This small seed fund was proposed by students participating in discussions around the Access and Participation Plan and has been designed for Black students to support and encourage their peers. It is envisaged that the seed funding would support student social events, small scale research projects, seminars or workshops with themes relating to Black student induction and belonging to the University of Cambridge. It is being piloted in the 2023-24 academic year. The BAH Seed Fund is not intended to replicate available opportunities for funding support from Colleges or the University, but to fill in the gaps where funding criteria does not cover costs that are often then carried by individuals or small groups.
Who is eligible to apply for this BAH seed funding?
- The seed funding is available to current Black undergraduates or postgraduates at the University of Cambridge.
- Individuals may apply, but small group initiatives or projects will be prioritised.
- Student-staff partnerships are welcome, but a student must be nominated as the lead.
How much funding is available?
- Funding will be offered of up to £250 per initiative
- An anticipated 6 - 8 projects will be funded across the academic year.
When are applications open?
- There will be two opportunities to apply for this seed funding across the 2023-2034 academic year:
- Round 1: due date Wednesday 11 October 2023 (Michaelmas Term)
- Round 2: due date Wednesday 14 February 2024 (Lent Term)
- It is anticipated that the funding will be spent and documented so that payment or reimbursement is processed before the end of the academic year.
What will be funded?
- The funding is intended to support social events, small scale research projects, workshops or other initiatives that will engage with the Black student community within Cambridge.
- This includes support for catering, guest speaker travel, communications or marketing materials for an event or other initiative related to the core theme. As this is a pilot year, we are open to creative suggestions, as long as they are persuasively pitched. The funding might be used to augment other grants or funding.
What will successful applicants have to do?
- It may be that students will have to pay individually and seek reimbursement. Where possible, we would prefer to pay the supplier directly, but this is only possible if they are recognised by the University and can be paid by invoice. Applicants are advised to consult with the BAH before making any purchases and keep very good financial records and receipts.
- The expectations will be that the project team provides a short report of the outcomes of the event/project which will be shared on the BAH website to inspire upcoming student initiatives.
How can you apply?
- Applications are open for Round 1, due date by midnight Wednesday 11 October 2023. Click here for the application form,