Please take a look below to see which Fund best matches your needs. Hard copies will be available on 2nd floor of Eshlemen.

• Academic Opportunity Fund
• Intellectual Community Fund
• Educational Enhancement Fund
• Multicultural Fund
• Public Service Fund
• Grants Application Process
• FAQs

The Fall Semester of 2008 Grants filing period will close on Thursday, November 20, 2008. All grant applications must be submitted by the deadline in order to be considered for review.

All reimbursement documentation must be submitted 4 weeks after the event date in order for applicants to receive their checks. IMPORTANT: If your event takes place after November 17, 2008, you have until December 15, 2008 to submit your reimbursement documentation in order to be reimbursed this semester for your event. Otherwise you will be reimbursed during the Spring '09 semester. Please direct reimbursement questions to asucgrants@gmail.com.

Academic Opportunity Fund:

The Academic Opportunity Fund awards grants for academic travel that enhances student access to valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom. The program provides opportunities for individuals and student groups to represent and further UC Berkeley's academic prestige and dedication to education. While most ASUC funding is restricted to on-campus activities, the Academic Opportunity Fund subsidizes off-campus academic pursuits - professional meetings, research conferences, academic competitions, and independent research.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis by the ASUC Academic Affairs Office. Allocations are generally limited to $500 per event, though this amount may be waived under exceptional circumstances. Since all graduate and professional student fees are directed to the Graduate Assembly, undergraduates will have the highest priority for this fund, though we do encourage all students to apply. Individuals who have not received funding in the past will be given greater consideration. Applicants that have the support and guidance of a UC Berkeley faculty mentor will receive special attention. Awards are contingent upon the availability of current funds and the number of received applications.

The Committee will give the highest priority to proposals that demonstrate:

• Potential for the advancement of research or the promotion of academic success
• Full support and guidance of a UC Berkeley faculty mentor (includes optional statement of support)
• Past history of academic achievement
• Significant contribution to the student body and its academic development
• Orientation toward co-curricular, academic, or professional development
• Thoughtful planning with careful attention to logistical and financial details
• Efforts to seek alternative funding

Intellectual Community Fund:

The Intellectual Community Fund provides monetary support to collaborative events planned by and for Cal students. The objective of the program is to foster a unified campus community that is conducive to free intellectual exchange. Through the distribution of small grants, the Intellectual Community Fund promotes joint campus programs that serve the diverse student population of UC Berkeley. Funding is allocated to student groups that cooperatively plan and advertise academic events serving multiple communities of interest.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis by the ASUC Academic Affairs Office. All registered individuals and student groups are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $500 per event. The Committee may waive this limit under compelling circumstances. Since all graduate and professional student fees are directed to the Graduate Assembly, undergraduates will have the highest priority for this fund, though we do encourage all students to apply. Applicants who have not received funding in the past will be given greater consideration. Awards are contingent upon the availability of current funds and the number of received applications.

The Committee will give the highest priority to proposals that demonstrate:

• Collaborative programming with multiple campus and community groups
• Advertisement to multiple constituencies with a high expected turn-out
• Attempt to present a balanced educational perspective
• Orientation toward co-curricular, academic, or professional development
• Innovative efforts to address and serve the unmet academic needs of the student population, not a duplication of existing efforts on campus and in the community
• Involvement of a considerable number of UC Berkeley students
• Thoughtful planning with careful attention to logistical and financial details
• Efforts to seek alternative funding
• Includes statement of support from a faculty mentor or student group advisor (optional)

The Educational Enhancement Fund (EEF):

The EEF provides monetary support to DeCal courses and independent student-initiated courses at UC Berkeley. The ASUC Office of Academic Affairs administers the EEF in conjunction with the Program for Democratic Education (DeCal). The objective of the program is to foster the growth of courses and address the unmet academic needs of the student body. Funding is allocated to applicants based on their proposed classroom curriculum and ability to achieve the EEF goals (listed below). Applicants must also provide a valid list of expenses.

While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, there is a priority deadline on October 19 for the Fall Semester and February 15 for the Spring Semester. Student instructors and course-coordinators are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $200. Since all graduate and professional student fees are directed to the Graduate Assembly, undergraduates will have the highest priority for this fund, though we do encourage all students to apply. Awards are contingent upon the availability of current funds and the number of received applications.

The Committee will give the highest priority to proposals that demonstrate ability to achieve the EEF goals:

• Fulfill an academic need of the student body
• Improve the quality of instruction and learning
• Create sustainable learning environment that is applicable to a wide audience
• Exhibit and foster continued devotion and passion by the applicant/instructor
• Demonstrate efforts to reduce costs

Past grants have been used to:

• Provide visual or auditory supplements such as DVDs, CDs, instructive books
• Accommodate guest speakers
• Cover copying expenses, whether for handouts or flyers
• Purchase supplies for public performances
• Provide for a portion of travel expenses or educational tours

The Multicultural Fund (MCF):

The Multicultural Fund provides monetary support to events introducing the campus to a culture. The program provides opportunities for student groups to hold unique and innovative events to increase campus awareness of multicultural issues. The objective of the program is to build tolerance and appreciation for diversity by broadening students' perspectives. Funding is allocated to student groups that organize and widely advertise cultural events.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis by the ASUC Academic Affairs Office. All registered individuals and student groups are encouraged to apply for a grant up to $500 per event. The Committee may waive this limit under compelling circumstances. Since all graduate and professional student fees are directed to the Graduate Assembly, undergraduates will have the highest priority for this fund, though we do encourage all students to apply. Applicants who have not received funding in the past will be given greater consideration. Awards are contingent upon the availability of current funds and the number of received applications.

