Staff Council Funding For Staff

Each year, the University of Iowa Staff Council (UISC) receives funding through the university’s contract with Coca-Cola. These funds are allocated to support a variety of awards, events, and professional development opportunities that benefit University of Iowa staff.

We encourage both individual staff members and departments to apply and take advantage of this valuable resource!

Staff Appreciation Grant Program

Purpose / Overview: Supports department-level appreciation and recognition efforts for UI staff.

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all UI departments or units. One application per area/MFK per fiscal year.
Award Amount: $10 per staff member, up to $300 per department per fiscal year.
Deadlines: Opens annually on October 1
How to Apply: Via link October 1.

Contact for Questions: staff-council@uiowa.edu

Mary Jo Small Fellowship

Purpose / Overview: Provides support for non-academic professional development, such as conferences, workshops, and training.

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all UI staff (Merit and P&S). Applicants must demonstrate relevance to professional development.
Award Amount: Up to $1,500 per applicant.
Deadlines: February 28 and August 31 annually.
How to Apply: Click here to apply. 

Contact for Questions: uilarendevelop@uiowa.edu 

Staff Council Awards

Purpose / Overview: Annual recognition for UI staff who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and outstanding service.

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all UI staff.
Award Amount: Monetary – varies by award category.
Deadlines: Opens the second Monday of November and closes the second Friday of January.
How to Apply: Link will be posted according to deadlines.

Contact for Questions: 
staffawards@uiowa.edu 

Longevity Awards

Purpose / Overview: Acknowledges all Professional & Scientific and Merit staff who have reached 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of continuous service.

Eligibility Criteria: Based on years of service as tracked by UHR.
Awardees Receive: A certificate and a letter of appreciation from the Office of the President.
Application Process: No application required; recognition is coordinated by HR and announced via Iowa Now. 
Deadlines: Annually as determined by UHR. 
How to Apply: No application needed. Staff Council collaborates with UHR to coordinate recognition.

Contact: staff-council@uiowa.edu 

Memorial Book Funding

Purpose / Overview: Honors University of Iowa staff members who passed away while employed, through a personalized book donation to the UI Libraries featuring a digital memorial bookplate.

Criteria: Staff Council recognizes eligible individuals by coordinating with UI Libraries to include a commemorative digital bookplate in the catalog record of a selected book.
Award Amount: The cost of the book and digital bookplate is fully covered by Staff Council.
Process: A letter is sent to the next of kin with the option to suggest a meaningful book title. The selected book is added to the University Libraries collection with a digital bookplate, serving as a lasting tribute.

Contact for Questions:
staffawards@uiowa.edu

Other Funding (General UISC Funds)

Purpose / Overview: Supports unique staff-focused initiatives or events not covered by existing funding programs.

Eligibility Criteria: Open to UI departments or individuals proposing projects that benefit staff.
Award Amount: Varies depending on request and available funds.
Deadlines: Applications accepted from August 1 to May 31 on a rolling basis.
How to Apply: Submit the UISC Funding Form

Contact for Questions: 
staff-council@uiowa.edu