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InclusionNU Fund

The InclusionNU Fund is a grant distributed by Campus Inclusion and Community (CIC) that supports registered Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University student organizations in implementing programs and initiatives that align with the mission of supporting marginalized NU student communities and creating an inclusive and welcoming campus.

Priorities

Funding proposals must fall into at least one of the following three categories:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ students and the Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ community
  • Do not receive funding through ASG
  • Provide free admission to NU community members

Eligibility

All Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University student organizations with an active SOFO account are eligible to apply for funding. Groups are permitted to submit one proposal per funding cycle. Each organization can be awarded a maximum of $2,000 in InclusionNU Funding in one academic year.

Groups awarded a grant previously must complete the following to receive their award distribution:
  • A  
  • Turn in all required documentation within 14 days of their event. Please refer to the “Receiving an Award” section for details about required documents.
  • 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.

2024-25 InclusionNU Grant Timeline

2024-2025 InclusionNU Grant Timeline
Funding Cycle Application Opens Application Closes
(Deadline to apply that quarter)
Winter Sunday, January 12 at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 15 @ 11:00 PM
Spring Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 PM Saturday, May 24 @ 11:00 PM

Limitations

InclusionNU funds can be used for most event-related costs, including honoraria, supplies and equipment, food, travel, and venue rental. 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 (SAAF).
  • 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 CIC'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 applicants are notified of the Funding Board's decision within one week of their submission.

Receiving an Award

  • Award agreements must be signed and returned within one 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 14 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/purchase documentation: receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.

Contact

Please contact CIC staff at inclusion-nu@u.northwestern.edu with questions or for more information.