An in-person conference designed to help graduate students, faculty, and staff navigate today’s funding landscape, strengthen grant-writing skills, and connect with resources that support inclusive, people-centered scholarship and research that reduces inequities, disparities, and inequalities.

Co-sponsored by the Ross Office of Community, Culture, and Belonging. This event is offered at no charge.


Schedule at a Glance

Day 1 — Monday, September 21, 2026
Location: The Graduate Ann Arbor
Time: 4:00–9:00 PM
Focus: Registration, welcome reception, and informal connection

Day 1 is optional and designed for participants who are traveling to Ann Arbor, staying overnight, or would like a relaxed opportunity to connect before the main conference. The evening will include informal check-in/registration, light networking, conversation opportunities, and a welcome reception. No core instructional content will take place on Day 1.

Day 2 — Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Location: Michigan Union
Time: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
Focus: Main conference, keynote, workshops, Resource Fair, Consultation Zones, featured panel, and action planning.

Day 2 is the main conference day. The program will include breakfast and registration, welcome remarks, a keynote address, three workshop sessions organized by participant experience level, a Resource Fair, scheduled Consultation Zones, a featured panel, proposal development/action-planning time, and a closing networking reception.

During workshop blocks, participants may choose among track-based workshops, scheduled one-on-one consultations, or Resource Fair engagement. The Resource Fair and Consultation Zones will pause during the featured panel so all participants can gather for a shared conversation on foundations, strategy, and sustainable impact.