Grants

Please take a look below to see which fund best matches your needs. Go to CalLink and search for your specific fund to apply!

All reimbursement documentation must be submitted within 2 weeks after the event date in order for applicants to receive their checks. Please direct reimbursement questions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contact Information

Academic Opportunity Fund: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Educational Enhancement Fund: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Intellectual Community Fund: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Multicultural Fund: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Public Service Fund: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
General Inquiries: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grants Application Process

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis each semester until all funds are allocated for the 2011-2012 academic year. Applications must be submitted at least ONE (1) week before event, 1 month recommended. No exceptions will be made for late applications.
Fall Application Period: 10/01/11 -11/23/11
Spring Application Period: 1/28/12-until funds are depleted, with the absolute last date to apply 4/23/2012

CalLink Instructions

CalLink is an online center for student activities at UC Berkeley that offers several resources, including grants sponsored by the ASUC. If you are interested in one of the five funds available to all UC Berkeley students, please follow the following instructions to successfully submit your application:

1. Go to CalLink and login using your CalNet ID and Passphrase. The login section is on the right side of the page, directly next to "help”
2. Go to "Organizations" and look for the specific grant you are looking for.
3. Click "Join" next to each grant you are applying for to become a member. To apply, click the "Forms" tab on the left of the page and apply.
4. Complete the application, placing a particular emphasis on clarity with respect to your line-item budget. Please contact the appropriate grants director for any questions you may have before submitting that application. The e-mail addresses are listed below.
5. Save a copy of your grant application answers on a separate word document.
6. Click “Submit” once and wait until you receive a submission confirmation page. If you did not receive this confirmation, please click “Submit” again. If there is still no confirmation page, please contact the appropriate grants director.
7. Once you have submitted your grant application, please go to the 2nd floor of Eshleman Hall and sign-up for your interview. It is necessary to interview with the appropriate grants director. All interviews are done during the grants directors’ office hours, this information is available in Eshleman Hall. If special arrangements are required, please contact the grants director at the below e-mail addresses.
8. If your application is approved, you will receive a request to accept the invitation of becoming a “First Stage Financial Requester” via e-mail from the appropriate grants director. Upon accepting the invitation, you will be able to complete the Expenditure Request Form.
9. After submission of the ERF the reimbursement request will then proceed through the following five steps:
   Stage 1 - Application submitted by applicant
   Stage 2 - Approval by Grants and Audit
   Stage 3 - Approval by Secretariat
   Stage 4 - Approval by Accounting
   Stage 5 - Final approval by Director of the ASUC Auxiliary Office of Student Affairs

   Upon approval, the Grants Director will authorize the release of funds, and the check reimbursement will generally be available on 4th floor Eshleman for pickup the following Friday afternoon. It is the responsibility of the individual/student group representative to submit all of the required documents. Any missing documents or incorrect information will result in a delay in the process.

For detailed instructions regarding the completion of the Expenditure Request Form process refer to the ERF Manual (Google Document).

About the 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

To access the application, visit the Academic Opportunity Fund Application website.

About the ASUC Intellectual Community Fund

The Intellectual Community Fund provides monetary support to collaborative events planned for and by 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)

To access the application, visit the Intellectual Community Fund Director Application website.

About the ASUC Educational Enhancement Fund

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

To access the application, visit the Educational Enhancement Fund Director Application website.

About the ASUC Multicultural Fund

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

To access the application, visit the Multicultural Fund Director Application website.

About the ASUC Public Service Fund

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

To access the application, visit the ASUC Public Service Fund Director Application website.

About the Ethnic Studies Fifth Account Grant

This grant goes towards on-campus, co-curricular programs that promote the mission and vision of the Ethnic Studies Department. The Ethnic Studies Department was created with the vision that people of color would overcome the discrimination they faced and rise above the socioeconomic, political, and historical barriers that have kept them oppressed since the beginning of this country’s history. The Ethnic Studies Department will only fund events that are all-­‐inclusive of different ethnic communities.

The Ethnic Studies Fifth Account funding is only applicable to student-initiated events that meet the criteria of departmental sponsorship, significant impact on students, and cultural education.

Download the application here (PDF).