Funding for Student-Led Diversity & Inclusion Projects

Do you have an idea to strengthen diversity, inclusion, equality or a sense of belonging at the University of Groningen? The Diversity & Inclusion Office (D&I Office) is offering grants for student-led grassroots initiatives in 2026. Applications are open until 8 February 2026.

The call

The Diversity & Inclusion Office invites BA and MA students of the University of Groningen to submit ideas that help build a more inclusive and connected university community. We support initiatives that originate from students themselves and address diversity, equality and inclusion in creative and meaningful ways.

A grassroots initiative:

• is initiated by members of the university community;
• addresses a concrete challenge or unmet need;
• and aims to create a visible impact within the university.

Projects with a university-wide impact are especially encouraged, but smaller-scale initiatives with a clear added value are also welcome.

What can the grant be used for?

The funding can be used, for example, to:

• develop a podcast about the experiences of first-generation students
• create an online module on LGBTQIA+ allyship in the classroom
• produce a short video on inclusive etiquette, based on the experiences of people with physical, visual, auditory or cognitive disabilities
• organise an activity with a guest speaker
• set up a support group for students with chronic health conditions

• organise a panel discussion to strengthen connections between international and Dutch students

Do you have a different idea that contributes to inclusion and belonging? We strongly encourage you to apply!

Grant amount: up to €250.  Applicants (Individual students or student groups) must be enrolled at the University of Groningen during the 2025–2026 academic year.

What do we expect from grant recipients?

If your application is selected, we ask you to:

• carry out your initiative during the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year
• help promote the initiative through university channels (e.g. by providing text and/or visual material)
• involve relevant communities in the design and implementation of the project, where applicable
• stay in contact with the D&I Office throughout the project
• submit a short final report (maximum one page)
• provide receipts and invoices for the grant expenses
  

How to apply

Please send your application before 8 February 2026 (end of the day) to diversity rug.nl, including:

• a completed project proposal using the provided template
• a short video (maximum 5 minutes) explaining your idea

A letter of recommendation from a D&I Officer or a staff member from your faculty is not required, but it is appreciated.

Before submitting, consider the following questions:

• Is the project feasible within the available timeframe?
• Does it align with the university’s D&I mission and values?
• Are there existing (free) resources within the university that you can use?

Selection criteria

During the selection process, priority will be given to initiatives that:

• address issues of inclusion, equality and belonging, especially where exclusion currently exists
• have a clear and meaningful impact on the University of Groningen (preferably university-wide)
• result in an output that can be used in multiple contexts
• contribute to a stronger sense of inclusion within the university community
• take a new or alternative approach to promoting inclusion
• present a clear and realistic implementation plan
• align with the vision of the university and the D&I Office
• actively involve relevant communities in the design and execution of the initiative

The selection process will take place on 22 February 2026. A review committee will assess all applications. Selected applicants may be invited to briefly present their initiative and participate in a Q&A session.