InclusionNU Fund
Overview
The InclusionNU Fund is a grant distributed by Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) that supports registered Northwestern University student organizations in implementing programs and initiatives that align with MSA's mission of supporting marginalized communities and creating an inclusive and welcoming campus.
- Proposals must align with one of InclusionNU's priority areas: Identity Development, Wellness, or Education and Awareness.
- All Northwestern University student organizations with active SOFO accounts are eligible to apply to the InclusionNU Fund.
- Proposals are accepted 3 times a quarter (Weeks 2, 4, and 6), for a total of 9 funding cycles during the academic year.
- Proposals must be for events occurring at least two weeks after the funding deadline.
- Each group can be awarded a maximum of $2,000 in one academic year.
- Awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Groups awarded a grant must complete a Post-Event Summary Form and turn in all required documentation within 30 days of their event in order to receive their award funds.
- Groups will be notified of their award decision within 2 weeks of the funding deadline.
Priorities
Funding proposals must fall into at least one of the following three categories:
- Identity Development: Events under this category promote the exploration of social identity in order to increase participants' self-awareness and sense of community. Event goals can include increasing participants' sense of confidence and pride in their identity; enhancing participants' sense of belonging on campus; and developing relationships and a sense of identity among members of an identity-based community.
- Wellness: Events under this category enhance the overall well-being of marginalized communities within at least one of eight dimensions of wellness: physical, spiritual, financial, psychological, social, environmental, occupational, and/or intellectual. Event goals can include increasing participants' understanding of practices for maintaining wellness; increasing participants' understanding of the scope of wellness and how it can be impacted by identity; and increasing participants' understanding of the way systemic issues have created disparities in wellness among different communities.
- Education and Awareness: Events under this category promote understanding across difference through dialogue and education. Event goals can include increasing participants' knowledge of a specific issue or community; and building relationships and coalitions across communities.
The InclusionNU Fund also prioritizes proposals that:
- Focus their impact on Northwestern students and the Northwestern community
- Do not receive funding through ASG
- Provide free admission to NU community members
Eligibility
All Northwestern University student organizations with an active SOFO account are eligible to apply for funding. Groups may submit multiple proposals within one funding cycle, as well as across multiple funding cycles.
Each organization can be awarded a maximum of of $2,000 in InclusionNU Funding in one academic year.Groups awarded a grant previously must complete a
Post-Event Summary Form and turn in all required documentation within 30 days of their event in order to receive their award distribution. Groups that do not submit required documentation by the deadline will not receive their funding and will be ineligible to apply for further funding until their documentation is submitted.
Important Dates
InclusionNU Fund grant proposals are accepted 3 times a quarter (Weeks 2, 4, and 6), for a total of 9 funding cycles during the academic year. Proposals must be for events/initiatives that occur at least two weeks after the funding cycle deadline.
Applications are due on Fridays by 12:00 PM (noon) Central Time on the following dates:
2022-2023 InclusionNU Funding Deadlines
|
Funding Cycle
|
Deadline
|
For events on or after...
|
Decision Notification
|
|
Fall 1 (Week 2)
|
September 30
|
October 14
|
October 14
|
|
Fall 2 (Week 4)
|
October 14
|
October 28
|
October 28
|
|
Fall 3 (Week 6)
|
October 28
|
November 11
|
November 11
|
|
Winter 1 (Week 2)
|
January 13
|
January 27
|
January 27
|
|
Winter 2 (Week 4)
|
January 27
|
February 10
|
February 10
|
|
Winter 3 (Week 6)
|
February 10
|
February 24
|
February 24
|
|
Spring 1 (Week 2)
|
April 7
|
April 21
|
April 21
|
|
Spring 2 (Week 4)
|
April 21
|
May 5
|
May 5
|
|
Spring 3 (Week 6)
|
May 5
|
May 19
|
May 19
|
Limitations
InclusionNU funds can be used for most event-related costs, including honorariums, supplies and equipment, food, travel, and venue rental. InclusionNU funds may also be used to facilitate virtual programming and events, including expenses related to technology licenses, equipment, and accessibility.
InclusionNU funds may not be used for the following:
- Individual support. Individual support requests should be submitted through the Student Activities Assistance Fund (SASF).
- Events where alcohol is available or allowed.
- Student tuition, books, fees, etc.
- Late fees and penalties (ex: SOFO check rushing fee).
- Fundraising events.
- Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use.
- Payments that fail to comply with SOFO policy. This includes Illinois state sales tax. Please visit the SOFO website to ensure your event's expenses are in compliance with SOFO policy.
Review
- Each proposal will be reviewed by the InclusionNU Funding Board based on alignment with MSA's mission and the fund's priorities.
- The amount awarded to each group will also be based on funding availability and the amount of proposals received during each grant cycle.
- Proposals are not guaranteed to receive an award.
- Proposals are reviewed and applications are notified of the Funding Board's decisions within two weeks of the funding deadline.
Receiving an Award
- Award agreements must be signed and returned within a week of receipt in order to confirm your award.
- Award letters should be presented to SOFO to allow for deficit spending, up to and not to exceed the amount awarded.
- InclusionNU Fund awards are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and are deposited into an organization's SOFO account after all required documentation is received.
- Groups awarded a grant must complete a Post-Event Summary Form and turn in all required documentation within 30 days of their event in order for their award to be transferred to their SOFO account.
- Required post-event documentation includes:
- Attendance record
- Expenses spreadsheet
- Payment documentation: SOFO audit trail, receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.
Contact