The Strategic Equity & Anti-Racism (StEAR) Enhancement Fund – Faculty and Staff Stream provides funding for faculty and/or staff-led initiatives that seek to advance UBC’s equity and anti-racism priorities.
At a glance
Who can apply?
Faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan
How much is available?
$500 – $7,500 per project
When are the application cycles?
Fall 2026: September 29 – October 16, 2026
Winter 2027: January 26 – February 12, 2027
Funding overview
The StEAR Enhancement Fund – Faculty and Staff stream supports staff and faculty-led initiatives that advance equity and anti-racism priorities across UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. Guided by UBC’s StEAR Framework and Roadmap for Change, the fund is intended to foster community-led projects that contribute to more equitable, inclusive, and socially just campus communities.
Jointly administered by the Office of the Vice-President, Students and the Equity & Inclusion Office, the fund reflects a shared institutional commitment to advancing equity, anti-racism, and inclusion across both campuses.
For the 2026/2027 academic year, a total of $200,000 is available to faculty and staff-led initiatives across both campuses. Applicants may request between $500 and $7,500 per initiative.
Types of funded projects
Funding is available for initiatives that align with one or more of the following themes:
- Racial equity: Initiatives that seek to primarily address forms of racism and to advance racial equity. These may be directed to or augmented by the Indigenous Strategic Fund if appropriate.
- Disability equity: Initiatives that seek to primarily address forms of ableism and to advance disability equity.
- Gender and 2SLGBTQIA+ equity: Initiatives that seek to primarily address forms of sexism, heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia and to advance equity in relation to sexual and gender identity.
- Other Human Rights: Initiatives that seek to address another human rights ground(s) (religion, family status, etc.) protected by the BC Human Rights Code and as defined by UBC’s policy SC7: Discrimination.
Eligibility
To be eligible applicants must:
- Be a current faculty or staff member at UBC Vancouver or UBC Okanagan.
- Submit a letter of support from a dean, department head, or director.
- Be prepared to carry out the initiative in accordance with applicable UBC policies, safety requirements, and accessibility standards.
What cannot be funded
The StEAR Enhancement Fund does not cover:
- Recurring salaries or ongoing operational costs ; However, project-specific student staffing costs that directly support the delivery of an approved initiative may be considered.
- Personal professional development activities (e.g., individual training, certification, or coaching); Training may be considered only where it is clearly embedded within a broader initiative aimed at advancing systems-level change.
- Conference or workshop attendance
- Standalone research projects
Application review criteria
Eligible applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- The application clearly describes the initiative, intended participants, and expected outcomes.
- The project addresses a demonstrated need and aligns with one or more StEAR funding themes.
- The project promotes inclusive, respectful, and equitable engagement and demonstrates consideration of potential impacts on participants and communities involved.
- The applicant team demonstrates the capacity to successfully plan and deliver the initiative.
- The proposed budget is realistic and aligned with the project’s goals and activities.
Important considerations: Funding is provided to support community-led initiatives and does not imply endorsement of the views, opinions, or activities of the organizers. Funded projects are also expected to adhere to UBC Community Safety event planning, risk management, safety, and accessibility requirements.
For additional guidance, review the StEAR Enhancement Fund Key Considerations and Policy Guidance for Community-Led Initiatives.
Timeline
Fall 2026
| Phase | Date |
| Applications Open | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| Applications Close | Friday, October 16, 2026 |
| Funding Decisions Released | Mid- November 2026 |
| Funds Distributed | Late November 2026 |
| Project Start Window | As early as late November 2026 |
Winter 2027
| Phase | Date |
| Applications Open | Monday, January 26, 2027 |
| Applications Close | Friday, February 12, 2027 |
| Funding Decisions Released | Mid-March 2027 |
| Funds Distributed | Mid-March 2027 |
| Project Start Window | As early as late March 2027 |
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the StEAR Enhancement Fund application portal.
The portal includes detailed application instructions, eligibility requirements, and information about the materials and approvals required to complete your submission.
We encourage applicants to review the details before starting their application.
If your application is successful
Successful applicants will receive funding through a UBC faculty, school, or department account.
Projects must be completed within one year of receiving funding.
Any unused funds must be returned to the StEAR Enhancement Fund.
A brief project report is required within one month of project completion. Submission of this report is required to remain eligible for future funding opportunities.
Adjudication Committee
The Office of the Vice-President, Students and the Equity & Inclusion Office will jointly administer the fund and constitute the StEAR Enhancement Fund Committee that represents both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan.
Frequently asked questions
Have you designated a set amount of funds specifically for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan?
No, we have not allocated funds specific to a campus. The committee will review all applications and, as with the applicant groups, will strive to ensure equity in granting between the two campuses.
Is it a requirement that Faculty, unit, department, student societies or other partners or groups also provide a financial contribution?
No. There is no requirement for other financial contributions to an initiative. However, collaborative initiatives that draw from different sources of funding or expertise are welcome.
Is there funding for students to apply to?
Yes. Students can apply through the StEAR Enhancement Fund – Student Stream page.
Questions?
Still have questions? Contact us at stear.fund@ubc.ca for support or further information.