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 initiatives for NU students
- Proposals must align with one of InclusionNU's priority areas:
- Community & Belonging
- Wellness
- Education and Awareness
- All Northwestern University student organizations with an active NU Chartstring are eligible to apply to the InclusionNU Fund
- Proposals are accepted three times (fall, winter, spring) throughout the academic year
- Proposals must be for events that occur within the application open and close timeframe
- Events that occur outside the timeframe will not be considered
- Events that occur during winter break, spring break, or summer break are not eligible to apply
- Events that charge admission and/or supply alcohol will not be considered
- Student organizations can submit one application per quarter
- Each group can be awarded a maximum of $2,000 in one academic year
- Groups will be notified of their award decision within one week of their submission
- Awards are distributed in two parts:
- 50% of funding will be transferred upon submission of a signed agreement
- The remaining amount will be transferred upon submission of the Post-Event Summary Form
- The Post-Event Summary Form must be submitted within 14 days of the event's closing. After review, the remaining funds will be transferred to the provided chartstring within 72 hours
- InclusionNU Fund grants do not roll over to the following quarter or the following academic year
- Events that provide an accessibility plan will be given preference
- Events that do not receive ASG funding will be given preference
Priorities
Funding proposals must fall into at least one of three priorities:
- Community and Belonging: Events under this category promote creating an inclusive community amongst Northwestern students.
- Wellness: Events under this category enhance overall well-being within at least one of eight dimensions of wellness: maintaining wellness and/or increasing participants' understanding of the scope of wellness.
- 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. 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 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 their event. Please refer to “Receiving an Award” for details about required documents
- Groups that do not submit required documentation by the 14-day deadline will not receive their funding
InclusionNU Grant Timeline
InclusionNU Application Open and Close Timeline
| Funding Cycle |
Application Opens |
Application Closes
(Deadline to apply that quarter) |
| FALL 2025 |
Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 PM CST |
Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 PM CST |
| WINTER 2026 |
Sunday, January 11 at 2:00 PM CST |
Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 PM CST |
| SPRING 2026 |
Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 PM CST |
Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 PM CST |
Limitations
InclusionNU funds can be used for most event-related costs including 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:
- Honoraria
- Merchandise
- Events that charge admission and/or involve 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 Funding Board 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 the Funding Board's decision within one week of their submission.
Receiving an Award
- Award agreements must be signed and returned within one week to confirm your award. Upon receipt, 50% of the award will be transferred to the group's NU chartstring within 72 hours.
- 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 for the remaining award to be transferred to the group's NU Chartstring.
- Required post-event documentation includes:
- Attendance record
- Expenses spreadsheet
- Payment/purchase documentation: receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.
Contact