Equity Ideas Fund (EIF)

Funding Student-Led Diversity & Equity Initiatives Since 2021

The EDIB team at Sport & Rec oversees the Equity Ideas Fund. Student groups can apply for up to $500 in funding for initiatives related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and physical activity, which are then considered within the scope and parameters of the Faculty’s Equity Ideas Fund approval process. 

About the Equity Ideas Fund

The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) strives to create and maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all students and members in all our facilities – one that is aligned with University policies, guidelines and statements on equity, diversity and excellence. To this end, the Faculty has made a systemic commitment to equity through a variety of targeted strategies and initiatives.

The U of T Sport & Rec EDIB Team, was formed by the Faculty to provide an opportunity for student leaders to collaborate and receive mentoring from staff for various equity initiatives, in support of the Faculty’s goals of diversity and equity within physical activity/health. The EDIB Team welcomes the opportunity for students from all three campuses to initiate, develop and propose an initiative in the form of an event and/or project, which meets and advances the Faculty’s equity goals and aspirations. Proposed initiatives must be related to diversity and equity, as well as physical activity, physical and/or mental health and wellness. The proposal will be reviewed, and if approved, funding up to $500 can be secured through the Equity Ideas Fund.

A maximum of $500 will be allocated per program or event. Each student organization may recieve funding from the Equity Ideas Fund for a maximum of one event or program per semester, and preference may be given to student groups who have not yet been approved during the academic year. Original, itemized receipts/invoices will be required for reimbursement/payment. Please note that we are unable to provide funds that will be used to purchase gift cards.

Eligibility Criteria

Student groups applying to EIF must meet the following criteria for thier application to be considered: 

  1. The application must be from student groups or organizations at the University of Toronto.
  2. The funds must be applied to events or projects aimed at students at the University of Toronto.
  3. The events or projects must be not-for-profit and the fee of admission for attending must be free for students.
  4. Proposed initiatives must be related to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, as well as physical activity, and physical or mental health and wellness.
  5. Each student organization may recieve funding from the Equity Ideas Fund for a maximum of one event or program per academic year.
  6. Upon application approval, groups must continue to meet the Requirements of Equity Ideas Fund Recipients below. 
Requirements of Equity Ideas Fund recipients

Successful applicants to the Equity Ideas Fund will be approved for a certain amount of funding up to $500, granted through a reimbursement process. The Equity Ideas Fund will provide reimbursement following the event or initiaitive given that groups comply with the following grant requirements... 

  • Original, itemized receipts or invoices must be provided within 10 days following the event or initiative.  
  • The purchases to be reimbursed must be made on a maximum of two credit or debit cards. Ideally, one individual should be making all the purchases to be reimbursed. 
  • Complete a final report before receiving reimbursement. Please review the final report during the planning process of your event or initiative and ensure that your group is able to keep track of all the required pieces for the report (e.g. participant numbers). 
  • All event promotions must include our "Funded by Sport & Rec" logo lockup (to be provided upon approval) AND be approved by our communications team before distribution. 

Please note, reimbursement usually takes about 2 weeks from the time of submission (all requirements are met and all paperwork is submitted with no issues) to the time a cheque is recieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for EIF?

Any University of Toronto student(s) or student groups may apply for the Equity Ideas Fund. Student groups do not need to be recognized by the University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU) to apply. 

What kind of initiatives does EIF support?

The Equity Ideas Fund supports all kinds of student-led initiatives related to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and physical activity. These initiatives must be free for students to participate, non-for-profit, and meet the additional eligibility criteria listed above. 

What can the funds be used for?

Upon application approval, groups will recieve notice of which expenses the funds may be applied to based off thier proposed budget. In general, the funds may be used for various event-related expenses, inlcuding (but not limited to) catering, suplies, and event materials. The funds may NOT be used for the purchase of gift cards, to pay honoraria, or for rental spaces (although we are happy to offer you space in our facilities, if available).  

When is the deadline to apply?

We accept applications all year around! The Equity Ideas Fund operates on a rolling basis starting May 1 and running until we've allocated our funding for the year, resetting May 1 of the following year. 

While there is no solid deadline for how early an application must be submitted for consideration before your initiative takes place, our team recommends a period of at least three weeks prior to the event date. 

How many times can I/my student group apply for the Equity Ideas Fund?

There is no cap on how many times student groups can apply for the Equity Ideas Fund, however, students groups may only recieve funding for a maximum of one event or program per semester, and preference may be given to student groups who have not yet been approved during the academic year.

I have more questions. 

Email the Equity Ideas Fund for any questions.

Resources
Application Rubric

Apply Now!

Email the Equity Ideas Fund for any questions.