Eleven departments and projects at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) have been awarded Faculty and Staff Innovation Grants for Spring 2025. These grants are funded by TMCC employee donors, parking meter revenue, and contributions from the 1971 Society. The purpose of these grants is to support projects that encourage innovation benefiting students.
"A committee of faculty, classified staff, and a Foundation Board member carefully reviewed applications in December, notifying awardees in January," said Stephanie Sellers, Associate Director of Development for the TMCC Foundation. "Many students will benefit from these wonderful ideas. Congratulations to all the projects selected this year."
The committee chose 11 projects for funding: Addressing Sudden Onset Mental Distress by the Counseling Center; Wizard’s Warehouse Meal Vouchers by Café Verde; Dandini Garden Informational Signage involving the Natural History Museum, Learning Commons, and Biology Department; International Education Week Programming by International Student Services; Compost Cardboard Sustainability Project by Grounds Maintenance; Sustainable Hygiene Kits by Social Sciences; ArtFest 2025 Art Supplies by Visual and Performing Arts; Mammal/Bird Preservation involving the Natural History Museum and Biology Department; Grad Squad Registration Event by Academic Advising; Student Teachers/Elementary School Art Collaboration by Social Sciences; Career Assessment through Career and Partnership Training Programs.
ArtFest is one of the returning projects receiving a grant for a second consecutive year. Liberal Arts Dean Natalie Russell described its impact: “In its third year, ArtFest continues as a multi-day, cross-disciplinary event that embodies innovation in its variety of programming; the event’s alignment with the TMCC values of access, inclusion, collaboration, and sustainability; the sense of belonging we aim to foster; and the collegial, creative teamwork that demonstrates our shared purpose as educators and the essential role the Arts play in our thriving community.”
“We are so grateful to the donors who have contributed to support the many wonderful and innovative events happening around the college this year,” Russell continued. “ArtFest has become a meaningful way to bring together students, faculty, and staff from across the college, especially connecting faculty with students outside the classroom in engaging co-curricular projects. Your generosity helps build bridges between diverse people and learning experiences TMCC represents and creates a shared sense of belonging for all community members.”
Sellers highlighted financial constraints: “I would urge faculty and staff to consider giving to this fund as we are limited on how much we can award, and giving even $5-$10 per pay period would help,” she said. “This year we received 18 grant applications totaling $64,991 with just $20,000 to award. There are many more innovative ways to improve student success and access.”
For more information about Faculty-Staff Innovation Grants, contact the TMCC Foundation.