Common Ground Inclusive Community Fund
Purpose: The Common Ground Inclusive Community Fund provides financial support for new and creative approaches to promoting diversity and inclusive community on our campus. The Fund enhances the community's opportunities to engage in activities that support Principle II of the University's Strategic Plan, The Richmond Promise, which states:
The Richmond Promise seeks to ensure an inclusive campus environment that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, encourages the exchange of ideas from various perspectives, promotes open social and academic interaction, promises full access to facilities and programs, and educates against intolerance and exclusion.
Overview: The Inclusive Community Fund, previously known as the Common Ground Small Grants Program, has now been revised to reflect the values expressed in The Richmond Promise. The ICF committee will act on requests for grants ranging from $50 to $2,000 throughout the year until the annual budget is exhausted. Before submitting a request, you may consult with the Assistant Director of Common Ground to be sure your project can be considered. Applicants will be asked to specify in their grant application how their project will make our campus community more inclusive or will promote meaningful learning across differences. Any member of the campus community-staff, student, or faculty member-is welcome to apply. Past projects have included theatre productions, curricular enhancements, student or faculty-run cultural events, film screenings, and campus events focused on advocacy and social justice.
Application Process: Complete the application form and email it at least two weeks before the funds are needed to the Assistant Director, Common Ground. If you have any trouble opening the form, the application questions are listed below. In order for the application to be considered, the applicant should have a University recognized account. The Inclusive Community Fund will be administered by Common Ground, and applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of employees and students.
Funding Restrictions: As the purpose of the Fund is to enhance the diversity and inclusiveness of the campus, the following activities will not be funded:
* Activities that take place entirely off campus with minimal benefit to the UR campus or
* Individual research projects
Repeat funding requests, as well as requests earmarked for programs already in existence, may not be funded unless the funding would dramatically alter and strengthen the program as it relates to diversity and inclusion. Applicants should address specific questions on the application which refer to these circumstances.
Requirements for Funding Recipients: All fund recipients must complete a short report within one month of the completion of the event. All funded projects must list the Common Ground Inclusive Community Fund as a supporter on any print or other promotional materials produced for the event.
Application: Complete the following questions and email your responses in an attachment to Common Ground.
1. Name, contact info, title, campus affiliation of person responsible for the project.
2. Title of project and complete description of the activity.
3. What is the timeline for the project?
4. How will the goal(s) of the project advance the goals of diversity and inclusion on our campus?
5. Who do you expect your project to impact and how do you plan to reach out to them to assure their participation?
6. Have you received funding before for this same project (from the Common Ground Small Grant program)? If so, please explain why this program should be funded again.
7. Is this funding for a program that is already in existence? If so, how will the funding strengthen the program as it relates to diversity and inclusion?
8. How will you assess whether the project goals have been met?
9. Provide an itemized and detailed budget.
10. List other sources of funding that you have solicited for this project.
For additional information regarding the Common Ground Inclusive Community Fund please contact Common Ground at 804-484-1655.