Democracy Week (October 16-25, 2025)

Apply here by September 8, 2025

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Accepted applicants will be notified beginning the week of August 18th, 2025. 

Please contact Christina Gaudino, Program Coordinator, at christina.gaudino@eagleton.rutgers.edu with any questions.

Overview

The Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) at the Eagleton Institute of Politics will host its inaugural Democracy Week from October 16 to October 25, 2025. This university-wide initiative aims to catalyze schools, departments, institutes, and centers across Rutgers University to host compelling programs that explore and elevate democratic values, foster civic engagement, and encourage active citizenship. All events during the 2025 Democracy Week will align with RDL’s inaugural theme: Inspiring Democratic Engagement.

Held annually each fall, Democracy Week will unite students, faculty, and staff in a vibrant lineup of events designed to spark civic dialogue and inspire action. Programming will feature keynote speakers, teach-ins, community service initiatives, and dynamic discussions that promote critical thinking and collective engagement. Through this initiative, the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) aims to foster meaningful spaces for reflection, education, and collaboration on the evolving challenges and opportunities within American democracy. RDL welcomes proposals from departments and academic entities for on-campus programming that contributes to this shared mission.

Project proposals should reflect the spirit of Democracy Week’s theme by promoting inclusive participation, strengthening civic knowledge and skills, and deepening awareness of the rights and responsibilities tied to democratic citizenship.

Who should apply: Faculty (non-tenured faculty and lecturers are eligible to apply) and staff from any/all units at Rutgers-New Brunswick, Rutgers-Camden, Rutgers-Newark, and Rutgers Health.

Applicants should use this template when creating their budget documents for submission. 

PLEASE NOTE:

• Approved proposals may receive up to $3,000 in funding. Please be sure to use the provided budget template when submitting your proposal. Note that indirect costs, salaries, and fringe benefits are not allowable budget items and should be excluded. Applicants with additional funding sources for the proposed programming must disclose this information within the application form. Whether or not external funding exists will not impact the review or consideration of your proposal.
   
• Multiple proposals from units across Rutgers University are welcome for consideration. Applicants are responsible for securing an appropriate venue to support their proposed programming.
   
• Interdisciplinary initiatives that engage students, welcome public participation, and cultivate meaningful partnerships with local communities will receive special consideration.
   
• Social media plays a vital role in advancing the RDL's mission, and we’re thrilled to spotlight the outstanding work being led by you, your colleagues, and your students. To help us showcase these contributions across the RDL website and social channels, please share any relevant digital media, social posts, research papers, or other project-related materials as they become available. From time to time, the RDL may also invite you or your students to take part in special social media campaigns. These efforts harness the power of engaging visuals and compelling storytelling to connect with a wider audience. Lead faculty or staff members associated with approved proposals will receive an RDL media kit containing approved text treatments and additional resources to support outreach and promotion.
   
• The Rutgers Democracy Lab at the Eagleton Institute of Politics promotes open, respectful dialogue, active debate, and the exploration of diverse perspectives—while safeguarding the rights of all members of our community to learn, teach, and engage in the University’s core mission. As part of the Eagleton Institute of Politics, RDL funds may not be used to influence public elections or political campaigns. Receipt of RDL funding does not constitute endorsement of any viewpoint expressed by recipients of such funds. Noncompliance with these guidelines may result in revocation of funds and disqualification from future funding opportunities.