About
EMBLEM (Emerging Muslim Bridgebuilding Leaders Engaging the Midwest) is a grant opportunity for Muslim student leaders and their allies to build bridges across difference, grow as interfaith leaders, and design projects that increase campus inclusivity. Projects will engage multiple religious communities in building meaningful relationships.
Imagine guiding off-campus visits to a local Mosque, hosting interfaith iftars for the whole community, or collaborating with diverse religious groups for on-campus education. Projects will be unique to the needs of each community, representing colleges and universities across the Midwest. Funding will range up to $5,000. This regional opportunity is organized by the Interfaith Institute of Augsburg University, with funding provided by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.
Applications
To apply, open the Application Form and download it (or make a copy) to fill it out with your own information. Review the information, assemble your team of student leaders, invite a faculty/staff advisor, and prepare your project proposal. Then, open the Application Submission page to upload your completed application form and confirm your information. Applications are due on May 16, 2025, or sooner.
Eligibility
Interfaith dialogue is important for peacemaking, civic engagement, and connecting neighbors. The equity vision of this opportunity recognizes Midwest schools and Muslim interfaith leaders as historically underrepresented and underfunded groups essential to interfaith organizing. Together, we can energize Muslim bridge-building efforts!
Some examples of applicant groups might be a Muslim Student Association chapter, campus ministry team, fraternity/sorority council, or volunteer club. If an applicant group is not represented by any Muslim student leaders, the proposal must outline the involvement of Muslim leaders from the wider community, and a commitment to spotlighting Muslim leadership in the course of the project. Ideal project proposals will come from groups including undergraduates who feel equipped to facilitate peer learning and grow as student leaders. Projects must also have a faculty/staff sponsor who is prepared to champion the project on campus, and communicate with the Interfaith Institute about grant logistics. Applications are invited from students at higher education institutions across the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.