The Committee will give the highest priority to proposals that demonstrate:

• Creative and innovative approach to educate Cal students
• Extensive, campus-wide marketing plans
• Measures to prevent exclusion or alienation of any community
• Sharing of personal cultural experiences and knowledge
• Attempt to present a broad view of the culture
• Thoughtful planning with careful attention to logistical and financial details
• Efforts to seek alternative funding
• Includes statement of support from a faculty mentor or student group advisor (optional)
• Use of the Multicultural Center

The Public Service Fund (PSF)

The Public Service Fund provides monetary support to increase and facilitate public service efforts targeted towards communities outside of the UC Berkeley campus. The objective of the program is to encourage students to partake in philanthropic or humanitarian based projects. As a new grant, the Public Service Fund strives to develop a sense of community awareness and enrich students' community service experiences. Funding is allocated based on the impact the activities/events have on the targeted communities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis by the ASUC Academic Affairs Office. Allocations are generally limited to $500 per event, though this amount may be waived under exceptional circumstances. Since all graduate and professional student fees are directed to the Graduate Assembly, undergraduates will have the highest priority for this fund, though we do encourage all students to apply. Individuals who have not received funding in the past will be given greater consideration. Applicants that have the support and guidance of a UC Berkeley faculty mentor will receive special attention. Awards are contingent upon the availability of current funds and the number of received applications.

The Committee will administer the fund based upon the following criteria:

• The activities' or events' level of impact upon the communities and beneficiaries to which it is targeted
• Careful planning and attention to detail and logistics
• Potential for success and sustainability
• Contribution to the Cal community
• Possible negative ramifications on participation and success if the individual(s) or group(s) do not receive funding
• Efforts toward collaboration between groups and students
• Innovative Efforts to address and serve the need of changing society outside of Cal
• Efforts to spread awareness of the need of their event, activity, or service to Cal students
• Efforts to involve other Cal students

Grants Application Process:

Please submit completed applications to the ASUC Academic Affairs Office in 205 Eshleman Hall. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis each semester until all funds are allocated for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applicants are highly advised to apply a month in advance.

Fall Application Period: 9/08-11/20 Spring Application Period: 1/20-until funds are depleted

Updated interview sign-up sheets will be posted near the office. Please sign up for an interview when submitting the grant application. Within two weeks of the interview, the applicant will be notified of the selection committee's decision through e-mail or by phone.

Funding is allocated through reimbursements and purchase orders. The individual/student group must submit a completed reimbursement form, the original receipts, a copy of the receipts, and a post-evaluation form to the ASUC Academic Affairs Office. Upon approval, the Grants Director will authorize the release of funds, and the check reimbursement will generally be available on the following Friday afternoon.

Where can I pick up an application?

Applications can be found on the second floor of Eshleman Hall in front of the Academic Affairs Office, room 205. If you have trouble, please ask the receptionist.

When are applications due?

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year until all funds are allocated. The application AND the interview must be completed before the event/travel date. We highly recommend that applications be submitted a month in advance.

Can I submit an application after an event has passed?

As stated above, no retroactive applications are accepted. The committee at its discretion may choose to review retroactive applications for summer events only.

Can I apply for more than one grant for the same event?

Yes, as long as your event fits the criteria of each of the grants that you apply for, the committee will consider all your applications.

How do I sign up for an interview?

When you submit your application, please sign up for an interview time on the sign-up sheet posted outside of 205 Eshleman Hall. It is your responsibility to sign up for an interview in a timely manner.

Can you tell me more about the interview?

This is a short and informal interview with an ASUC Grants representative. Please meet your interviewer in 205 Eshleman Hall. Be prepared to give details regarding your event, including logistics and finances. Only one student group representative should attend this interview.

When will we be notified of the selection committee's decision?

The selection committee reviews applications every 2 weeks. If you have fully completed your application and interview, you will be notified by e-mail of the committee's decision within 1-2 weeks of the interview date.

How much will I receive?

Due to limited funds, the maximum grant for EEF is $100, and all other grants are capped at $500. These are competitive grants, so we are unable to guarantee you any funding.

How do I receive my reimbursement?

Please submit the Reimbursement Request Form, Final Evaluation Form (for AOF, ICF, CBF, LDF, or MCF), and the original receipts to 205 Eshleman Hall. Upon approval, we will forward your reimbursement paperwork to the ASUC Auxiliary. The contact person will receive an e-mail from our office regarding the status of the reimbursement. Your reimbursement check should be available on the following Friday afternoon at the front desk on the 4th floor of Eshleman Hall.

I want to save the original receipts for my personal records. Can I just give you copies of the receipts?

No, the ASUC Auxiliary requires both the ORIGINAL receipts for reimbursements as well as a copy of your receipts. However, your original receipts will be returned at your request when you pick up your reimbursement check on the 4th floor of Eshleman.