-day lives and activities of our students, staff, faculty. and administrators.
  • Because we believe there are many different ways to be Catholic, Mercy, Jesuit, urban and student-centered.
  • Because we believe that creative grassroots-level explorations and promotions of the mission are a lot more likely to happen with seed money.

For more on the program, please take a look at the information below or contact program director Rosemary Weatherston at weatherr@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1083.

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    How to Apply

    The call for Mission Micro Grant applications occurs each September. The application process is very simple: Fill out, and submit the . Contact Rosemary Weatherston, Mission Micro Grant Program Director, at weatherr@udmercy.edu, if you have any questions.

    Please note: The time period for which 2024-25 MMG projects and activities can receive funding is aligned with the 2024-25 fiscal year. Thus, it is possible to apply for funding for projects that already will have taken place between July 1, 2024, and November 2024, when grants are announced, as well as for projects that will take place from November through June 2, 2025. All projects/activities must be completed and all grant monies forms submitted by June 2, 2025.

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    Project Criteria and Examples

    There are only four criteria a project or activity must meet to be considered for a Mission Micro Grant:

    • The project or activity must promote one or more elements of Detroit Mercy’s mission.
    • You must personally be involved in the project or activity (no pass through funding of other people’s projects, please).
    • You must be employed by the University during the time the project or activity takes place.
    • The grant monies must be spent in the same fiscal year in which they are received.

    What type of projects and activities can get funded?

    You tell us—what are you doing or want to do?

