Reflective responsive grant proposals sought

The Reflective Responsive University Task Force requests proposals for projects and initiatives that will help SIUC become more reflective of and responsive to the population of Illinois in its full plurality.

The University has a long and impressive history of addressing diversity and is home to many excellent programs; however, there are still challenges to be addressed. Among the goals of this effort is to increase the quality of opportunity afforded people who work and study at SIUC. This competitive grant initiative seeks to strengthen existing efforts, identify best practices, address persistent barriers with new strategies, coordinate efforts and establish partnerships, strengthen institutional structures and supports, and develop meaningful measures of progress related to diversity.

The task force is soliciting innovative proposals in the areas of greatest need identified in Southern at 150: Building Excellence through Commitment.

The nonrecurring grants are awarded for one year with possibility of renewal. The funds may not be used to provide financial support, i.e. scholarships, fellowships or awards to undergraduate or graduate students. Proposals whose primary focus is to support recruitment activities will be a low priority. Funds may be used to support undergraduate or graduate students who are directly involved in the proposed grant activities.

The proposal should delineate other sources of funding for the project, especially source of funding to sustain the effort after the grant, and how the project will integrate with existing programs (if applicable). Indicate how this institutional support will make this project competitive for outside funding (if applicable) and how the proposal will enhance or integrate with existing programs.

Proposals of up to five pages should include:

• Project overview and goals
• Description of intended beneficiaries of project activities and of project participants
• Rationale for the project's approach
• Impact in improving diversity efforts at the University
• Ways of assessing the project’s success
• Budget (up to $35,000)
• Sustainability - information about ongoing and future support.

The deadline to submit proposals is Aug. 4. Projects should be transmitted through deans or other senior administrators. Proposals should be sent to Seymour Bryson, associate vice chancellor for diversity.

A representative committee will review applications and make recommendations for funding. Funds will be available immediately upon approval and available for a one-year period. Preference will be given to projects that emphasize interdisciplinary solutions and collaborations and that provide ongoing support beyond this funding or demonstrate high probability of leveraging other resources.