2027 MLK Day of service campus grants
Limited funding available for 2027 MLK Day Programs - $1000 campus grants! Apply as soon as possible to be considered.
We're pleased to share that the Alliance for Campus Community Engagement (The Alliance) has been awarded a 2027 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (MLK Day) of Service Lead Agency Grant from Youth Service America (YSA), with support from AmeriCorps. Washington Campus Coalition member campuses are eligible for this funding.
Through this grant, The Alliance is making 40 grants of $1,000 available to colleges and universities across its member networks to support meaningful, volunteer-generating MLK Day of Service projects and events.
Applications are open now through Tuesday, November 24, 2026.
About the opportunity
The Alliance is the largest network of state and regional coalitions dedicated to supporting the public purposes of higher education. Representing more than 400 member institutions, The Alliance advances public service, civic engagement, campus-community partnerships, and other locally driven initiatives across the country.
Through this grant opportunity, The Alliance is helping connect its 10 state and regional member organizations and their campus networks with funding to support impactful MLK Day of Service projects.
About the Projects
The 2027 MLK Day of Service Campus Grant program supports new or existing campus-community service projects that bring students and community members together to address local needs and create lasting community impact. Projects may focus on creating or improving community assets and infrastructure, such as parks, schools, senior centers, community gardens, and low-income homes, as well as environmental stewardship and supporting underserved communities.
Projects may take place over multiple days between January 11–25, 2027, and should engage a broad range of community participants through meaningful, collaborative service.
All projects must include an educational component that helps volunteers better understand the issues they're addressing and the communities they're serving. This might include a brief training, conversations with community members and local leaders, or a facilitated discussion about local needs and challenges.
Looking for inspiration? Explore projects and campus initiatives from Ohio’s MLK Day 2026.
Grant Details & Important Dates
40 campus grants available: $1,000 each
Eligibility: Colleges and universities affiliated with The Alliance's 11 state and regional member organizations
Application deadline: Tuesday, November 24, 2026
Project dates: January 11–25, 2027
Institutional match: A required 1:1 match ($1,000 in cash or in-kind resources)
JOIN THE INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, November 19, 2026
2:00–3:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PT
We encourage interested campuses to join the information session to learn more about the grant opportunity, application process, and requirements. If you cannot attend, please contact Triple C with any questions.