The Diversity and Inclusion Fund 2024 to 2025

Do you have a great idea for a project that will help make a difference? We are launching the next round of the Diversity and Inclusion fund following the success of the first round.

What is the Diversity and Inclusion Fund

The Diversity and Inclusion Fund is an annual fund that provides grants for innovative initiatives, projects, and research aimed at enhancing the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the goal of delivering cultural change across the university.

Previous recipients of our funding have included projects related to disability, socio-economic background, language, race and ethnicity, gender, learning disabilities, and more. These projects have been delivered through initiatives such as data collection and analysis, workshops, conferences, etc.

We particularly welcome projects that align with LJMU’s Access and Participation Plan, Race Equality Charter Action Plans, and Athena SWAN Action Plans.

How much can I bid for?

We plan to fund seven projects and will consider individual applications up to the value of £10,000. Please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team for more information, including the Athena SWAN Action Plan, Race Equality Charter Action Plan, and the Access and Participation Plan.

Previous recipients are welcome to apply, provided they meet the current eligibility criteria.

Applicants should not resubmit unsuccessful applications.

What will we fund?

Applicants must showcase the purpose of the project, the impact it will have, and the expected outcomes, including clear evaluation plans.

Although all ideas are welcome, for this round, we are particularly encouraging applications that focus on any of the following:

  • Black students’ achievement gap
  • Care leavers
  • Decolonising/Inclusive curriculum
  • Estranged students
  • Future workforce and recruitment in higher education
  • Intersectional identities: disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and trans equality.
  • Justice and Prison involved Communities.
  • Work Life Balance - women and men as carers, parents, guardians
  • Neurodiversity
  • Northern Irish students
  • Outreach activities in primary and secondary schools
  • People from the Armed Forces community
  • Justice and Prison involved Communities.

What will be the criteria?

The outcomes of the project must be tangible. This could include:

  • Developing a Diversity and Inclusion resource toolkit for LJMU webpages
  • Contributing to the institution's Diversity and Inclusion priorities outlined in the Athena SWAN Action Plan, Race Equality Charter Action Plan, and the Access and Participation Plan
  • Implementing work-based learning initiatives to staff and students
  • Promoting a sense of community and belonging
  • Sharing best practices
  • Devising a plan for external engagement
  • Inclusive leadership
  • Creating plans for external engagement and influence

For further guidance on the criteria please email equality@ljmu.ac.uk 

How do I apply?

You will need to apply by completing the application form.

Download the application form (Word, 32.7KB)

The deadline for application submission is 1 August 2024, at 5pm

Who else should be involved in the project?

We strongly encourage collaborative initiatives that involve academic staff, students (including societies and clubs), JMSU, and professional services staff with community groups and organisations. However, the project lead must be an LJMU staff member.

When can the money be spent, and when will the project end?

Funds will be available from August 2024 and must be spent by 30 June 2025. Applications will be considered for projects with funding phased across this period.

A celebratory event will be organised to showcase the various projects and their impacts. This gathering will include staff, students, and community members involved in the projects. Project leads and their representatives will be expected to deliver a presentation.

What is the evaluation process?

Each successful project lead will be required to produce a report on the project, conduct an evaluation of the project and complete an evaluation template at the end of the project.

The deadline for application submission has been extended from 18 July 2024, at 5pm to 1 August 2024 at 5pm.

Faq Items

The University Funded Diversity and Inclusion Scheme 2023 to 2024