We prioritize applications for projects and initiatives that:

• Support the scholarship of staff, students, and trainees from backgrounds historically underrepresented in science and medicine.
• Enhance diversity related programs and initiatives, including external speakers.
• Investigate diversity related topics, health disparities, or involve underrepresented or sexual minority populations

We fund BSD or UCMC staff, students, or trainees (trainees = graduate students, postdocs, or house staff).  Applicants must not have received one of our Small Grants within the last 12 months.

The third Friday of each month from September – May.

Projects or research must be completed within 12 months of funding. Grant funds must be transferred to the appropriate department within 30 days of receiving the grant.

Past awardees have received funding for:  Costs related to programs and projects, such as honoraria, conference hosting, and materials.  Costs related to research, such as consulting services (e.g. transcription services, data analysis, computing services) and expenses related to presenting their research at academic or professional conferences.

What we do not fund:  Tuition, salaries, recuperation of clinical revenue, implementation of clinical guidelines, equipment or computers, clinical supplies, large amounts of food, or activities that have occurred in the past.

If the proposed work requires IRB approval or exemption, provide documentation.

If you are unclear whether your proposal falls within the guidelines, please email the BSD’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion for clarification at diversityoffice@bsd.uchicago.edu.

1. What are you requesting funds for?
2. Timeframe: when will the activity or research occur?
3. What are your goals and objectives and how will you measure success?
4. Expertise of applicant – describe how you have demonstrated success or have strong mentorship in this area.
5. Relevance – how does the project or research align with the priorities of the grant?
6. For conference presentations: include the link to the conference and confirmation of acceptance (candidates may apply if not yet accepted; funds are dispersed with proof of acceptance).
7. For research submissions: Describe your hypothesis, specific aims and research approach.  This must be written for a lay audience as those outside your field will review the application.  Show precision, depth, readability, relatability, and why it is important.
   *If you have previously sought funding for research in this area you may upload that grant application or proposal in the “supplemental materials” section of the online application.
8. Other sources of financial support secured, if applicable (departmental support, grant support, start-up funding, etc.).
9. For Research appointees and trainees: If the project is to support research in your laboratory, please describe your laboratory’s financial contribution and/or why additional funding is necessary.

If the proposed work requires IRB approval or exemption, provide documentation.

If you are unclear whether your proposal falls within the guidelines, please email the BSD’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion for clarification at diversityoffice@bsd.uchicago.edu.

With your application, include a brief statement about your background or past experiences and how these contribute to diversity in the Biological Sciences Division.

Applications without a Diversity Statement will not be considered

If you are unclear whether your proposal falls within the guidelines, please email the BSD’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion for clarification at diversityoffice@bsd.uchicago.edu.

• Students and Trainees: from a BSD Faculty member
• Research staff: from your PI
• BSD or UCMC staff: from your direct supervisor including a statement that there is no conflict with primary work duties.
• Up to two letters of support may be submitted to: diversityoffice@bsd.uchicago.edu

*Letters of support should be emailed directly from the recommender.