A list of funded projects is now available. Mini-grant proposals are still available for submissions and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Proposals will be assessed based on:
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how well they advance the goals noted on the Call for Proposals page,
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alignment with the campus’ principles of community,
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expected impact (e.g., numbers reached),
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careful use of resources,
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ability to deliver results, and
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a balance of proposals in terms of the target audience (undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff) and range of programs/services offered.
As you consider your submissions, please note that preference will be given to:
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collaborative efforts across departments/administrative units/organizations and other entities,
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a mix of efforts with the potential for measurable/discernible impact during the spring ‘24 semester, as well as efforts that extend into FY25, and
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efforts that are potentially repeatable in more than one setting or that can potentially serve more than one audience.
FAQs:
Q: What do we mean by bias?
A: All bias, including anti-Palestinian and anti-Israeli bias, is prejudice against or hatred of an individual or group simply and solely as the result of their identity, such as their nationality, religion, ethnicity, etc. That bias usually comes with the assumption/belief that all members of that group think in the exact same way. While bias is antithetical to our Principles of Community, criticism is not. In fact, the Principles specifically support diversity of perspective, and inherent to different points of view is disagreement. However, criticism is based on, or the result of, perceived faults or mistakes, and not on the identity of the person(s) being criticized. Example: It is perfectly legitimate to criticize Russia’s actions in Ukraine, but hating or condemning all Russian people as a result, is not.
Q: Can funding be used for a religious gathering?
A: Participation in activities supported through this RFP must be open to attendance by anyone in the community. Events designed for the purposes of religious practice/observance will not be supported. However, if an event has the aim of educating the campus community about a cultural or religious practice, and is not restricted in terms of the participants’ religion/ethnicity/race/etc, it is allowable. (Restricting events to students or faculty or staff is acceptable.)
Q: The RFP emphasizes dialogues across difference, and also education about Israel and Palestine. Do projects need to address multiple perspectives/viewpoints or is it ok to focus on one viewpoint?
A: Given the focus on dialogue across difference, projects that reflect a variety of viewpoints are encouraged. That said, we recognize that educational activities may be focussed on a particular perspective/viewpoint. The proposal selection committee will aim to support a group of projects that as a whole represent a variety of perspectives, even if individual projects do not.
Q. An academic department is providing their space for free for this event. Do I need to reflect that in the budget?
A: If this is a departmental event, that is allowable and you do not need to include this in-kind cost in your budget. If this is a student event or RSO event, please consult with an OASIS advisor who can help navigate the process for requesting space from the registrar (classrooms) or space managed by Student Affairs for RSO use. Departments are generally not permitted to make space available for use by students or RSOs if that space is generally only used for departmental activities.
Q. How detailed and specific does my budget need to be?
A: Be as specific as you can, but we understand that you may not have all the details in place. If you plan to invite speakers, for example, you may include a list of possible speakers even if you don’t know which of them will be able to accept the invitation once extended. Your proposal would need to explain the criteria used to produce that list of speakers. If you request funding for food at events, you don’t need to provide an itemized menu, but you do need to explain what the events are, how many people you expect to attend, and what type of food and drink you wish to provide.