DEI Innovation Fund

Members of the Butler community are invited to submit proposals to the DEI Innovation Fund which provides investments in University-wide, unit-specific, and student-led initiatives that advance diversity, equity and inclusion.

The fund is designed to inspire ideas and engage the Butler community in creating a more diverse, inclusive and equitable learning and working environment. We seek proposals for new ideas as well as opportunities to fund successful existing campus initiatives that can be enhanced or expanded.

Proposals to the DEI Innovation Fund must align with Butler Beyond Strategic Priority 5. Examples of outcome-driven proposals include but are not limited to:

  • Authentic ways of shifting the culture toward becoming more just and equitable.
  • Greater transition and integration for students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Culturally relevant leadership development.
  • Mentoring to support personal and professional success.
  • Dialogue across differences and ensuring access to and reach of campus resources and programming for all students.
  • Creating a sense of belonging on campus for all students, including those who are non-residential.
  • Visibility, both internally and externally, for Butler’s commitment to DEI.

Full-time faculty and staff can submit DEI Innovation Fund proposals to the application portal. Students can also submit proposals, with a faculty or staff member listed as a collaborator and a letter of support. Alumni community leaders can submit proposals as long as the intended outcomes benefit the current campus community. Proposals can support individuals, colleges, departments, student groups, etc.

Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis and require at least two weeks to be reviewed by the committee during the fall and spring semesters. If funded, recipients are required to share the assessment of their project with the review committee at the midpoint of their project/initiative’s completion and once their project/initiative is complete. Proposals will be reviewed by a committee with faculty, staff, and student representation and evaluated on:

  • The project’s propensity to successfully advance a strategic priority 5 initiative.
  • The likelihood the project would meet the anticipated outcomes outlined in the proposal.
  • The project’s assessment plan is well constructed.
  • The likelihood the project will have a positive impact on our campus community.
  • The project has a likelihood of being sustained following the funding period.

Questions should be directed to Danny Kibble.