[Wake Forest University - The Program for Leadership and Character](https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu)

March 20, 2026 (Capacity-Building Grant application deadline)

Up to $50,000 per award; typically 1-year projects

Supports institutions in building capacity to educate and embed character within their curriculum and culture.

--- ## Description Capacity-Building Grants, offered by the Educating Character Initiative at Wake Forest University with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., provide up to $50,000 to accredited U.S. colleges and universities aiming to strengthen their ability to educate and integrate character in their unique academic and cultural settings. These grants are especially suited for institutions that are new to character education, planning smaller-scale or pilot projects, or seeking resources to prepare for larger grant applications in the future. The program emphasizes institutional support, alignment with mission and values, and the potential for broad, lasting impact. --- ## Due Dates - March 20, 2026: Capacity-Building Grant application deadline (applications due by 5:00 p.m. ET) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $50,000 per institution - Project duration: Typically 1 year Funding is intended for discrete projects that do not require substantial funding and for institutions preparing for future, larger-scale character education initiatives. --- ## Eligibility - Open to accredited two- and four-year U.S. colleges and universities. - Cross-institutional networks are eligible (funds must be based at one institution but can be shared). - Project leaders must hold (or be contracted to) a long-term faculty or staff position at the applying institution. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the [ECI Grant Portal](https://wakeforestuniversity.my.site.com/forms/s/application) by March 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET. - Review the [2026 Request for Proposals](https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/eci/grants/2026-request-for-proposals/) for detailed instructions and requirements. - Applicants should demonstrate strong institutional support, clear alignment with institutional mission and values, and a plan for sustainable impact. - Decisions will be announced by May 11, 2026. - Grants are expected to start July 1, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to projects with broad institutional impact and a commitment to share knowledge with the broader character education community. - Wake Forest staff, fellows, and consultants may offer context-specific support to grantees. --- ## External Links - [Capacity-Building Grants Program Page](https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/draft-the-educating-character-initiative-option-1/draft-eci-grantmaking/capacity-building-grants/) - [2026 Request for Proposals](https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/eci/grants/2026-request-for-proposals/) - [Download Full RFP (PDF)](https://prod.wp.cdn.aws.wfu.edu/sites/340/2025/09/ECI-Invitation-to-Community-and-2026-RFP-1.pdf) - [Application Portal](https://wakeforestuniversity.my.site.com/forms/s/application) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Webpage | |-------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Educating Character Initiative | ECI@wfu.edu | [Contact Page](https://leadershipandcharacter.wfu.edu/contact) | ---

Capacity-Building Grants

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