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InclusionNU Fund

INCLUSIONNU FUND APPLICATION

The InclusionNU Fund is a grant distributed by Campus Inclusion and Community (CIC) that supports registered Northwestern University student organizations in implementing programs and events for NU students.

Priorities

Funding proposals must fall into at least one of three priorities:
  1. Community and Belonging: Events under this category promote creating an inclusive community amongst Northwestern students. 
  2. Wellness: Events under this category enhance overall well-being 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 and/or increasing participants' understanding of the scope of wellness.
  3. Education and Awareness: Events under this category promote understanding through dialogue and education. Event goals can include building relationships and coalitions across communities. 

Eligibility

All Northwestern University student organizations with an active NU Chartstring are eligible to apply for funding. Each organization can be awarded a maximum of $2,000 in InclusionNU Funding in one academic year.

Groups awarded a grant must complete the following to receive their award distribution:
  • Return a signed agreement form
  • Complete a Post-Event Summary Form
  • Turn in all required documentation within 14 days of the event's closing. Please refer to “Receiving an Award” for details about required documents
  • Groups that do not submit required documentation within the 14-day deadline will not receive funding

Limitations

InclusionNU funds can be used for most event-related costs including supplies and equipment, food, travel, lodging, 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:

  • Honoraria
  • Merchandise/Swag
  • Events that include alcohol
  • Events not centered on NU students
  • Individual support (see Student Activities Assistance Fund (SAAF) 
  • 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 Fund based on alignment with 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 a decision within one week of their submission

Receiving an Award

  • Award agreements must be signed and returned within one week to confirm the award. Upon receipt, 50% of the award will be transferred to the group's NU chartstring within one week
  • Award letters should be presented to SOFO to allow for deficit spending up to and not to exceed 50% of the awarded amount
  • The Post-Event Summary Form must be completed within 14 days of the event's completion for the remaining award to be transferred to the group's NU Chartstring
  • The InclusionNU Fund will reply to the Post-Event Summary within one week of its submission
  • Required post-event documentation includes:
    • Attendance record
    • Expenses spreadsheet
    • Payment/purchase documentation: receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.

Contact

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