InclusionNU Fund
2024-2025 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 involve alcohol are not eligible to apply.
- Student organizations can submit one application per quarter.
- Each group can be awarded a maximum of $1,500 in one academic year.
- Groups will be notified of their award decision within one week of their submission.
- Awards are distributed on a reimbursement basis. Groups who receive the award must make purchases on a deficit basis.
- Once the program has concluded, a Post-Event Summary Form with required documents must be submitted within 14 days; only then will the award amount be transferred to the groups’ NU chartstring.
- InclusionNU Fund grants do not roll over to the following quarter or the following academic year.
Priorities
Funding proposals must fall into at least one of the following three categories:
- 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.
The InclusionNU Fund also prioritizes proposals that:
- Include an accessibility plan
- Do not receive funding through ASG
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 $1,500 in InclusionNU Funding in one academic year.Groups awarded a grant must complete the following to receive their award distribution:
- A Post-Event Summary Form
- 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.
2024-25 InclusionNU Grant Timeline
2024-2025 InclusionNU Grant Timeline
| Funding Cycle |
Application Opens |
Application Closes
(Deadline to apply that quarter) |
| Spring |
Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 PM CST |
Saturday, May 24 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
- 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 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 NU Chartstring 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 NU Chartstring.
- Required post-event documentation includes:
- Attendance record
- Expenses spreadsheet
- Payment/purchase documentation: receipts, contracts, invoices, etc.
Contact