AADHum Microgrants
Program highlights
$500 Award
Start a new project or expand an existing one
Rolling Deadline
Apply anytime throughout the year
All USM Students
Open to all University System of Maryland students
Art + Tech + Research
Projects combining creativity, digital technology, & scholarship
We welcome projects of all sizes and timelines, and we encourage students of all backgrounds and experiences levels to apply. From quick, one-day creative sprints to semester-long experiments. What matters most is that your project includes a clear deliverable or outcome. This could be anything from a virtual media installation to a collaborative crafting day that connects digital and physical art, or a curated collection of sounds, visuals, or research materials for a larger creative piece.
Microgrant funds are intended to support the costs associated the development of the project. Projects do not have to be completed within the academic year, but it is expected that students will reach a milestone where they are ready to showcase their work before they graduate.
You can apply to fund an entire project or a small part of a large project. If your work continues to grow, you are also welcome to reapply for additional microgrants as long as each application describes a new stage or deliverable.
Program Overview
African American Digital and Experimental Humanities (AADHum) is excited to offer $500 microgrants to support student creativity at the intersections of Black study, art, and technology. These awards are open to undergraduate and graduate students across the University System of Maryland who are experimenting with new ways to think, make, and share work about Black life and culture. Projects may take many forms: digital art, short films, creative coding, sound or performance projects, archives, zines, installations, websites, interactive experiences, and more.
At AADHum, we believe Black study is both critical and creative. These microgrants are designed to give students the support to bring bold ideas to life, test new methods, and connect art, scholarship, and technology in fresh ways.
Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on the first of every month from August through April.
Application Requirements
Project Description
max. 250 wordsShare your vision! Tell us about your project idea, what you want to create, and how it relates to Black life and culture. We want to understand your goals and what makes this project meaningful to you. You don't need to have all the details figured out, we're interested in your passion and the potential impact of your work!
Work Plan
max. 250 wordsHelp us understand how you'll bring your project to life! Walk us through your approach, what resources you plan to use on campus (libraries, labs, equipment, etc.), and any collaborators or mentors you're working with. This is also your chance to highlight relevant skills, coursework, or past experiences that will help you succeed.
Timeline
max. 100 wordsGive us a realistic timeline for your project! When do you plan to start, what are your key milestones, and when do you hope to complete it? Consider factors like your academic workload, any seasonal elements to your project, and when you'd like to share your work with others.
Media
OptionalShow us what you're thinking! Any visual materials that help illustrate your project concept are welcome. This could be sketches, wireframes, mood boards, photos, videos, audio clips, or even links to inspiration.
Resources
Singh Sandbox Makerspace
To encourage cross-campus collaboration, we are collaborating with the Singh Family Sandbox Makerspace to support any projects that incorporate the use of the Singh Sandbox to bring their vision to life.
The Singh Sandbox offers a wide variety of resources for students, from supplies like 3D printers and CNC routers, to hands-on support like training courses and workshops. Additional consideration will be given to projects that clearly outline how they will use the Singh Sandbox to accomplish their project goals.
The Clarice & Vital Signs
We're excited to highlight our partnership with The Clarice and their Vital Signs program, which offers a complementary minigrant opportunity for student artists and creators.
Whether you're working on digital humanities, performance art, multimedia installations, or experimental creative projects, both AADHum and Vital Signs minigrant can provide the resources you need to bring your vision to life.
Grant Writing Support
The Undergraduate Writing Center and the Graduate School Writing Center are fantastic resources to assist you in writing your grant proposal.
Inspiration
Below are suggestions for project types, creative ideas, and beginner-friendly software. These are all optional resources to help spark your creativity. Feel free to use them as inspiration or pursue your own unique vision!
Digital Humanities Research
Projects that explore intersections between digital tools and humanities scholarship.
Community Engagement
Initiatives that connect academic research with broader community needs and interests.
Experimental Methods
Innovative approaches to traditional humanities questions using digital technologies.
Public Scholarship
Work that makes humanities research accessible to diverse public audiences.
Software We Love
Snap Lens Studio
Create augmented reality experiences and interactive filters.
Visit Snap Lens Studio FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
All currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at any school in the University System of Maryland (Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Frostburg State University, Salisbury University, Towson University, University of Baltimore, UMD Baltimore, UMBC, UMD College Park, UMD Eastern Shore, UMD Global Campus, UMD Center for Environmental Science, Universities at Shady Grove, University System of Maryland at Hagerstown Southern Maryland) and Morgan State University are eligible.
I have a project I am currently working on for a class or for an honors thesis. May I apply with it?
Yes, but we cannot give priority to projects deriving from class or thesis work. Microgrants support student ideas no matter where they come from or where they may go!
I am collaborating on a project with a fellow student or group of students. How should we apply?
Collaborative projects are welcome to apply, however each award is given to a single student. We recommend that each collaborator submit a separate application outlining their distinct work within the larger project.
I am working with a faculty member on my project. Can I apply?
No. All microgrants must be for student initiated and led projects, and any intellectual property resulting from the project must belong to the student. We are unfortunately unable to fund projects that have faculty as primary investigators.
Whom will my work belong to?
You! While we would like to be able to share your work across our community, including on our website and newsletter, ultimately anything you create belongs to you.
How to Apply
Join our community of innovative researchers and creators. Apply now to bring your project to life!
Start ApplicationQuestions about the application process? Contact us at aadhum@umd.edu
Microgrant Recipients
Graduate Students
Undergraduate Students