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Funding and Co-Sponsorships for Student Programs

Student Diversity Event Fund (SDEF)

Student Diversity Event Fund (SDEF) Mission

The Student Diversity Event Fund is to support student-organized programs and events that enhance intercultural dialogue, communication, and the exchange of multicultural perspectives and values.

The information below is designed to help your student organization understand the limitations of this funding award and the guidelines for using these funds for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Funding Eligibility

  • To request SDEF funding, your event/program must:
    • have an educational and/or culturally enriching focus
    • Be aimed at enhancing a positive campus climate
    • Be open to and inclusive of all UW students. Events/programs deemed too will not be eligible for funding
    • Must complete the required Finance 101 training PRIOR to submitting a funding application and receive a score of 100%
      • Finance 101 training can be taken at any time and only needs to be completed once
      • The Finance 101 training will be made available in early Fall 2026
  • For ECC-Affiliated RSO(s): 
    • May request up to a maximum of $1,000 per academic year
  • For ECC Non-Affiliated RSO(s): 
    • Must have active registration status with the Student Activities Office
    • May request up to a maximum of $250 per academic year

SDEF Distribution

  • Funding is only awarded for what the RSO originally requested. Any unused funds will not be redistributed to any other event/program the RSO would like to host or kept by the RSO
  • Funding does not roll over into the next academic year
  • Distribution of funds will be processed through an ECC Full-time staff member. Funding will never be distributed directly to the RSO
  • Any funding request applications received prior to the appropriate timeframe will automatically be declined

Funds May be Requested for

  • On-Campus facility and service(s) usage
  • Equipment rental for program/event held on-campus
  • Honoraria for non-UW affiliated performers/speakers
    • NOTE: RSOs will be responsible for booking airfare/lodging if performers/speakers request this accommodation
  • Registration fees for academic or professional conferences that relate specifically to the RSO and student leadership
    • Additional costs such as airfare and lodging are not eligible for funding
  • Promotion, printing, and advertising for RSO (subject for review)

Funding Request Process

  • Complete the funding request proposal by submitting the form at least 4 weeks before your event/program
    • The 2026-2027 SDEF process timeline will take place as follows:
      • For Fall 2026 events, the SDEF Committee will start accepting applications on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM
      • For Winter 2027 events, the SDEF Committee will start accepting applications on Monday, November 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
      • For Spring 2027 events, the SDEF Committee will start accepting applications on Monday, February 1, 2027 at 9:00 AM
    • SDEF will continue to be on a first-come, first-served basis
    • The following information must be ready before submitting the request form:
      • All promotional materials for the event
        • Share in the request form if promotional materials are still being finalized. If this is an annual event, please include past advertising materials
      • Spreadsheet breakdown of items, quantities, sponsorships from other resources (UW and non-campus affiliated), and finalized costs
        • If your funding request includes payment for utilizing any kind of rental or additional services (i.e. photographer,  DJ, etc), please include a copy of an invoice/quote
      • If your funding request includes payment for using a UW Facility (i.e. HUB, ECC Building/Theatre, Academic Classroom, etc), please include your room reservation confirmation document. Screenshot of room confirmation from sources such as HFS and Intellectual House also can be included. Screenshots of your room reservation request being submitted is NOT a confirmation.
    • Applications will be reviewed weekly by the SDEF committee. After submission, you will be emailed directly within 2 weeks to inform you of your funding status
      • Please note: SDEF applications will not be reviewed and processed during finals week or university holidays/breaks (fall, winter, and spring). If your RSO submits applications during this time period, your RSO will receive follow-up confirmation of application submission and an updated timeline of when your application will be reviewed
    • Failure to provide the necessary documents and information will result in the funding application being automatically denied

  • Applications will be reviewed weekly by the SDEF committee. After submission, you will be emailed directly within 2 weeks to inform you of your funding status
    • Please note: SDEF applications will not be reviewed and processed during finals week or university holidays/breaks (fall, winter, and spring). If your RSO submits applications during this time period, your RSO will receive follow-up confirmation of application submission and an updated timeline of when your application will be reviewed
  • *Please note that if the SDEF Committee needs further information, a meeting may be requested in order to move forward with the funding application. To prevent delays, please be sure all information is included in the funding application prior to submission

  • Post Event Summary Packet
    • All student organizations that receive funding through the SDEF must complete and submit a post-event summary within 3 weeks after their event
      • Completed final evaluation form
      • Copy of your final budget summary of all expenditures and co-sponsoring partners/organizations and their contributions
      • All finalized copies of publicity materials (i.e. posters, flyers, social media posts)
    • Post-event summary packets must be sent to eccadvs@uw.edu
    • Student events co-sponsored by the RSO Gala Awards Fund and/or Diversity Leadership Development Course may be eligible for an exemption for completing a post-event summary packet at the discretion of the SDEF committee. You will be notified if you are exempt via email to your general RSO email

  • Compliance
    • Failure to comply with SDEF processes and/or requirements may compromise your organization’s ability to receive future funding from the Kelly ECC and/or the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D)
    • The OMA&D Student Diversity Event Fund has the right to withdraw funding at any time if publicity and/or program content do not meet the necessary requirements and/or does not align with the mission, vision, and values of OMA&D and the Kelly ECC

Questions?

For any questions regarding the SDEF process and application, please contact eccadvs@uw.edu

For any questions regarding approved SDEF funding and distribution, please contact eccfisc@uw.edu