GCHT 2026 Campus Engagement Funds

Human trafficking is not a problem confined to a single discipline, and combating it effectively requires knowledge, methods, and perspectives that span the full range of academic inquiry. To that end, this fund invites faculty, staff, and students from across campus to develop projects that examine human trafficking through the lens of their own disciplinary expertise, wherever those intersections may be found: in law, public health, business, communication, the arts, technology, social work, education, and other disciplines. Applicants are not expected to have prior expertise in human trafficking; rather, they are encouraged to explore how their disciplinary knowledge can contribute to understanding, preventing, or responding to human trafficking.

The fund's central purpose is to expand knowledge and experience on human trafficking at these disciplinary intersections, and to encourage the advancement of interdisciplinary methodologies, pedagogies, research, and collaboration. The fund also seeks to empower students as emerging scholars, practitioners, and leaders by supporting projects that foster experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative approaches to address human trafficking.

The expected outcome of the proposal should contribute to strengthening the mission of the Global Center on Human Trafficking and can include research-oriented projects, fostering research networks in and outside of the university, professional training, workshops, lecture series, a reading group, pedagogical technologies, curriculum development, student engagement initiatives, creative works, digital resources, etc.

OPEN TO 
Faculty, Staff, and currently enrolled Students at Montclair State University and Bloomfield College 

ALL DISCIPLINES 
We welcome proposals from any field of study. No prior expertise in human trafficking is required. 

SELECTION PROCESS: 
All Montclair State and Bloomfield College faculty, staff, and currently enrolled students are eligible to apply for funding. Fields of study could include any theme that transcends departmental/disciplinary lines, but should be relevant to the study of human trafficking. 

Applications will include a detailed proposal (no more than 2 pages) highlighting the area(s) of interest and the means of examination or exploration. Proposals should include a detailed budget of expected expenses and identify the central guiding question or topic, the scope of the proposed project, and the expected final outcome. Each group proposal should identify one point person who will serve as the liaison to the Global Center on Human Trafficking and be responsible for all communications regarding outcomes and expenses. Proposals will be evaluated based on their relevance to the study of human trafficking, alignment with GCHT’s mission, feasibility, potential impact, innovation, and appropriate use of funds.

Proposals will be reviewed by a committee, and funded initiatives will be asked to showcase their work at a GCHT-sponsored campus event at the conclusion of the academic year. A final report on the outcome of the proposed project should be presented to the Center by June 1.

PROPOSAL CRITERIA 
- All funds used by end of Workday calendar 
- All funding must be spent by May 15.
- Final report due June 1 
- Outlines relevance to human trafficking, mission alignment, feasibility, impact & innovation. 
- Maximum 2-page proposal, incl. project budget 

COLLABORATION 
Apply individually or as a team—collaboration is welcomed but not required. 2026  

TOTAL 2026 AWARDS AMOUNT: $11,000 
- Faculty/Staff Maximum Award: $2,000 per fiscal/academic year
- Student Maximum Award: $500 

WHAT CAN BE FUNDED? 
- Events, workshops & lecture series 
- Food and refreshments for events
- Workshop materials & supplies 
- Venue costs 
- Guest speakers 
- Honoraria for guest speakers (travel, meals, housing)
- Curriculum & program development 
- Student engagement activities 
- Creative works & digital resources 
- NOTE: Proposals to fund travel alone will not be sufficient. Travel must be connected to a project, initiative, or an on-campus activity.

TIMELINE
- Deadline for submissions: Friday 9/25 @ Noon
- Submit via email to gcht@montclair.edu
- Notification to applicants: Monday 10/12

For questions about the GCHT Campus Engagement Fund, please contact gcht@montclair.edu.