Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Enhancement Fund

Applications due Friday, November 13, 2026. 

Background

The University of Guelph affirms its commitment to inclusive excellence and a campus that supports the diversity of every member within our university community. An inclusive and equitable campus is an institutional and social imperative.

Purpose

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Enhancement Fund reflects the University’s commitment to transform through Indigenization and equity, diversity, and inclusion.  The EDI Enhancement Fund is a $200,000 fund that provides opportunities for members of our community to submit proposals for projects in line with these Purposes that will have meaningful, positive impact within our University community.  

Based on the priorities of Indigenization and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility as well as the U of G’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan, proposals should identify and address barriers to participation for equity-deserving groups and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in our community. This may be achieved through such initiatives as creative activities, educational projects, speaker/lecture series, special events, and more. Equity-deserving groups include, but are not limited to, women and gender diverse people, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous, Black, and other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and religious groups.

Funding Criteria

Who can apply

Current U of G students, staff, faculty, and recognized student groups at all three U of G campuses.

What the fund supports

New initiatives, or enhancements to existing programs, that advance Indigenization, inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility at U of G. Maximum award is $10,000. The fund does not cover ongoing operating costs, and past recipients are not guaranteed future funding.

Eligible initiatives (not limited to):

• Education and training on EDI held on campus or virtually and offered free to participants. Proposals must explain how the initiative differs from existing free university resources, such as those offered by Diversity & Human Rights.
• Space improvements that make campus more welcoming (e.g., art, benches, banners).
• Creative activities, events, and lecture or speaker series.
• External conference attendance or professional development, where the applicant shows how the learning will be shared with the U of G community.

Eligible Costs

• Honorariums up to $500 per person for volunteers, participants, consultants, or speakers. Higher amounts require justification. Honorariums and gifts for Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers follow Indigenous protocol and are exempt from this cap.
• Accessibility costs (e.g., ASL interpretation, captioning, accessible materials). These are encouraged and do not count towards other caps.
• Catering through U of G Hospitality Services (Casual Catering menu, with religious and cultural options), up to 30% of the amount requested. Exceptions, including culturally specific or Indigenous food providers, may be approved on request.
• Conference registration fees.

Ineligible Costs

• Salaries or any cost equivalent to hiring an employee.
• Significant travel and accommodation costs, for attending events or hosting speakers.
• Ongoing operating costs.

Matching Funding

Conference attendance, professional development, and research requests require a contribution from a department or college.

External Funding

If your initiative receives funding from a source outside the University of Guelph, you must disclose the funder’s name and the amount to the Office of Diversity and Human Rights (DHR) before accepting that funding. DHR reserves the right to withdraw its funding if the external funder promotes hate or views contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code or University values.

Assessment Criteria

Proposals are assessed on:

• Alignment with the fund’s purpose
• Depth and reach of impact on the U of G community, including impact on equity-deserving groups
• Feasibility and clarity of budget
• Sustainability or lasting benefit beyond the funding period
• Accessibility of the initiative

Conditions of Funding

• Funded events must be accessible and, unless approved otherwise, take place on a U of G campus.
• Recipients must submit a brief report within 30 days of the completion of the project, describing outcomes and spending.
• Proposals must align with the Purpose of the Fund. Proposals that do not establish a clear connection to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, Indigenization, and/or accessibility within our communities will not be considered.
• Proposals must demonstrate resource requirements, detailed budget plan, and financial sustainability.
• Proposals must include a plan to measure impact.
• Any unspent funds at the end of a project reverts back to The Office of Diversity and Human Rights.

Applicants are also encouraged to explain how the proposal aligns with I-EDI initiatives, such as elements of the 2022-2027 University’s Strategic Plan, the Anti-Racism Action Plan, Indigenous Initiatives Strategy, or the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan. This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other examples where applicants can explain how their proposal aligns with I-EDI at the University.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

1. Project Proposal (template application form), including:
   1. A description of the initiative, including its purpose and rationale
   2. A description of the intended objectives/outcomes of the project, and how they align with the Purpose of the fund.
   3. An explanation of how the objectives and impact of the project will be assessed.
   4. A timeline of milestones that address the lifecycle of the work, including planning, support for collaboration, reporting, project closure, and dissemination.
2. Budget: Include a clear budget outlining how all requested funds will be used, as well as all funds received from other sources.
3. Two letters of support from U of G community members including any from collaborating partners or departments. Projects without two support letters will not be considered.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

All applications will be adjudicated by a review committee struck by the Office of Diversity and Human Rights.

2026-2027 EDI Enhancement Fund Awards (EDIEFA) Timeline & FAQ’s

How do I submit my application?

• Completed applications (including the application form, budget sheet, and letters of support) can be sent via email to dhrinfo@uoguelph.ca.

How are the EDI Enhancement Funds Disbursed?

• Applicants are asked to work with their organization/department's budget contact to provide GL coding on their applications.
• Once projects are approved, project leads will claim project expenses against the specified GL coding and will be fully responsible for the administration of the funds awarded to their initiative. It is not within DHR's purview to inform on fund-related issues once the awards are disbursed to the appropriate department. 
• Should you requir funds to be disbursed in an alternative formal (i.e. cheque), please indicate on the application form and provide all necessary information.

Can leftover funds be applied by the same group/individual/organization towards future projects?

• No. Any unspent award funds after the expiry date of the funds will be subject to clawback. 
• However, in cases wherein an EDI project is repeated/implemented from one fiscal year to the next, and only if the scope of the project is the same as the original application that was awarded some funding during the previous fiscal year, the applicant(s) may only be required to submit supplementary documentation attached to the original (successful) application explaining the above circumstances and provide proof that the subsequent initiative has the exact same scope as the project that has previously been deliberated on by the selection committee. 
• Any change in the scope of an ongoing EDI project will require a new application to be submitted.
• DHR reserves the right to require a new application form from the same applicant(s) as it sees fit.

Who do I contact if I have additional questions about the EDIEFA and the application process?

• Interested persons may contact the DHR office at dhrinfo@uoguelph.ca using the subject line "EDI Enhancement Fund Inquiry" and they will be directed towards the appropriate person.