    • Invite a guest speaker to your classroom?
    • Purchase a digital camera to record the life stories of elderly immigrants in Metro Detroit?
    • Provide scholarships for local middle school students to take a computerized writing workshop?
    • Purchase coffee for weekly student discussions of mission related matters?
    • Take Detroit Mercy students to a community lecture or arts exhibit?
    • Provide support for a baby crib design project for wheelchair access?
    • Cover the operating costs for a class project to provide energy audits to nonprofits?
    • Pay for the material costs for support workshops for local math teachers?
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    2024-25 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2024-25 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Jennifer Ahlquist, Mary Serowoky, Andrea Kwasky (CHP/MSON): Support for a mindful self-compassion workshop for College of Health Professions faculty and staff
    • Diego Arias (CBA): Support for students’ exploration of business ethics through the lens of cinema
    • Anna Lawler Bryson (University Ministry): Support for student visits to and discussions of diverse places of worship in Detroit
    • Joshua Budiongan, Ceara O'Leary (SACD): Support for refreshments and community leaders participation in architecture students’ Public Interest Design Capstone Studio
    • Angela Davis (CHASS): Support to stock a Student Pantry housed in Briggs
    • Emily Dowgwillo (CHASS): Support for developing teaching videos of psychotherapy techniques that feature diverse representations of therapists and patients
    • Lee Eshelman (CHASS/Psychology Clinic): Support for a therapy group supporting students impacted by global conflict
    • Lee Eshelman, Angela Nasr, Max Frank, Briana McLeod (CHASS): Support to revitalize graduate student space in Reno Hall
    • Sr. Sarah Foster RSM, Felicia Hartinger (University Academic Services/Student Success Center): Support to provide menstrual supplies in McNichols Library public bathrooms
    • Courtney Griffin (SOL): Support to bring Detroit Public School students to Detroit Mercy
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CHASS/Rx for Reading Detroit): Support to purchase books for incarcerated parents and their children, in partnership with Staying in Closer Touch
    • Andrea Kwasky, Mary Serowoky (CHP/MSON): Support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness
    • Camesha Little (SOL): Support for fostering law students’ well-being and academic success through mindful learning
    • Taylor Long, Sonya Kowalski, Elaine Webber, Julie Stocker-Schneider, and Renee Courtney (CHP/MSON): Support for nursing students’ art projects exploring their personal spirituality and community advocacy in relation to Mercy and Jesuit traditions
    • Mina Maleki (CES): Support for student team registration for International Collegiate Programming Contest
    • Chelsea Manning (Institute for Leadership and Service/Titan Equity Nourish Network): Support for produce deliveries in collaboration with Princeton Street Block Club (PSBC) and Theresa Maxis Senior Apartments
    • Molly McClelland, Megan Conrad (CHP/CES): Gift cards for community clients working with nursing and engineering student teams in Prototype Design & Assistive Technology courses
    • Claire Nicholson, Nour Lyon (CHP/ Physician Assistant Program): Support for PA students to assemble and distribute care packages to unsheltered individuals throughout metro Detroit
    • Thomas Provost (SACD): Support for architecture students’ exhibit on design of several community collectives located in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood
    • Jennifer Shivnen, Sara Gifford, Phillip Olla, Niko Kanagawa (CHP/MSON): Support for a Futures Study research workshop focused on scenario planning for the future of education
    • Valerie Williams (CHASS): Support to establish a dual purpose mindfulness/mothers' room in Reno Hall
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    2023-24 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2023-24 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Emily Dowgwillo (CLAE): Support for developing teaching videos of psychotherapy techniques that feature diverse representations of therapists and patients
    • Cindy Gillham (McNichols Campus Library): Support for the McNichols Campus Library’s Seed Library
    • Felicia Grey (CLAE): Support for a Freedom House presentation to political science students
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Support for Rx for Reading Detroit‘s purchase of children’s books for Head Start preschoolers
    • Amber Johnson (TRIO SSS): Support for academic tutoring resources for students in the TRIO Student Support Services Program
    • Janet M. Joiner (CLAE): Support for a vibrational sound and energy (sound bath) student wellness event
    • Yvonne King, Ashlee Barnes, Neal Rosenburg, Ivy Razmus, Taessa Malone-Carter, Alexis Burgess, and Theroi Riggins (CHP/MSON): Support for well-being enhancements to the CHP Reflection Room
    • Sonya Kowalski, Elaine Webber, Taylor Long, and Julia Stocker-Schneider (CHP/MSON): Support for nursing student art projects exploring their personal spirituality in relation to Mercy and Jesuit traditions
    • Andrea Kwasky and Mary Serowoky (CHP/MSON): Support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
    • Chelsa Manning (Institute for Leadership and Service/Titan Equity Nourish Network) Support for TENN produce deliveries in collaboration with Princeton Street Block Club (PSBC) and Theresa Maxis Senior Apartments
    • Phillip Olla (CHP/HSA): Support for the 2023 Detroit Urban Health AI Challenge event
    • Staci Kenno Pinkerton (CBA): Support for a junior CBA faculty working group meet-and-greet event
    • Thomas Provost (SACD): Support for architect students’ Cooperative Housing Exhibit event
    • Alexa Rihana-Abdallah (CES): Support for book purchases and a panel discussion on managing engineering internships for the Society of Women Engineers Student Chapter
    • Sarah Rowe and Preston Foerder (CLAE): Support for a psychology career panel for undergraduate students.
    • Traci Stewart (CHP/HSA): Support for a LGBT elders focus group research project, in collaboration with Rich Ginnetti, U of North Carolina
    • Traci Stewart (CHP/HSA): Support for MHSA students’ participation in 2023 Case Competition
    • Justin Williams (CLAE/African American Studies Program): Support for AAS Program student and faculty meet ups at neighborhood Black-owned businesses
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    2022-23 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2022-23 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Deanna Blevins (UREC): Support for refreshments for a Tree Lighting and holiday de-stress event.
    • Holly Christian (SOL): Support for coaching costs and gift cards for guest judges assisting the Veterans Law Moot Court Competition team.
    • Megan Conrad and Alexa Rihana-Abdallah (CES): Support for purchase of books focused on negotiating strategies for women for the Society of Women Engineers student chapter library.
    • Nickolas Davis and Janet Joiner (CLAE): Honorarium and refreshment support for the new Full-time Accelerated Social Work Track (FAST) student orientation.
    • Melissa Eckhause (SOL): Fee support for creators working with the Detroit Mercy Arts and Entertainment Law Clinic and identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) to submit their copyright registration applications.
    • Lee Eshelman (CLAE): Support for refreshments for a retreat for an interdisciplinary junior faculty work group.
