The 2026 Clay Grant application is open.
Maurice A. Clay Leadership Development Initiative Grants are awarded to circles that seek funding to provide leadership and personal development opportunities on their campus through innovative, engaging, and collaborative programming. Every year, O∆K provides ten or more grants, averaging $500, to help develop leadership programs on their campuses. In addition, two additional grants (up to $750 each) are dedicated to programs that support the leadership development of historically underrepresented and marginalized populations or seek to bring leaders together to address issues of racial and ethnic injustice in their campus community.
Apply for a 2026 Clay Grant here via Kaleidoscope.
Read more about the 2025 Clay Grant recipients here.
Important Dates for 2025-2026
- Sept. 16, 2025: Clay Grant Applications Open
- Oct. 10, 2025: Clay Grant Applications Close
- Late November: Grant applicants notified via email
- January 1, 2026: All grant programs may begin
- Nov. 30, 2026: All grant program reports and reimbursement requests are due
Eligibility
Circles must have submitted a 2025 Circle Annual Report to be eligible to apply for a 2026 Clay Grant. Circles that submitted an annual report but are suspended, inactive, or did not initiate members last year may apply. They will receive additional questions from OΔK National Headquarters before the application is considered. The list of eligible circles is available here.
Clay Grants are intended only for new programs or to add a new element to an existing program. Requests for funding that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
Informational Webinar
Developing Your Application
OΔK has developed supplemental materials to assist circles in preparing to apply for Clay Grants:
Endowed Circle Grants: Circles that have raised $10,000 or more for their circle through OΔK are eligible for a grant each year. Eligible circles are contacted directly by OΔK staff but must receive approval for the use of their funds. Circle Grants are available to the following circles for 2025-2026:
- Auburn University (Omega Circle) $1,000
- University of Richmond (Epsilon Circle) $750
- Washington and Lee University (Alpha Circle) $1,000
- Emory University $500
- Rollins College $500
Endowed Circle Programing Grant Procedures
Submit Endowed Circle Grant Request for Funds
Have a question?
Contact Jamie Bouldin, Director for Membership Services, at [email protected] or (540) 458-5348, or the National Headquarters office at [email protected] or (540) 458-5336.
