The Office of the Rector Equity Partnership Grant is in the final stages of development.
The grant functions as a way for non-profit student groups to engage with the Office of the Rector and attain funding for their proposed initiatives. Applicants’ initiatives must have a stated commitment to anti-oppression and anti-discrimination.
The project is part of the commitment to Queer, Transgender, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (QTBIPOC) students Rector Sam Hiemstra released in the summer.
“[The grant will] support [QTBIPOC students] in the work that they’re already doing, but hopefully it entices some groups to think outside of the box and create some new content,” Hiemstra told The Journal.
Twenty per cent of the Rector’s operating budget—$1,800—is proposed to fund the grant.
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The grant has been sent to the University for final approval. Hiemstra said he hopes to have applications open in late October and receive all applications by Nov. 13.
“It has been a little bit of a back and forth between my office and the Secretariat’s office,” Hiemstra said. “That is just being done to ensure that it complies with all the Queen’s policy and procedure.”
While the grant is geared to QTBIPOC students, other equity seeking groups can apply.
Clubs and organizations will be able to apply on the Rector’s website, where they can also find the grant’s terms of reference. They will have to answer a questions involving the purpose of their proposed initiative and a statement of need.
A committee comprise of Hiemstra, a representative from the Secretariat’s office, the AMS Social Issues Commissioner, the SGPS Equity and Diversity Commissioner, an advisor from the Human Rights and Equity Office, and an alumni advisor will decide how to distribute the money.
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The money will likely be divided between multiple student groups, according to Hiemstra.
“I’m hoping we can give it to as many of the initiatives that meet the criteria and the eligibility of the grant [as possible],” he said.
In addition to social media posts, Hiemstra will promote the grant by reaching out to groups directly and having a conversation with them about how his office can help develop their initiatives.
“This is be something that future Rectors are able to work with and is something that I’m be doing within the next year and half that I’m in the position,” Hiemstra added. “So I am very excited about it.”
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