Funding proposals must fall into at least one of the following three categories:

1. Identity Awareness: Events under this category promote exploration of identity in order to increase participants' sense of self-awareness and community.
2. Skills Development: Events under this category include trainings and workshops that enhance participants' skills in creating a more welcoming and inclusive campus. This can include training around facilitation, conflict resolution, restorative practices, cultural competency, leadership and development, and teamwork.
3. Coalitions and Partnerships: Events under this category foster intentional engagement across difference by building community, collaboration, and partnerships. This can include alumni/faculty engagement activities, cross-cultural initiatives, co-sponsored events, and programs that promote dialogue and understanding across communities of difference.

The InclusionNU Fund also prioritizes proposals that:

• Are from (in order of highest priority) non-ASG recognized groups, T-status groups, and B-status groups
• Do not qualify for funding through ASG
• Provide free admission to NU community members
• Take place on campus and in accessible locations

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. However, each organization cannot receive a total of more than $1,500.00 in InclusionNU funding within one academic year.

InclusionNU Fund awards are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and are deposited into the organization's SOFO account after all required documentation is received. Please note that this is a change from previous years' process! Groups that do not submit required documentation for award disbursement will not receive their funding and will be ineligible to apply for further funding until their documentation is submitted.

The next InclusionNU Fund Deadline is October 1, 2017. Apply Here. 

InclusionNU Fund grant proposals are accepted three times a quarter, for a total of nine 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 Sundays by 11:59 PM on the following dates:

• Fall 2017
  • October 1 (for events taking place on or after October 15). 
  • October 22 (for events taking place on or after November 5)
  • November 12 (for events taking place on or after November 26)
• Winter 2018
  • January 21 (for events taking place on or after February 4)
  • February 11 (for events taking place on or after February 25)
  • March 4 (for events taking place on or after March 18)
• Spring 2018
  • April 15 (for events taking place on or after April 29)
  • May 6 (for events taking place on or after May 20)
  • May 27 (for events taking place on or after May 17)

InclusionNU Funds can be used for most student organization event-related costs, including honorariums, supplies and equipment, food, travel, and venue rental.

However, InclusionNU Funds may not be used for the following:

• Individual support. If you have requests for individual support, please contact Student Enrichment Services.
• 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.

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.

Applicants who did not receive any funding may appeal a decision made by the InclusionNU Funding Board by emailing inclusion@northwestern.edu. Appeals will be reviewed by MSA staff members who oversee the InclusionNU Fund. Appeals must be received within 48 hours of decision notification. The MSA staff committee will review and responsd to appeals within 3 business days. The decision of the MSA staff is final.

InclusionNU Fund awards are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and are deposited into an organization's SOFO account after all required documentation is received. Please note that this is a change from previous years' process!

Award letters can be presented to SOFO to allow for approved spending, up to and not to exceed the amount awarded. Groups awarded a grant mst complete a Post-Event Summary Form and turn in all receipts within 30 days of their event in order for their award to be transferred to their SOFO account.

Please contact MSA staff at inclusion@northwestern.edu with questions or for more information.