    • Cindy Gilham (McNichols Library): Support for supplies and donations postage for the Seed Library.
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Support for Rx for Reading Detroit to build 2 free community libraries to be placed at Brilliant Detroit hubs in Grixdale Farms and McDougall Hunt.
    • Tim Hipskind, SJ (Institute for Leadership and Service/Titan Equity Nourish Network): Support for produce deliveries made in collaboration with the Princeton Street Block Club (PSBC).
    • Andrea Kwasky and Mary Serowoky (CHP): Honorarium support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
    • Betsy Lozano (SOD): Support for Detroit Mercy Dental (DMD) students to provide onsite learning activities at Mercy Education Project with the Girls Tutoring Program
    • Molly McClelland and Megan Conrad (CHP/CES): Gift cards for community clients working with nursing and engineering student teams in Prototype Design & Assistive Technology courses.
    • Becky Nauta (CHP): Support for printing of patient and family educational materials in English and Spanish on chronic and end-of-life pain management, Grand Rapids - Aquinas Campus.
    • Jennifer Ruel (CHP): Refreshments for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate program’s three-day skills intensive.
    • Marisa Tucker (Financial Aid): Food and hygiene items for the McNichols Campus Little Free Pantry.
    • Elaine Webber and Sonya Kowalski (CHP/MSON): Art supplies for students’ personal spirituality projects in NUR 2100: Introduction to Nursing in the Mercy and Jesuit Traditions.
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    2021-22 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2021-22 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Alexis Burgess and Patricia Devoy (Financial Aid/CHP): Reading materials for a Detroit Mercy women’s prayer and study group. 
    • Grace Gamble (Titan Equity Nourish Network): Support for continued development of on-campus garden to produce food and engage students in food justice and sustainability initiatives.
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Support for Rx for Reading Detroit to paint five free community libraries to be donated to New St. Paul Head Start centers.
    • Suzanne Keep, Kathy Putman, Yolanda Freeman Hildreth, Kelli Frost (CHP): Support for Aquinas College theatre students to participate in a community health simulation with nursing and physician assistant students from multiple campuses.
    • Sonya Kowalski and Andrea Kwasky (CHP): Incentive support for a student survey to assess the impact of student wellness interventions in the clinical environment.
    • Andrea Kwasky (CHP): Honorarium support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
    • Rachel Lee and Linda Slowik (CLAE): Refreshments and materials for the Psychology Department retreat
    • Nour Lyon (CHP): Supplies for care packages to be distributed by physician assistant students to individuals who are unhoused.
    • Molly McClelland, Darrell Kleinke, Megan Conrad, Molly Laird (CHP/CES): Gift cards in appreciation of community clients working with nursing and engineering student teams in Prototype Design & Assistive Technology courses.
    • Karen Mihelich (CHP): Reflection and inspiration mementos for students starting their projects in the Doctorate of Nursing Practice program, & gift cards in appreciation of guest speakers in the Community Heath Nursing course.
    • Lauren Rinke (CLAE): Supplies to repaint and decorate the Writing Center to create an inviting space for student writers.
    • Jennifer Ruel (CHP): Refreshments for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate program’s three-day skills intensives.
    • Allen Seales (TRIO Student Support Services): Support for TRIO students to participate in cultural immersion visits to Detroit museums, & incentive support for TRIO students to attend workshops and cultural and professional development events.
    • Whitney Thomas (TRIO Student Support Services): Support for TRIO students to participate in “Cider in the City” for city exploration and engagement
    • Marisa Tucker (Financial Aid): Food and hygiene items for the McNichols Campus Little Free Pantry.
    • Nadine Wodwaski (CHP): Study materials for nursing students taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX).
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    2020-21 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2020-21 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Alexis Burgess and Patricia Devoy (CLAE/CHP): Reading materials for a Detroit Mercy women’s prayer and study group   
    • Matt Chesley (UREC): Sponsorships for students to participate in the Detroit Mercy Biggest Loser wellness program 
    • Grace Gamble (Campus Kitchen): Support to create a campus garden to produce food and provide a space for agricultural education for students. 
    • Katharine Harrison, Tanya Lundberg, and Connor Salanger (SOL): Incentive support for SOL students’ participation in Pathways, a new online career management module. 
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Support for Rx for Reading Detroit to prepare and install a free community library at the All About Kids Head Start program 
    • Matt Higley (UREC): Support for student participation in the University Recreation Adventure series 
    • Timothy Hipskind, S.J., (ILS) and Dohna Dudley (The Hive): Supplies for The Hive, a student-run food pantry 
    • Sonya Kowalski, Andrea Kwasky, Shari Lambert, Barbara Ciotta, and Sherry McConnell (CHP/MSON): Incentive support for a student and faculty survey on Clinical Compass, a learning tool that addresses the gap between classroom and clinical learning 
    • Shari Lambert, Andrea Kwasky, Barbara Ciotta, Carlie Wilson, Sherry McConnell, and Jeana Wisinski (CHP/MSON): Support for creation of Detroit Mercy We are Titans: Your Clinical Team Cares stress relief baskets for students and faculty 
    • Melvin Lunkins (SOD): LGBTQ+, multicultural, and ethnocentric magazine subscriptions, signage, and art for Dental Clinic waiting areas 
    • Molly McClelland, Darrell Kleinke, and Megan Conrad (CHP/CES): Gift cards in appreciation of community clients working with nurse-engineering student teams in Prototype Design & Assistive Technology courses. 
    • Karen Mihelich (CHP/MSON): Gift cards in appreciation of guest speakers in NUR 4300: Community Nursing 
    • Timmy Nelson (Marketing & Communications): Support for a virtual charity gaming marathon to raise monies for Beaumont Children’s Hospital, Royal Oak. In conjunction with the Detroit Mercy Anime Club 
    • Jennifer Ruel (CHP/MSON): Support for refreshments for new Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certificate program’s three-day skills intensives   
    • Allen Seales (TRIO Student Support Services): Support for TRIO students to participate in cultural immersion visits to Detroit museums & incentive support for TRIO students to attend workshops and cultural and professional development events 
    • Jaime Sinutko, Andrea Kwasky, and Elaine Webber (CHP/MSON): Gift cards in appreciation of preceptors working with McAuley School of Nursing students 
    • Whitney Thomas (TRIO Student Support Services): Gas and transportation cards for TRIO student commuters 
    • Mary Valesano (CLAE): Honorarium support for hosting an online Bridging the Gap in Theatre workshop for Theatre students about the challenges faced by performers of color in the theatre industry  
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    2019-20 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2019-20 MMG Proposals that Received Funding 

