Community and Diversity FUND

QUESTIONS? SEND THEM TO UA-DIV@MIT.EDU!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The UA will be hosting WOKE WEEK. It will take place this spring, highlighting student-led programs focused on community, diversity, identity, inclusion, and campus culture. Because the events are coordinated across multiple groups and scheduled centrally, there will be a separate funding form for applicants who wish to organize events specifically for this week.

If your event is part of Diversity Week:

  • Submit the Diversity Week Funding Form (released soon).

  • You may still request additional support from the Community & Diversity Fund if needed.

More details and the form link will be posted shortly.

Overview

The UA Community & Diversity Fund is coming soon. This new funding resource will support undergraduate-led events that strengthen cultural connection, identity affirmation, and community-building across MIT. Many students want to host gatherings, workshops, or celebrations around shared identity or lived experience, but may lack access to ASA recognition, departmental sponsorship, or other financial pathways. Having existing funding does not exclude you. The fund is designed to fill gaps and expand possibilities so undergraduates can shape campus life and create spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

The fund will launch with an initial budget of $30,000 for the remainder of the academic year. It will be administered by the UA Officers on Community & Diversity and reviewed by the broader UA Officer Team. We will evaluate applications, manage reimbursements, and ensure events follow policy. Post-event reports will help maintain transparency and guide future funding decisions.

How to Apply

Eligibility

  • Must be a current MIT undergraduate student.

  • Events must be open to all MIT undergraduates.

  • Events should support community-building, cultural or identity affirmation, or campus belonging.

Timeline

  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

  • Submit your request at least two weeks before your event.

  • Publicity must go out at least one week before the event.

Requirements After the Event
Submit within two weeks:

  • All receipts for reimbursement

  • A post-event report (≤250 words) summarizing what you did, who participated, and what impact the event created

Event Funding Policies

To ensure fairness and consistent use of student funds:

  • Events must be open to all MIT undergraduates. Organizers should design programming so that financial cost does not limit attendance. Participation should remain accessible, with no high or exclusionary fees.

  • Publicity (dormspam, postering, etc) must clearly list the Undergraduate Association as a sponsor and be accessible in English (additional languages encouraged).

  • The fund does not cover:

    • Speaker fees or honoraria

    • Speaker travel costs

    • Speaker gifts

    • Prizes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of events are eligible?

Any event that builds community, supports cultural or identity expression, or creates inclusive spaces for undergraduates. Eligible events include cultural dinners, storytelling nights, affinity-based study breaks, reflective or dialogue circles, collaborative workshops, heritage-month celebrations, religious or spiritual gatherings, arts and performance events, and other programs designed to strengthen connection, identity, and belonging across MIT’s undergraduate community.

Can I apply if I’m not part of an ASA group?

Absolutely. The fund was made to support informal student communities who lack traditional funding pathways.

Can I apply if I’m not part of an ASA group?

Yes. ASA-recognized groups may apply. The fund is open to both student groups and individual undergraduates, as long as the proposed event aligns with the fund’s purpose and remains open to all undergraduates.

Can multiple students apply together?

Yes. Groups of students may co-submit an application, as long as at least one applicant is an MIT undergraduate.

How much funding can I request?

There is no strict limit. Typical requests will range from $200-$1,000, but larger events will be considered if justified.

What is the approval timeline?

Most decisions are made within 5 business days. Apply early to allow enough time for purchases, planning, and publicity.

Can events be closed to a specific identity group?

Events may focus on a specific identity or affinity group, but they cannot be closed. Attendance must remain open to all MIT undergraduates. Organizers may frame, recruit, and advertise the event toward the intended audience, but the event itself must remain accessible to anyone who wishes to participate.

How do reimbursements work?

Keep itemized receipts and follow UA financial guidelines. Reimbursements are processed only after the post-event report is submitted.

What if I have other questions?

Send them to ua-div@mit.edu!