Belonging Funding Request Guidelines
Purpose:
The Belonging Funding Request is intended to support student-led events and programs that celebrate, educate, and honor cultural heritage, traditions, and expressions of identity across the UC Merced community. This funding aims to promote intercultural understanding, preserve diverse cultural practices, and foster unity through cultural exchange and celebration.
Funding Priorities
Funding will be prioritized for events and programs that:
- Celebrate or highlight cultural traditions, holidays, or heritage months
- Promote cross-cultural dialogue and understanding
- Encourage student leadership and collaboration between cultural or identity-based organizations
- Showcase cultural expression through art, performance, or food
- Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students to engage with and learn from diverse cultures
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for cultural funding, applicants must:
- Submit a proposal that includes a detailed event description, budget breakdown, and intended impact or learning outcomes
- Be in good standing with the Office of Student Life and all campus policies
- Ensure the event or program clearly centers cultural education, celebration, or expression
- Submit the request at least 6–8 weeks prior to the event/program date
- Demonstrate efforts to create an event that is open and accessible to the wider campus community
If your program is approved for cultural funding:
- The listed event contact will receive a formal email notification with next steps
- You must include an acknowledgment statement on all promotional materials
- All expenses must be processed through an official RCO account or UCM Department COA
- A brief post-event reflection or report (1–2 paragraphs) must be submitted within two weeks of the event, highlighting outcomes, attendance, and cultural impact
Review Process
All Belonging Funding Requests are reviewed by the Office of Social Justice Initiatives & Identity Programs (SJI&IP) team and student reviewers. Our goal is to ensure events receiving support celebrate culture, promote inclusion, and positively impact the UC Merced community.
- Initial Check: We confirm the request is complete, submitted on time, and meets basic requirements.
- Committee Review: Staff and student reviewers read each proposal and evaluate it using our criteria below.
- Decision & Feedback: Applicants receive an email notification of approval, denial, or revision with feedback to strengthen future proposals.
When Cultural Funding Requests are Processed
- Belonging funding requests are processed every Friday, except for during breaks and holidays.
- Belonging funding requests must be submitted before 5pm on Thursday to be reviewed that Friday, or will otherwise be reviewed the following week.
What We Look For
- Clear connection to cultural celebration or education
- Events that are inclusive and open to all students
- Opportunities for collaboration and student leadership
- Positive impact on campus community and learning
- Realistic planning and appropriate use of funds
Our review process is meant to support cultural expression and creativity, not limit it. We encourage organizations to think boldly, celebrate authentically, and share their culture with the UC Merced community.
