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  • Axe of Service Microgrants

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Email:
Gracie.Rechkemmer​@nau.edu
 

 

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Axe of Service Microgrants—funding to support student-led, youth-focused service projects in Flagstaff.

Apply Now

Apply Now: Axe of Service Microgrants  

The NAU Center for Service & Volunteerism (CSV) is now accepting applications for the Axe of Service Microgrants—funding to support student-led, youth-focused service projects in Flagstaff. 

  • Open to Flagstaff students ages 13-25 
  • Up to $500 available per project 
  • Projects must be student-led and youth-focused, and address a community need 
  • Projects must take place during the Spring 2026 semester.  

Do you have an idea that could make a difference in the Flagstaff community? Microgrants can support many kinds of service projects, including: 

  • Student Organization Projects – Grow your club’s service agenda 
  • Course-Based Projects – Turn that class assignment into a real-world experience 
  • Passion Projects – Take your idea and run with it! 

Service is defined as: 

“Acts intended to benefit people and/or communities by enhancing connections and relationships to address issues and strengthen communities.”
(from the 2024 report, Leveraging the Potential of Youth Service) 

Allowable expenses: transportation, food, supplies, printing, space rental, parking passes, and more.
 

Not allowed: alternative break trips, direct donations to organizations, re-gifting funds, support for political campaigns, candidates, parties, or political issues; OR salary support or institutional overhead 

CSV will host info sessions to answer questions and guide applicants through the process. Register for an upcoming Teams session to learn more! 

[Info Session Links] 

Friday, September 18 @ 1PM: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/964699ce-e874-4fd1-bd80-bd473e599060@27d49e9f-89e1-4aa0-99a3-d35b57b2ba03?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog 

Monday, September 28 @ 4 PM: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/a0be8e21-f48d-4423-a2c5-ec62f8cc0b30@27d49e9f-89e1-4aa0-99a3-d35b57b2ba03?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog 

Friday, October 9 @ 1 PM: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/999d74ae-4af3-4ddd-a3ff-2400bea2cb1e@27d49e9f-89e1-4aa0-99a3-d35b57b2ba03?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog 

Friday, October 23 @ 1 PM: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/38c33e42-cf93-4ff2-a029-8e525c59c122@27d49e9f-89e1-4aa0-99a3-d35b57b2ba03?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Applications are open to Flagstaff high school and college student organizations (clubs, athletic teams, etc.). Each group must include at least 3 students (ages 13–25) and have an adult mentor or faculty sponsor. 

Applications are submitted online through a short Qualtrics form. The form asks about your group, your project idea, beneficiaries, budget, and how you’ll measure success. 

Applications are due by November 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified of funding by December 2026.

All microgrant funds must be used by April 15, 2027. If your funds are spent but your event happens after April 15, that may be approved on a case-by-case basis. 

Not at all! You can request anywhere from $50–$500, depending on your project needs. Big or small, we want to hear your ideas. 

At least 3 students (ages 13–25) must be involved in planning and leading the project. We encourage you to recruit more students and volunteers to help make an even bigger impact. 

Let NAU CSV know if you have unspent funds so we can reallocate them to support other student projects. 

Applications are scored by NAU’s Student Service Ambassadors using the following criteria:  

  • Is the project clearly student-led?  
  • Does it address a community need?  
  • How well is the project described?  
  • Who will benefit from the project?   
  • Will the project engage other youth? 
  • Is the project realistic to accomplish in the timeframe and with the funds requested?  
  • Is there a plan to track the results and impacts of the project? 

CSV will host info sessions on Teams to answer questions and guide you through the process. You can also reach out directly to CSV staff for support— email gracie.rechkemmer@nau.edu with any questions. 

Yes! Partnerships are encouraged and may strengthen your application, as long as the project remains student-led and youth-driven. 

Recipients agree to: 

  • Keep CSV updated on project progress, challenges, and successes 
  • Keep track of project results and how funds are used and submit a brief report at the end of the project. 
  • Share your results at the spring recognition event (Date TBD) 
  • Log your volunteer hours on the Axe of Service platform (CSV staff will train you on how to do this!) 

We’re looking for creative, student-led service projects that strengthen the community. As long as your project meets our definition of service and follows the funding rules, it could be a great fit. 

Examples include: 

  • Hosting or collaborating on a community event or program 
  • Providing transportation for volunteers 
  • Running a donation or supply drive for a community partner 
  • Purchasing supplies to support service (e.g., shovels for snow removal, paint for community improvements) 
  • Creating hands-on learning opportunities that bring youth and community together 

At the end of the spring semester, funded groups will attend a recognition event to share their project outcomes, celebrate achievements, and connect with other student leaders. Each group should designate at least 2 student representatives to give a short presentation. 

 

2025 – 2026  Microgrant Recipients

Educating community members on natural antibacterial methods for healing wounds.

 

Educating community members on cyber security and digital education through workshops.

FALA Capstone Project: Engaging local students in music by refurbishing instruments for future student use.

FALA Civics Club: Conducting voter registration drives and education efforts in local schools.

FALA LUNA Club: Engaging local students in learning about Latin American heritage through arts and crafts.

FALA National Music Honor Society: Collaborating with elementary schools to create a mural that will engage students in music and art.

 

Hosting a “Thrifty Threads” event to promote sustainability, resource-sharing, and clothing repair at NAU.

Building a community garden at NPA to engage students in nutrition and gardening. 

 

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