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Overview

In 2026, the Educating Character Initiative (ECI) will award grants to U.S. colleges and universities that are committed to developing the moral, civic, and intellectual character of their faculty, staff, and students.

We anticipate awarding:

These grants provide institutions with the time, resources, and freedom to determine the character education that works best in their context.

Priority will be given to applications that show:

ECI will also provide context-specific support from Wake Forest staff, fellows, and consultants.

Read a PDF of the complete Request for Proposals, including additional details, linked below:

Read the full Invitation to Community and 2026 RFP


Grant Opportunities

1. Institutional Impact Grants

These grants are well-suited for institutions that:

Applications are welcome from:

Key Dates

2. Capacity-Building Grants

These grants are designed for institutions that:

Applications are welcome from:

Key Dates:

Information Sessions

The ECI will host online information sessions to help applicants understand the opportunities available.


Deadlines at a Glance


How to Apply


Contact

Please direct any questions to ECI@wfu.edu. Our staff is committed to learning from, with, and for the ECI Community — including those of you who are applying for grants. We want to partner with you in a shared effort and movement to educate character in colleges and universities.