Looking Out For The Underserved/Underrepresented Society

The Office of Institutional Diversity in partnership with the Office of Development are fortunate to secure $350,000 for establishment of  the L.O.F.T.U.S. Diversity Mini-Grant Program.

The Loftus Mini-Grant was established in 2006 by Bob and Mary Jo Loftus. The Loftus' are the parents of an alumnus and current student. Through their generosity, the endowment is used to support programs and projects at the University of St. Thomas that will improve access to health care for underserved populations.

The fund can focus on a variety of different aspects of health care and access to such health care. Some previously funded projects include: faculty research on first-generation students and the impact of the college experience on their mental health; helping staff to address the medical and health care needs of students who are ESL students; and faculty research on the health care of women incarcerated in prisons.

Grants are provided in three cycles throughout the year – fall, spring and summer. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to apply for the grant.

Grants will be awarded in the range of $500.00 (minimum) to $2,500.00 (maximum). Grant proposals will be reviewed by a LOFTUS Mini-Grant Review Committee comprised of selected members of the UST community. In addition to its internal review of proposals, the committee may elect to send proposals to up to three external reviewers with relevant expertise for their assessment. This committee retains final authority over all decisions. The committee will make every effort to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants about the reasons for which they were not funded. Unfortunately, because of the limited funds available, all applications worthy of funding may not be approved for funding.