Each spring, the Office of Equity and Inclusion invites applications for Campus Climate Improvement Grants, designed to support projects that foster connection, build community, and create a more inclusive campus. UMass Amherst undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and faculty—individually or in teams—are encouraged to submit creative proposals. Funded projects will launch in the following academic year.
While all grants will be equally considered, we encourage projects with a specific focus on wellness for this grant cycle. Wellness is a crucial concept on college campuses and in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) because it directly impacts student, staff, and faculty success, retention, and overall campus climate. Prioritizing wellness through inclusive policies, culturally competent support services, and community-building efforts fosters a more equitable and supportive environment where all members can succeed.
Grant Details
Awards range from $250 to $2,500 and support initiatives such as resources, events, and programming that promote dialogue and connection across differences, including race, ability, religion, immigration status, nationality, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political ideology, and campus roles (student, staff, and faculty). Strong proposals will enhance belonging and community engagement. Previously funded projects include film festivals, book clubs, mentorship networks, workshops, art exhibits, and speaker series.
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled UMass Amherst undergraduate or graduate students, or employed as University staff or faculty. Awards will be made across all campus roles, and applications are strongly encouraged.
- Student applicants must be affiliated with a registered student organization with a General Operating Fund account or have administrative support from an academic department to facilitate fund transfers.
- A letter of recommendation from the student’s sponsor or campus office collaborator (e.g., a faculty member or a representative from a university office, center, or student organization) must be included with the application.
Application Details
Please review the criteria below for application details and criteria that will be used to evaluate funding priority and eligibility.
Funding priority will be given to proposals that:
- Align with the Campus Strategic Plan by advancing goals related to fostering an inclusive campus community, improving campus climate, and organizing for success.
- Address specific challenges identified in the latest Campus Climate Survey or strategic campus or unit needs.
- Encourage cross-campus collaboration through intergroup, multi-unit, or multi-college partnerships that strengthen community-building. Examples include:
- Partnerships between multiple student organizations (graduate and undergraduate) to enhance relationships, awareness, and communication.
- Multi-college or multi-unit initiatives that collaboratively address campus climate concerns.
- Extend beyond a single office or college, engaging a broader segment of the campus community. Examples include:
- Resources that increase inclusion for underrepresented students.
- A campus-wide learning community focused on skill-building and application.
- A conversation series bringing together students, staff, and faculty to foster connection and mutual understanding.
- Demonstrate sustained impact beyond the grant period, such as:
- Teaching or performance innovations that promote inclusivity.
- Learning communities or long-term resources that contribute to climate improvement.
While one-time events will be considered, applicants must clearly demonstrate their potential impact on campus climate.
Proposals will be assessed based on:
- Alignment with Campus Strategic Plan goals
- Relevance to campus climate improvement
- Strength and depth of intergroup collaboration
- Scope and nature of impact
- Strength of partnerships supporting the project
- For larger grants, the potential for sustained impact
- Grants are awarded as one-time seed funding and will not be renewed for previously funded projects.
- Existing events or activities already supported by other funding sources will not be prioritized.
- If extending or adapting an existing initiative, applicants must clearly outline how the grant will enhance or expand the project’s scope and impact in alignment with grant priorities.
- Applicants should consider the long-term sustainability of their project, including potential partnerships and future funding sources.
Sample Budget Form
Sample budget for a $500 grant:
| Item | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Resource | Resource creation | $400 |
| Supplies | Event Supplies | $100 |
| TOTAL | $500 |
| Item | Description | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | Burgstahler's "Universal Design in Higher Education: From Principles to Practice" at $34/copy x 16 people Evans, Broido, Brown, and Wilke's "Disability in Higher Education: A Social Justice Approach" at $28.28/copy x 16 peopl |
$1,000 | |
| Refreshments |
|
$700 | |
| Workshop Trainer | Workshop fee for external Universal Design Learning expert trainer for three workshop sessions | $1,800 | |
| Subtotal | $3,500 | ||
| Cost Sharing | Center for Student Success Research Contribution | $1,000 | |
| TOTAL REQUEST | $2,500 |
Please upload this completed form with your application.