Diversity and Inclusion Grassroots Initiatives Grants

Do you have an idea for fostering diversity, inclusion, equity, or belonging at the UG? You can receive funding for this project from the D&I Office! Find out more below. Applications are due by 31 January 2025.

The Call

The Diversity & Inclusion Office invites students (BA or MA) at the University of Groningen to develop initiatives that foster belonging and inclusion. To encourage these initiatives, the D&I Office offers small grants for initiatives that advance diversity, equity and inclusion at the UG in an innovative way. Grassroots initiatives are initiatives that are initiated from the community itself.

Initiatives should identify and address a challenge around (any element of) diversity, inclusion, equity or belonging at the University. Grants are awarded to those who aim to have a direct impact on the (whole) University.

For example, the funds can be applied for the following:

• Developing a podcast featuring the voices of first generation students

• Establishing an online course to teach about LGBTQIA+ allyship in the classroom

• Drawing on the experience of the UG’s disability community to produce disability etiquette training videos

• Organizing an activity with an invited speaker

• Organizing a support group for students with chronic health issues

• Organizing a panel discussion to bridge the connection between international and Dutch students

• Or, preferably, something innovative you come up with. Feel free to use your creativity!

Grant amount: Up to €250

Applicants (individuals or groups) must be current undergraduate or graduate students at the University of Groningen in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Expectations

Grant recipients will be expected to:

• Implement their initiative in the Spring semester of the 2024-2025 academic year

• Have their initiative showcased on the University website, and provide text and/or images regarding the project

• Include affected communities in the project design and implementation when relevant

• Remain in contact with the D&I Office during the project

• Submit a short report (one page) on the outcomes of the initiative

• Provide receipts and invoices for money spent

Application

Deadline: Friday 31 January at 23:59.

In order to apply, please submit to diversity rug.nl:

• A completed proposal using this template

• A short video (maximum of 5 minutes) presenting your proposal

• While not required, it would be preferable to submit a letter of endorsement from the D&I Officer or a staff member at your Faculty.

Before submitting your proposal, please answer the following Self-Check Questions for yourself:

• Is the project feasible within the given timeframe?

• Does it fit within the D&I mission/vision of the University?

• Are there free alternatives available within the University system? (e.g. for borrowing needed equipment)

For more information, please contact diversity rug.nl.

Selection Criteria

In the review process, we will prioritize applications that:

• Focus on (elements of) belonging, equity and inclusion (with specific attention to addressing something that is currently causing exclusion)

• Demonstrate significant impact at the University of Groningen (if possible, as a whole - as opposed to only within one Faculty or association)

• Develop a product that can be utilized in multiple contexts

• Contribute to an increased sense of inclusion

• Represent a new or different approach to fostering inclusion

• Present a clear plan for the implementation of the initiative

• Align the initiative with the University/D&I Office vision

• Include affected communities in the project design and implementation (where relevant)

The selection process will take place in February 2025. A review committee will review proposals and identify finalists. There may be a round of presentations to a judging panel and Q&A.