OEI Seeks Proposals for Campus Climate Improvement Grants

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The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is accepting applications through March 29 from undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff members for 2024-25 Campus Climate Improvement Grants. 

Ranging from $250 to $2,500, Campus Climate Improvement Grants support projects that help build community and create a more inclusive campus. Applicants are encouraged to submit their creative ideas addressing challenges to climate and belonging, either on campus or in the local community. Previously funded projects have included film series, book clubs, workshops, art exhibits, lectures, events and more.

“This presents an invaluable opportunity for individuals to leverage their passions and skills, actively recognizing and tactfully confronting the ongoing challenges to campus climate,” says Linda Ziegenbein, director for the Strategic Advancement of Equity and Campus Climate.

Proposals that clearly reflect the challenges and needs for the community as assessed from the Campus Climate Survey will be given priority. OEI is also seeking projects that are likely to yield a more sustained climate improvement and engagement and that involve members across the campus community. Special consideration will be given to projects that encourage participation and coordination between two or more areas, schools, departments, organizations or groups.

“Sustainable and impactful transformation within our community cannot solely originate from the top-down,” adds Ziegenbein. “It necessitates engagement from each one of us. Since the inception of this initiative in 2018, our students and staff have utilized these grants to pioneer remarkable endeavors, with some initiatives extending far beyond their initial scope.”

Prior to application – and in order to be eligible – prospective grantees will be required to watch a short informational video and meet with Ziegenbein or Emmanuel Adero, deputy chief officer for Equity and Inclusion, to discuss proposal parameters.

Complete application information, including the video and links to schedule sessions with Ziegenbein or Adero, can be found on the OEI Campus Climate Improvements Grants webpage.