As a student leader of my organization, I always think about the ways of bringing new funding to our programs and events. Here are two sources on-campus that we have been successfully utilized this semester, and I hope to share with you how to brainstorm ideas and how to secure funding from these sources.
 
Since these two grants are focused on diversity, inclusion, accountability, climate, and equity, your event needs to be related to these themes. You can bring in guest lecture or performance; organize one-time or recurring social events; or design an educational program that benefit both the student body and the general public. Depending on what kind of shared interests you have as a student organization, think about the following ideas:
 
- How does your profession/interest/skill help promote diversity and inclusion in the society in general? Can you design a program/event to showcase this aspect?
- Who are the historically underrepresented groups in your profession? How can we address the challenges and overcome them?
- Is there a speaker who conducts academic research or participate in social activism on diversity and inclusion-related issues in your profession? What can you learn from this person? Can you invite this person to campus to speak?
- Is your program/event feasible with a limited budget (these grants are $500 max)?
 
Here are some details of the two grants:
 
1. Glasscock Cultural Enrichment and Campus Diversity Grant
Website: http://glasscock.tamu.edu/grants-funding/glasscock-cultural-enrichment-and-campus-diversity-grant/
This grant is administrated by the Melbern G. Glasscock Center for Humanities Research, and is open to all faculty, staff, student, and student organizations on campus. In order to be sponsored by this grant, you need to create learning through activities that foster multicultural enrichment. Active political campaigns will not be sponsored. Applications are due every month. Apply at least two months before the start of your event.
 
2. Campus Climate Grant
This grant is provided by the Texas A&M Foundation and is made available through the Department of Multicultural Services as a funding source on behalf of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. It is open to all student organizations. Your programming needs to promote a positive and supportive campus climate, and make people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and encouraged. Applications are due every month. Apply at least two months before the start of your event.

---
Mingqian Liu
Mingqian is a PhD student in the Department of Architecture