Higher Education

Prejudice to Pluralism

A Cohort for Addressing Antisemitism & Islamophobia

Apply by May 29, 2026

Background

In light of the alarming rise of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry in the United States, our nation needs data-backed solutions to address prejudice and polarization. At Interfaith America (IA), we know that investing in pluralism reduces prejudice. We also believe that universities are among the best-positioned institutions to model pluralistic responses to these urgent challenges by bringing people together from diverse identities and divergent ideologies to collaborate for a common good.

Cohort for Senior Leaders

As an expression of our commitment to addressing this challenge, IA is launching a second year of the Prejudice to Pluralism campus cohort. This initiative equips senior administrators with the knowledge and resources to address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice by cultivating a campus climate grounded in respect for diverse identities, mutually inspiring relationships, and meaningful cooperation across deep differences. The cohort will consist of eight campuses, each represented by teams of three senior administrators. IA will host an initial in-person convening for the cohort on August 6-9, 2026 at the Interfaith Leadership Summit in Chicago. After the convening, each campus will receive grants of up to $25,000 for the implementation of projects grounded in the principles of pluralism and designed to reduce antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of bigotry. These projects, along with regular convenings (virtual and one additional in-person) will be implemented during the 2026-27 academic year. Teams will also be expected to produce a culminating strategic plan.

Details

Application Information

This grant seeks campus-based projects that:

Address both antisemitism and Islamophobia through co-curricular efforts
Build on existing support structures for pluralism and interfaith cooperation 
Develop programming that connects to IA’s pluralism approach: fostering respect for diverse identities, cultivating relationships across lines of difference, and creating opportunities for cooperation on matters of shared concern
Directly engage the university community and support student leadership

Applications for participation in the Prejudice to Pluralism Cohort are due on May 29, 2026. The universities accepted into the cohort will be announced on June 22, 2026. Grant projects and activities should be completed by June 18, 2027.

Funding Information

Funding Information

Grants may be awarded up to a sum of $25,000 per campus
After acceptance and before the project proposal, applicants should be prepared to request a specific amount of $25,000 or less in their application. A detailed budget is not required, but grantees should indicate how the requested funds will be used.  
IA is amenable to grantees using up to 10% of disbursed grant funds for operational costs if needed.
The grantee is responsible for understanding and navigating their institutional or organizational grant processes.

Restrictions

Grant funds may not be used for: 

Alcohol
Expenses associated with political campaign activities, including directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office; making contributions to political campaigns; or attempting to influence legislation (i.e., lobbying) 
Capital funds or expenses (e.g., endowments, capital campaigns, annual funds, tuition, or student fees)
While not restricted, IA generally does not fund grantees to use a large portion of their funds for IA’s fee-for-service offerings, such as campus consultations or speaking engagement fees.

Deliverables

Attend and participate in-person in the From Prejudice to Pluralism track at the Interfaith America Summit (August 6-9, 2026), and in a second in-person convening in January 2027
Participate virtually in a welcome session and five convenings through the grant period
Create and submit a project proposal
Creation of a strategic plan for promoting pluralism
Submit media related to the project (i.e. news articles, university media mentions, etc.) as well as any significant resources or tools created during the project. Kindly credit Interfaith America in any media or resources.
Submit mid-year progress report and final report surveys, provided by IA
Participate in two 1:1 advising calls with IA staff, provided by IA
Participation in two 1:1 advising calls with IA staff

Application Review & Selection

Through its cohort programs, Interfaith America is committed to supporting initiatives that meaningfully engage people with a range of religious, philosophical, or ideological perspectives as well as diverse racial and ethnic identities.

The selection committee, comprised of IA staff, will conduct a review of applications. In this process, the committee will consider the full application, including Statement of Interest and institutional information.
In evaluating applications, the committee will assess the extent to which applicants demonstrate a commitment to pluralism and engagement across difference. Additional considerations will include institutional background and type, as well as the range of identities and perspectives reflected in the applicant pool. These factors will help guide final selection decisions among the highest-ranking applications.

Program Timeline

Applications due (Friday, May 29, 2026)
Announcement of cohort participants (Monday, June 22, 2026)
Virtual Welcome Session (Late June 2026)
First in-person convening in Chicago (August 6-9, 2026)
Project proposal submissions (Friday, September 18, 2026)
Feedback on project proposals (Wednesday, October 7, 2026)
First installment of grants distributed (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)
Virtual convening (Tuesday, October 13, 2026)
Virtual convening (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)
Mid-year reports due (Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2027)
Second in-person convening (Tuesday- Wednesday, Jan. 26-27, 2027)
Feedback on Mid-year reports (Monday, Feb. 15, 2027)
Second installment of grants distributed (Monday, Feb. 22, 2027)
Virtual convening (Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2027)
Virtual convening (Tuesday, April 20, 2027)
Final virtual convening (Friday, June 18, 2027)
Final Report due (Friday, June 18, 2027)
Strategic Plan Submission (TBD – Fall 2027)

Related Resources

Interfaith America’s Pluralism Framework

Interfaith America’s work to unlock the potential of American religious diversity has been grounded in a steady vision for pluralism.

Guide for Applying to Interfaith America Grants and Fellowships

Learn what makes a strong grant proposal to Interfaith America.

Fostering Pluralism in Higher Education: A Playbook for Senior Leaders

An actionable resource designed to equip senior leaders to champion cooperative campus cultures.

higher education

Apply by May 29

A cohort to equip senior administrators with the knowledge and resources to address antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice on campus.