    • Wilfred Allen (MSON, CHP): Tutoring resources for nursing students preparing to retake the NCLEX exam 
    • Bailey Andersen (Office of Health & Wellness, Student Services, SOD): Supplies for the School of Dentistry’s family food pantry 
    • Roxana Bell (Mission and Identity Committee, SOL): Supplies for a School of Law “Red Door” campaign, in the spirit of the red doors of the House of Mercy on Baggot Street, Dublin, Ireland 
    • Caren Bendes (Scholarship and Financial Aid): Supplies for the McNichols Campus Little Free Pantry  
    • Alexis Burgess (CLAE) and Patricia Devoy (CHP): Reading materials for a Detroit Mercy women’s prayer and study group   
    • Megan Conrad and Alexa Rihana-Abdallah (CES ): Purchase of books in support of an empowerment program for women engineering students 
    • Dohna Dudley (The Hive) and Timothy Hipskind, S.J., (ILS): Supplies for The Hive, a student-run food pantry 
    • Cindy Gillham (McNichols Campus Library): Support for a free university and community seed library 
    • Matt Higley (University Recreation): Support for student participation in the UREC Adventure series 
    • Benjamin Houston (Mission and Identity Committee, SOL): Yoga mats for the School of Law’s prayer and quiet reflection room 
    • Amber Johnson (TRIO Student Support Services): Support for TRIO SSS students to participate in a service immersion trip to Selma, Alabama 
    • Anita Klueg (University Ministry): Support for the creation of a mission-oriented art mural in Shiple Hall lobby, and a university community memorial garden and monarch butterfly haven 
    • Sonya Kowalski, Shari Lambert, Andrea Kwasky, and Barbara Ciotta (MSON, CHP): Incentive support for a student and faculty survey on “Clinical Compass,” a learning tool that addresses the gap between classroom and clinical learning 
    • Andrea Kwasky, Mary Serowoky (MSON, CHP), and Kristen Salem Carney (Wellness Center): Honorarium support for a campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 
    • Adrianna Moreno (Student Services, SOD): Equipment and furnishings for the School of Dentistry’s lactation room 
    • Timmy Nelson (Marketing and Communications): Support for a charity gaming marathon to raise monies for Beaumont Children’s Hospital, Royal Oak. In conjunction with the Detroit Mercy Anime Club 
    • Paula Nranian (Simulation Teaching and Research Center, CHP): Supplies for an empathy skill exercise for nursing students simulating the challenges experienced by patients with decreased mobility, dexterity, vision, and hearing  
    • Kathy Putman (MSON, CHP): Supplies for nursing students to provide foot care for people experiencing homelessness 
    • Jennifer Ruel (MSON, CHP): Refreshments for clinical skills intensive day for the Emergency Nurse Practitioner specialty certificate program 
    • Allen Seales (TRIO Student Support Services): Support for a mentoring program for student participants in the TRIO Student Support Services program 
    • Cynthia Spires (CLAE) and Jahzara Mayes Otoo (ReBUILDetroit): Support for “Mextasy” workshop, lectures, and exhibit examining the stereotyping of Lantinx communities 
    • Cynthia Spires (CLAE): Supplies for a women’s mini-retreat 
    • Whitney S. Thomas (TRIO Student Support Services): Supplies for TRIO Student Support Services student and staff adoption of a family for the Christmas holiday season 
    • ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Tanya Vaughn-Deneen and Elaine Webber (MSON, CHP): Supplies for nursing students’ spiritual self-reflection art projects
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    2018-19 Mission Micro Grant Award Projects

