DEI Innovation Fund

The DEI Innovation Fund provides targeted investment in programs, initiatives, and experiences that strengthen an intentionally welcoming and equitable Butler University community. By empowering students, faculty, and staff to develop innovative and community-driven ideas, the fund translates Butler’s commitments into meaningful action that enhances the campus experience and creates lasting impact for current and future generations of learners, educators, and leaders.

Rooted in Butler’s founding value of providing equal access to education regardless of background, identity, or perspectives, the DEI Innovation Fund supports a wide range of projects, including those that foster belonging, encourage learning across differences, expand access to opportunities, and help all members of the Butler community feel valued, respected, inspired, and able to flourish.

Ready to apply? Complete the DEI Innovation Fund Application.

What can the DEI Innovation Fund support?

The DEI Innovation Fund supports innovative, outcome-driven projects that strengthen the Butler community. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Building belonging and community across campus.
  • Expanding access to educational, leadership, and professional development opportunities.
  • Supporting mentorship, student success, and meaningful transition experiences.
  • Creating opportunities for dialogue, learning, and collaboration across differences.
  • Increasing awareness of and access to campus resources, programs, and services.
  • Advancing Butler’s founding mission through innovative partnerships, programs, and initiatives.

Who can apply?

Full-time Butler faculty and staff may submit proposals.

Students are encouraged to apply in collaboration with a Butler faculty or staff member, who must be listed as a collaborator and provide a letter of support.

Alumni community leaders may also submit proposals when the proposed project directly benefits the Butler community.

Funding may support individuals, academic colleges, administrative departments, student organizations, and collaborative campus initiatives.

Eligible applicants can submit proposals through the DEI Innovation Fund Application.

Review process

Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis during the fall and spring semesters. Please allow at least two weeks for committee review.

Projects selected for funding are expected to share a midpoint progress update and a final assessment with the review committee. These assessments help measure project outcomes, document impact, and inform future funding decisions.

Proposals are reviewed by a committee with faculty, staff, and student representation.

Review criteria

Proposals are evaluated based on:

  • Alignment with Butler University’s DEI Statement.
  • Clearly defined goals and anticipated outcomes.
  • A thoughtful and measurable assessment plan.
  • The potential to positively impact the Butler community.
  • The likelihood that the project can be sustained beyond the initial funding period.

Questions

Questions about the DEI Innovation Fund may be directed to Danny Kibble.

Ready to get started?

Have an idea that could strengthen the Butler community? We encourage innovative proposals that align with Butler’s mission and create meaningful, lasting impact.