Competition Description

Alpha Chi's mission is to recognize emerging scholars, encourage them to make their scholarship effective for good, and inspire them to lifelong learning. The member affirmation spoken in induction ceremonies across the nation every year is, "I affirm that I will uphold the purposes of Alpha Chi, striving to make its ideals my ideals in scholarship and in service."

Microgrant Program Purpose

Held each fall, the "In Scholarship and in Service" Microgrant Competition is designed to support Alpha Chi members as they advance in their professions and pursue lifelong learning and service. To support these endeavors, each of Alpha Chi's regions will select their recipients and may award up to five $200 microgrants annually to Alpha Chi members from among the chapters in their region.

Winners will be announced in mid-November, and grant funds will be distributed by the Alpha Chi National Office upon proof of payment or the securing of an internship or service work.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants must be undergraduate, graduate student, or alumni members of Alpha Chi who have not previously received one of these grants.
• The minimum expense, occurring between the dates of Sep. 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027, should be $200.
• Applicants must complete the online application by Oct. 15, 2026.

Microgrant funding MAY be used for:

• Service (full or part-time public service, civil service, or work with a nonprofit)
  • Travel expenses related to an internship or service work in the public interest
  • Other related expenses may be considered with adequate explanation
• Professional Development
  • Professional conference or workshop registration
  • Certifications needed for going into fields that are in the public interest
  • Graduate school application fees
  • Exam fees (such as MCAT, LSAT, GRE, etc.)
  • Dues or fees for membership in professional associations

Microgrant funding MAY NOT be used for:

• Alpha Chi events or membership
• College tuition
• Donations to other organizations

Application Requirements:

• Basic information: name, current mailing address, email address, phone number, Alpha Chi chapter and year of induction, current classification (undergraduate, graduate student, or alumni member), a headshot (for publicity purposes only), and documentation showing the expense.
• Applicants must also respond in writing to three brief-answer prompts. The use of AI to answer the prompts is discouraged and must be disclosed.