The Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund 

The Chancellor, through the Council on University Community (COUC), has created the Chancellor’s Diversity Challenge Fund.  The purpose of the fund is to support faculty, staff, and student initiatives promoting the daily value of diversity in the intellectual life of the campus.  Proposals may include professional opportunities for faculty and staff, such as creating more engaging classroom environments, new courses and curricula, creative and cultural programs, and rewards and recognitions for those who distinguish themselves on campus in their daily commitment to diversity.  Given the mission of UNC Charlotte, students would be included in many of the aforementioned initiatives; however, because of the unique perspectives students bring to the University community, student groups are encouraged to submit independent proposals. Proposals should focus on initiatives that would take place on campus.  Funding is intended only to support demonstration projects or to seed new initiatives.  Projects needing continuing operational funds cannot be supported. 

Grant awards will generally not exceed $5,000.  Compelling proposals with budgets that exceed the cap may occasionally be funded, although those needing larger sources of support are advised to seek matching funds from other sources.

The COUC welcomes ideas that go beyond the scope of the standard grant.  Prospective applicants should seek consultation with the COUC before submitting such proposals.  A one-page summary may be submitted to the COUC for discussion at any time during the year.   

Format of the Application 

Each application should contain the following components: 

1. Cover page

       Title of Proposal:  

       Description: One or two sentences outlining project.      

       Name(s) of Applicant or Unit/Department/Student Group:      

       Contact Person (if other than applicant):

       Affiliation (unit, department, organization):

       Phone:

       Email:

       Campus Address: 

2. Submission Checklist:

ü Proposal Narrative (should not exceed 5 typewritten pages)

ü Budget

ü Supporting Materials  

Proposal Narrative

1. Describe the project (include information on location of proposed activity and any special resources that will be used). 

2. Define goals, objectives, and anticipated outcomes 

3. Identify target population or community the project will serve. 

4. Describe process/rationale for selecting key personnel. 

5. How will the success of this project be measured? 

6. If the proposed activities are to be continued beyond the funding year, describe plans for sustainability.  

Budget

Complete the budget form, listing all expenses related to project.  Examples are given below.  Please remember that the categories will change in light of the nature of the proposal. 

1. Projected cost (fees, contractual services, accommodations, telephone,    photocopying, postage supplies/materials, publication distribution,     transportation, translation, etc).

2. Other grants applied for or received in support of the project.

3. Matching funds committed by unit/dept./organization.

Sample budget request for a diversity symposium featuring visiting speakers:

 Note: External and matching funds are not required.  

Supporting Materials 

1. Letter of endorsement from at least one university official (faculty, staff, or administrator).  Letters of support from another person affiliated with UNC Charlotte (administrator, faculty, staff, student) may be included but are not required.          

2. Faculty should provide abridged curriculum vitae (2 page maximum), with specific focus on qualifications for this proposal.  Please include educational/work background, interest in or experience with diversity-related issues, similar experience, etc. Students and staff should provide brief resumes indicating relevant background, interest, and experience.  For staff and student organizations, provide a brief mission statement as it relates to proposed project. 

Evaluation       

The proposal will be ranked in the following areas: 

1. How well does the specific aim fit the diversity goal of UNC Charlotte?

2. Are the activities/methods clearly developed, explicated and appropriate for the specific aim?

3. What is the expected impact of the proposed project?

4. Are the budget and evaluation method appropriate for the project?

5. Does the applicant have the experience necessary to complete the work in an effective manner?

6. Does the applicant have an endorsement and support from the appropriate department/division/group?

Funding will be provided only for those grants receiving a sufficiently high rating based on the above criteria.  

Applicants accepting funds are required to submit a report to the Council on University Community within thirty days from the completion of the project or event.  The report should be composed in narrative form (not to exceed three double-spaced pages), with relevant data, e.g., number of participants and their evaluation of presenters, number in attendance, long-term impact of this event in terms of addressing campus diversity.

All funds must be expended by June 1 of the award year. 

Grantees should acknowledge the source of funds in all publicity and printed material. 

Potential Uses of the Fund 

The fund can assist in bringing different social, economic, and ethnic communities to the University.  We have a number of events and programs that seek to create relationships between the campus and the greater Charlotte community.  Events of this type that are designed to engage staff in the diversity initiative would be appropriate.  Events might involve the participation of prospective employers -- in education, business, technology, healthcare, etc. -- in conferences or workshops that address issues of diversity and the relevance of these issues to the University community.  Exhibits, speakers, film series, and colloquia on diversity and an inclusive community might be considered.  However, please note that these suggestions are not meant to limit the ideas that applicants might propose.

Fund Restrictions 

Funds are to be used for the exclusive purpose of promoting the daily value of diversity on campus and in the community.  Expenditures are subject to all restrictions applying to state funds.  Food items, refreshments (e.g., coffee, donuts, drinks, etc.) and sundries may not be purchased using state funds.  Salaries and continuing operating funds are not allowed. 

Awards may be requested in consecutive years but first time applicants meeting the fund criteria will be given priority.   

Application Timeline 

Applications will be submitted in the spring for the following academic year.  The Council on University Community will set and publicize the application deadline annually.

Submission of Proposals 

All proposals must be submitted online.  The filename should be Last Name, First Name or the Organization Name (e.g., DoeJane, or College Democrats/Republicans).  The subject line should read Chancellor’s Challenge Fund. 

The files should be emailed to diversitychallenge@uncc.edu. 

DEADLINES

For projects to be implemented in the 2008-2009 academic year, the deadline for submission is February 18, 2008. 

Examples

For examples, please check out former recipients and events held as a result of the Diversity Challenge Fund.