Applications open for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026!

Up to Us has partnered with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) to offer a micro-grant of $200 to moderators* who host a forum using one of the following NIF issue guides

• Youth and Opportunity: This guide asks: What we should do to address unprecedented challenges that may hinder future generations from leading successful and economically secure lives
• A House Divided: Every American is affected by the divisions and outrage that prevent us from making progress on urgent problems. This issue guide is designed to help people deliberate together about how we should approach the issue.
• A Nation in Debt: This issue guide asks: What should we do to shrink the national debt? In addressing it, we have many things to con- sider and weigh.
• Health Care 2020: High health-care costs affect all Americans, often in deeply personal ways. This guide is designed to help people deliberate together about how we should approach the issue. 

In addition to your microgrant, you will receive moderator training tools including tips and tricks for hosting a successful virtual forum and exclusive access to the downloadable NIFI guide, all while building the skills to tackle today’s tough issues.
*Moderators must be affiliated with an accredited US-based college or university to be considered eligible for the micro-grant. Individual can be a student, faculty, or admin associated with the college/university. 

Microgrants will be distributed through our ePayment system (bill.com). On the second page of the application, you will be prompted to select how you would like to receive your grant if accepted. We strongly encourage choosing ePayment as that is the quickest and easiest way to receive payment. You can read more about how to set up an account here, with additional details on connecting your account and Payment Network ID here. Please reach out to info@netimpact.org if you have any questions.