ASUC Grants

ASUC Grants

*Online applications accepted only. We are no longer accepting paper applications.*

Please take a look below to see which fund best matches your needs. Go to http://callink.berkeley.edu 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 asucgrants@gmail.com
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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

Academic Opportunity Fund Application
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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)

Intellectual Community Fund Application
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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

Educational Enhancement Fund Application
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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

Multicultural Fund Application
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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

The Public Service Fund Application
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Grants Application Process

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis each semester until all funds are allocated for the 2009-2010 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: 9/08/09 -11/13/09 | Spring Application Period: 1/29/10-until funds are depleted, with the absolute last date to apply 4/16/2010

Callink Instructions

“How to Submit a Grant Application”

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.berkeley.edu and login using your CalNet ID and Passphrase. The login section is on the right side of the page, directly under the line that reads “Group Resources.”

2. In the search bar, type the full name or the acronym of the grant for which you wish to apply. The search bar is located directly to the left of the login box. There may be more than one result for any search; therefore, please ensure that you select the option that begins with “AAVPG” (Academic Affairs Vice President Grants).

3. To begin the application, please scroll down the right hand column of the grant page until you see the tab entitled “Surveys and Forms.” Select this tab and there will be an application link available for you to click.

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 2^nd 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.

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 Deputy
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.

Contact Information

Academic Opportunity Fund: aavp.aof@gmail.com

Educational Enhancement Fund: aavp.eef@gmail.com

Intellectual Community Fund: aavp.icf@gmail.com

Multicultural Fund: aavp.mcf@gmail.com

Public Service Fund: aavp.psf@gmail.com

General Inquiries: asucgrants@gmail.com

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FAQs:

Where can I pick up an application?
Applications can be found on Callink. Go to http://callink.berkeley.edu and type in the name of the fund you are looking for into the search engine. Once you are on the page of your fund (AOF, ICF, EEF, MCF, or PSF), click on "Surveys and Forms" on the right hand column where you will be able to find the application form. You must be logged in with you CalNet ID and passphrase (login on upper right corner of screen) in order to access the application. If you have any questions regarding accessing these grants applications, please email asucgrants@gmail.com

When are applications due?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the academic year until all funds are allocated. The fall application period is 9/08/09 -11/13/09 and the spring application period is from 1/29/10-until funds are depleted. The application AND the interview must be completed before the event/travel date. Applications must be submitted AT LEAST 1 week before event, no exceptions. 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?
No, please apply for only one grant. Choose the grant which matches best with your event.

How do I sign up for an interview?
After submitting your application online, please drop by 2nd Floor Eshleman to sign up for an interview time on the sign-up sheet posted outside of Room 205. 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 (on the 2nd Floor). 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 $200, 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?
Submit a reimbursement form on by going to "Create an expenditure request" under the "Finance" tab on your respective grant's CalLink page. Print out the completed form and attach all original receipts and copy of the receipts then turn it into 205 Eshleman Hall. Upon approval, we will forward your reimbursement paperwork to the ASUC Auxiliary. The contact person from your organization will receive an e-mail from our office regarding the status of the reimbursement.

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.