Empower Change in Your University
Apply for the ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund
Are you a student at an ENHANCE university with a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion?
The ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund is your chance to turn that passion into action. We provide funding to support innovative, student-led projects that address key challenges related to inclusion and diversity within our academic communities
Objectives of the Fund
The ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund aims to:
Empower students and staff to create projects that address inclusion and diversity challenges
Inspire the ENHANCE community by sharing successful projects as good practices
Support a minimum of 10 impactful projects by November 2026.
Whether your project is focused on raising awareness, promoting allyship, or enhancing inclusivity in existing activities, this fund is here to support your vision. We encourage creative and out-of-the-box ideas that can make a difference in your university and beyond.
Thematic Areas
Inclusion and Diversity Awareness
Campaigns, workshops, or events aimed at educating the university community about inclusion.
Fostering Allyship
Initiatives that encourage the majority to support minority groups.
Gender Equality
Projects that highlight and address gender-based challenges.
Creative Arts
Using art, media, and creative formats to promote equality and inclusion.
Encouraging Study Abroad
Projects that support students facing barriers to studying abroad.
The list is not exhaustive, and we welcome innovative ideas that align with our objectives.
Funding Details
Total Budget: Approximately €30,000 in total*
Funding per Project: €250 to €1,500 in the 1st round per project, with potential adjustments in future rounds.
Allocation: Funds are distributed equitably across ENHANCE universities, with possible additional funding for projects involving multiple institutions.
The budget will be administered and disbursed by RWTH Aachen University.
*inlcuding up to CHF 4,000 for applicants from our non-EU partner ETH Zurich
Criteria for Funding
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Relevance (30 points): Alignment with the fund’s objectives and your university’s diversity and inclusion strategy.
Project Team & Motivation (30 points): The commitment and involvement of student(s) in the project. Staff can also join the project.
Impact (40 points): The project’s potential to increase awareness and inclusivity, with a clear plan for implementation and sustainability.
The ENHANCE Diversity Office is responsible for the selection of the proposals.
Application Process
Once handed in, the proposals will be reviewed by the ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund Selection Committee consisting of ENHANCE Diversity Office Members. The application process is designed to be flexible and continuous. Project proposals can be submitted continuously, with selections made biannually.
The deadline for the first round of proposal is January 8 2025.
Selection Rounds:
1st Round: 13th January 2025
2nd Round: June 2025 (Exact date will be communicated at later stage)
Project Start: Selected projects must commence within three months after the payment and be completed within one year.
You can apply for funding as an individual or a team. You can submit your project proposal anytime before the next selection round.
How to Apply
Application Form: Complete the online form.
Key Dates:
September 2024: Call for projects opens.
14th October 16:00 until 17:00 pm CET: Info event on Zoom + Q&A. Open to all who are interested.(Meeting-ID: 284 659 0990 Password: 764332) No registration needed.
13th January 2025: First selection round.
June 2025: Second selection round.
Please ensure that your project aligns with the contents outlined in our call.
Not sure if your idea is eligible? Contact us!
With ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund, we want to make a difference together with our community. We want to become a more inclusive and diversity-embracing European Alliance. Seed Fund is not a competition. When you are not sure if your idea is eligible for funding, you can just contact us and ask. We are happy to consult you.
Contact the ENHANCE Diversity Office Lead
Melih Özkardes (he/him)
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund?
Any student enrolled in one of the ENHANCE University can apply. We expect that projects are student-led. Staff can be involved as well but it is not a must. As student, you can submit individually your project idea.
What types of projects are most likely to be funded?
Projects that align with the fund’s objectives, such as promoting diversity, inclusion, gender equality, and fostering allyship, are more likely to receive funding. Creativity and innovation in addressing these themes are also highly valued. If you are not sure about your idea, just contact us for receiving qualified feedback by the ENHANCE Diversity Office members.
Contact the lead Melih Özkardes (he/him) melih.oezkardes@enhanceuniversity.eu
Can I apply for funding if my project involves collaboration between multiple ENHANCE universities?
Yes, collaborative projects involving multiple ENHANCE universities are encouraged. But it is not a must. With the Seed Fund, we especially want to increase local impact. It is absolutely fine to have a seed funded project only in one ENHANCE university with a local impact. We want to disseminate good-practices towards all ENHANCE universities. The entire ENHANCE network will hear from your local project.
What is the maximum duration for a project funded by the ENHANCE Diversity Seed Fund?
Projects must start within three months after receiving the funds and should be completed within one year in the 1st round. Please be aware that the next rounds can allow a shorter project duration due to the funding rules that ENHANCE+ project is funded by the European Union. This will be communicated on time.
Is it possible to submit more than one project proposal?
Yes, individuals or teams can submit multiple proposals. However, each proposal should be distinct and meet the fund’s objectives. If you are not sure, you can contact the ENHANCE Diversity Office (melih.oezkardes@enhanceuniversity.eu)
What happens if my project proposal is not selected in the first round?
If your proposal is not selected, you may revise and resubmit it for consideration in the next round. Feedback will be provided to help improve your submission. It is also possible that we suggest a fusion with another project idea that is selected. We want to think together with you and appreciate your interest to make our Alliance a better place.
How will the funds be disbursed to the selected projects?
The funds will be administered by RWTH Aachen University and disbursed according to the agreed budget in the project proposal. The project leader must sign a Declaration of Acceptance in order to get the funding.
Can the funding be used for travel or accommodation costs?
Yes, funding can be used for travel and accommodation costs if they are directly related to the execution of the project and align with the fund’s objectives.
What kind of support will be provided during the project implementation?
The ENHANCE Diversity Office and your home university (the representative of your university in ENHANCE Alliance) will offer guidance and support throughout the project’s implementation.
How can I share the results of my project with the ENHANCE community?
Upon completion, project teams are encouraged to share their results with ENHANCE Community. Successful projects may also be featured as good practices on the ENHANCE platform. We want to think together with you and make your efforts for more inclusivity and embracing diversity as visible as possible in our European University.
