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Students, faculty, and staff with ideas that promote inclusivity or foster intercultural connections have a new option for support from the university.

The Inclusive Community Fund was established in 2018 to further these goals within the Queen’s community, and is now accepting applications.

The program began informally during the 2017-18 academic year when the Provost’s Office was approached by various groups on campus seeking support for their diversity and inclusivity-themed efforts. After recognizing the need for and value of this type of fund, the Inclusive Community Fund was turned into a formal program starting in the 2018-19 year.

“A more diverse campus community enhances our academic mission, our student experience, and our research,” says Teri Shearer, Deputy Provost (Academic Operations and Inclusion). “Having a greater understanding of and appreciation for different cultures is important for our learners and for our staff and faculty. It is my hope that this funding will provide opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff to showcase the best of their ideas and create opportunities for sharing and dialogue.”

Established by a $50,000 annual contribution from the Office of the Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), any Queen’s student or employee can apply for funding to support an initiative or event that promotes an inclusive Queen’s community. Each project proposal will be evaluated on the extent to which it:

• promotes a more inter-culturally informed, tolerant, and inclusive campus community
• is open to the Queen’s and/or broader community
• enhances the quality of the student or employee experience at Queen’s
• promotes Queen’s in a positive manner

A group comprising two representatives from Student Affairs, one student representative, one staff representative, and the Deputy Provost (Academic Operations and Inclusion) is responsible for reviewing applications and making decisions.

Last year, several groups received funding during the pilot offering. Among those was the Queen’s Black Academic Society, which organized a first-ever conference focused on the future of black scholarship.

Applications to the Inclusive Community Fund are open year round. To learn more or apply for funding, visit the Inclusive Queen’s website.