Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Mini Grants

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Mini-Grants provide $100-$1,000 grants to support Academy affiliate, dietetic practice group and member interest group outreach to students and professionals from underrepresented groups within the nutrition and dietetics profession, as well as support educational cultural sensitivity programs. These mini-grants are only open to IDEA Leaders and links to submit online applications will be sent directly to them. Please connect with your affiliate, DPG or MIG to inquire about becoming its IDEA Leader.

The deadline to submit an online mini-grant application is March 1, and IDEA Leaders who apply are notified of the status of their application in the spring.

Academy IDEA Philosophy

The Academy encourages inclusion, diversity, equity and access by striving to recognize, respect and include differences in ability, age, creed, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, size, and socioeconomic characteristics in the nutrition and dietetics profession.

Overview of IDEA Mini-Grants Program

IDEA Leaders are charged with promoting the nutrition and dietetics profession and Academy membership to students and professionals from underrepresented groups. IDEA Leaders may apply for IDEA Mini-Grants to help fund IDEA outreach events, which could include:

• Collecting prospective member contact information at IDEA outreach events and submitting contact information to Academy Headquarters by:
  • Reaching out to school-sponsored programs and introducing the profession to diverse high school or college students at a career fair or career panel.
  • Creating a video, webinar, or brochure to recruit and retain diverse individuals into the profession by illustrating the benefits of a diverse nutrition workforce and the impact it can have in their communities.
• Conducting cultural sensitivity events at the Academy Group level by:
  • Developing a webinar that highlights a specific culture's dietary practices and nutrition needs.
  • Hosting a podcast that showcases the diverse dietitians within the MIG and allows them to share their knowledge.
  • Holding a panel discussion with diverse practitioners on the challenges of serving underserved populations.

Qualifications

• Applicant is an IDEA Leader for an Academy affiliate, DPG or MIG.
• Applicant is a member of the Academy holding any membership category except Student, International Student, Honorary and Associate. Those with the following membership categories can apply to become an IDEA Leader: Active, Retired, Returning Student and International.

Program Components

• IDEA Leaders on file with the Academy are eligible to submit one application annually, on behalf of their Academy Groups, for an IDEA Mini-Grant to assist with IDEA outreach efforts, provided they have approval from the Academy Group's board or executive committee.
• Grant funds can be used to complete existing projects or rolled into the next fiscal year if proposed activities have not been completed at the time of funding.
• The link to submit nominations will be sent to IDEA Leaders in November.
• Deadline to apply for an IDEA Mini-Grant is March 1.
• By submitting an application, the IDEA Leader agrees to complete a follow-up survey.
• Applicants will be notified of application status in spring.

Application Consists of the Following

• Description of Program - Include program title, timeline, goals, and how the program aligns with the intent of the IDEA Mini-Grant to attract non-diverse individuals and/or enhance the understanding of current members.
• Target Group/Audience Description - Describe intended audience, including age range and career levels, and estimated reach or attendance.
• Budget Detail and Funding Sources - Include a detailed budget that includes the total amount requested between $100-$1000, and a breakdown of how the requested funds will be spent. Include an explanation of additional funding sources if applicable.
• Explanation of how the program will promote the nutrition and dietetics profession or the cultural understanding of current professionals, how the program will promote the Academy and its commitment to diversifying the profession, and how the program will provide a welcoming environment for all participants.

Scoring Criteria

Applications will be scored on a 100 point scale, which will be assessed using the application documents. Please reference the Score Sheet.

Please email us with any questions.