Through the StEAR Enhancement Fund, a total of $300,000 is available to support community-led initiatives that advance broad campus equity and anti-racism priorities aligned with UBC’s StEAR Framework and Roadmap for Change. This application is for faculty- and staff-led projects. A separate student-led application will be announced by early October 2025.

Applicants can apply for funds from $500 and up to $10,000 per project.

Important application dates

Call 1

• Opens September 15 and closes October 15, 2025

Call 2

• Opens January 12 and closes February 8, 2026

Before you start (pre-work)

You’ll need time to prepare the following: 

• Project budget (PDF): Use the supplied budget template (MS Word) and upload as PDF in the application. 

• Letter of support (PDF): From an endorser (a dean, director or an official representative from the AMS, GSS, or the SUO). Please note that you will need to reach out to an endorser ahead of time to secure the letter in time for the application deadline  

• Finance contact: Provide contact information for a relevant finance contact in a UBC administrative or academic body or student society (care of a student club or group). Please note that you will need to reach out to the appropriate finance contact in a Faculty, department or unit ahead of time to confirm they are willing and able to accept and hold funds for your project. We are not able to transfer funds to an individual.  

• Portfolio/Faculty Equity Lead check-in (where applicable): Equity Leads coordinate justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization actions across the division/faculty. A brief check-in may help align with Portfolio/Faculty priorities or surface collaboration opportunities. Availability and scope vary by Portfolio/Faculty; this step is optional and not considered in adjudication. Look up your Equity Lead.  

You may also wish to review the PDF version of the application form before starting to better understand what information you will be required to provide. 

Helpful documents and reference information

Application-related documents

1. PDF version of the application form for reference use only
2. Sample project budget (PDF)
3. Project budget template (MS Word) (PDF)

Referential resources

1. StEAR Enhancement Fund program overview
2. StEAR Framework and Roadmap for Change
3. Descriptions of previously funded projects

How to apply

1. Click Apply on this page and log in with your CWL. 

2. Enter your project title (use the same title throughout the form). 

3. Complete the online form. You can invite collaborators to view/edit alongside you. 

4. Save your work before leaving; you can return anytime. 

5. When finished, click Complete. This is not submitted yet.

6. Log in to the application portal at apply.academic.ubc.ca.

7. Open your application by clicking Continue.

8. Click Submit to finalize.

9. Confirm you see a Submitted status and/or receive a submission confirmation email.

10. Track your application status by logging back into the portal. 
    
    

After you apply

You will receive an email notification once your application has been reviewed and a decision is made.