Office of Equity and Inclusion Seeks Proposals for Campus Climate Improvement Grants

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The Office of Equity and Inclusion is accepting applications for 2021-22 Campus Climate Improvement Grants. Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit their creative ideas for thoughtfully addressing challenges to climate and belonging, either local or campus wide.

These grants, ranging from $250 to $2,500, are intended to support projects that help build community and create a more inclusive campus. The funded projects previously have included film series, book clubs, workshops, art exhibits, lectures, events and more.

“Our 2016 survey and other assessments gave us an understanding of climate challenges on a campus-wide and unit-wide level,” says Emmanuel Adero. “This initiative is an opportunity for members of the UMass community to identify and address challenges they observe in their day-to-day, challenges that maybe don’t shown up in our broader data. It’s an opportunity for people to implement methods for building build community in ways that reflect their immediate communities.”

Priority will be given to those proposals that are likely to yield a more sustained climate improvement and 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.

The deadline for applications is Friday, March 19, end of day. Prospective applicants must watch an on-demand informational video to learn more about the grant application and attend one of three scheduled Q&A sessions to be eligible to apply. The information sessions will be held via zoom on Tuesday, March 9 at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 10 at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 16 at 3:30 p.m. Those unable to attend the scheduled sessions should attend Emmanuel Adero’s weekly office hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. Video, information session zoom links, and application can be found at https://www.umass.edu/diversity/initiatives/campus-climate-improvement-grants.