Equity Enhancement Fund

• Proposals should have observable and/or measurable benefits to the representation or experiences of historically, persistently or systematically marginalized groups within the UBC community.
• Proposals should support efforts to build the capacity of partners to adopt and advance values of equity & inclusion in their own settings;
• Project rationale and objectives should advance UBC’s approach to inclusive excellence and be consistent with the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office mandate and UBC’s strategic priorities, including innovation, inclusion and connection.
• Priority will be given to proposals that benefit the UBC community and have a continuing effect on enhancing employment or educational equity.
• Proposals should support efforts to build capacity of partners to adopt and advance values of equity & inclusion in their own settings; project rationale and objectives should advance UBC’s approach to inclusive excellence and be consistent with the priorities of the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office mandate and UBC’s strategic priorities, including innovation, inclusion and connection.
• All Equity Enhancement Fund initiatives must be in accordance with UBC’s Respectful Environment Statement.
• Initiatives must advance one or more of the actions outlined under the goals of the Inclusion Action Plan.

• Proposals up to $25,000 will be considered. Small and large proposals are encouraged, however, large proposals may receive only partial funding.
• Funding dispersed: 75% upon announcement and 25% on completion of final report.
• There are separate funds for the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.
• Partnerships between faculties/units/departments/groups are encouraged.
• Applications should demonstrate some financial contributions (not just in-kind) from Faculties, Units and clubs.
• Funding will not be granted for projects that are a normal part of the unit’s responsibilities and operating expenses, or, except in exceptional circumstances, to reinstitute a previously funded project in a unit.
• Successful recipients are required to submit a report, including financial accounting, to the Associate Vice President, Equity & Inclusion upon completion of the project. The Equity & Inclusion Office will provide a template for this purpose.
• Funds must be spent within one year of receiving funding. Any unused funds must be reported and returned.
• The fund recipients are responsible for planning and implementation related to the project, and covering any cost overruns.

• The proposal must be endorsed by a Head of unit or department, director, principal, vice-president, president or other similarly equivalent senior official of an organization.
• NOTE: The person making the endorsement assumes responsibility for monitoring the project and ensuring a final report is submitted.

A sub-committee of the Vice Presidents’ Strategic Implementation Committee on Equity & Diversity (VPSICED) reviews and evaluates all applications. Separate committees are formed for the Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Their evaluation is based on the following criteria:

• Strategic Value
  How well does this initiative align with the University’s equity & inclusion mandate and commitments as outlined in UBC’s strategic plan.
• Enhances Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  Will this initiative significantly contribute to the enhancement of equity, inclusion, diversity and intercultural understanding at UBC?
• Outreach
  Does this enhance UBC’s reputation on and off campus? Does it create an opportunity to partner with other UBC units/organizations or with groups outside the university?
• Community Engaged Activities
  Will this project engage and inspire participation of historically disadvantaged groups within the UBC community?
• Sustainability
  How can this project be made sustainable beyond the funding period?