    Summaries of the 2018-19 MMG
    Proposals that Received Funding

    • Caren Bendes (Scholarship and Financial Aid): Food items for a Little Free Pantry open to the Detroit Mercy community
    • Alexis Burgess (CLAE) and Patricia Devoy (CHP): Reading materials for a Detroit Mercy women’s prayer and study group
    • Stephanie Conant and Matt Mio (CES): Support for the startup of an experiential and service learning Teaching Community
    • Megan Conrad (CES), Nicole Najor (CES), Mariam Faied (CES), and Marlene Shaw-Gallagher (CHP): Support for a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) women student book club
    • Jennifer Dean (Libraries/IDS), Elaine Webber (CHP), and Jill Turner (Libraries/IDS): Furniture for a new McNichols Campus Library lactation room
    • Karen Harris (CHP): Honorarium support for speakers in Community Health Nursing courses and refreshments for Second Degree Option nursing student mentoring meetings
    • Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Building materials for a Free Community Library to be installed at La Casa Guadalupana, a family education and outreach provider in Southwest Detroit
    • Shirley Escamilla (CHP) and Mary-Catherine Harrison (CLAE): Spanish and bilingual books for the Book Nook at Ford Resource and Engagement Center / El Mercado Food Hub. In collaboration with Second Degree Option nursing students Julius Edwar Cantuba, Maya Long, Alexandra Macdiarmid, Rachel Rachette, John Randle, Christina Riga, and Katelynne Zipfel
    • Amy Keyser (Libraries/IDS): Signage for the McNichols Campus Library multi-faith reflection space and support for a new Peace Pole and garden. In conjunction with University Ministry
    • Anita Klueg (University Ministry): Refreshments for participants in the Detroit Mercy Day of Service
    • Andrea Kwasky (CHP), Mary Serowoky (CHP), and Kristen Salem Carney (Wellness Center): Campus presentation by speakers from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    • Shari Lambert and Barb Ciotta (CHP): Thank you gifts for undergraduate nursing student preceptors and site visits
    • Michael Lauchlan (CLAE): Refreshments for participants in an Immigration Issues – Personal Stories panel event
    • Molly McClelland (CHP), Darrell Kleinke (CES), and Megan Conrad (CES): Meals for veterans and students collaborating on Multidisciplinary Assistive Technology program projects
    • Becky Nuata (CHP): CPR training for students in Grand Rapids area partner schools
    • Timmy Nelson (Marketing and Communications): Support for a charity gaming marathon to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in Royal Oak. In conjunction with University Recreation and the Detroit Mercy Anime Club
    • Paul Riffon (University Ministry): Support for “Soup and Substance” meals and speakers in the season of Lent
    • Alexa Rihana-Abdallah (CES): Support for Detroit Mercy’s Society of Women Engineers chapter conference and high school outreach events
    • Jennifer Ruel (CHP): Certificates of appreciation for Family Nurse Practitioner student preceptors
    • Kristen Salem and Annamaria Silveri (Wellness Center): Refreshments for strategic planning of JED Campus efforts to promote student emotional health and prevent substance abuse and suicide
    • Cynthia Spires (CLAE): Support for Writing Center sponsorship of student-led projects and events
    • Dohna Dudley (Student Food Pantry/H2O) and Cynthia Spires (CLAE): Food purchases and fundraising incentives for the Student Food Pantry
    • Virginia Stanard (SOA, Master of Community Development Program): Support for community engagement meetings and events related to MCD students’ Capstone projects
    • Sigrid Streit (CLAE) and Clara Gamalski (Campus Kitchen): Support for a food and food-justice themed Academic Writing course
    • Pamela Zarkowski (Academic Affairs), Diane Praet (Registrar’s Office), Tammy Batcheller (Facilities), Monica Williams (Student Affairs) and Edmund Black (Public Safety): Design and production of emergency information posters and lanyard cards

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