In support of campus activities that promote and enrich diversity at the University of Montana, the Diversity Advisory Council invites the campus community to submit proposals for funding consideration (maximum amount is $500).

The Diversity Funding Award applications for AY 2023-24 are now open. 

Application Process

The Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) acknowledges and affirms diversity in its myriad forms through support and promotion of persons, campus- and community-based groups, and educational initiatives representing diverse cultural perspectives and sociodemographic backgrounds. As active agents in decision making, the DAC advises the University President and the campus community on matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

With this charge, the DAC invites UM student groups, faculty or staff to submit proposals for funding consideration. DAC funds activities and events that promote and enrich the diversity of UM. Diversity includes but not limited to, age, ideas and perspectives, all abilities, creed, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, national origin, race, religious and spiritual beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, and the socioeconomic and geographic composition.

Applications are required to be submitted at least three weeks prior to the event/activity (rolling deadline), but we encourage groups to apply early to maximize their opportunities for funding. Applications must be submitted by a current student, faculty or staff member. Proposals that demonstrate collaboration among students, faculty and staff are highly encouraged, and to ensure equitable access to grant funding, only one application can be submitted per activity/event (i.e., multiple groups may not submit an application for the same event). Priority will be given to applicants who have not received funding in the same academic year, but applications may be submitted more than once for different activities/event by the same individual/group.

Each application will be evaluated based on the rubric below. For questions about the process, please email Co-Chairs Anisa Goforth (anisa.goforth@umontana.edu) or Karen Schlatter (karen.schlatter@umontana.edu).

At the completion of the event or activity, applicants are required to write a brief summary (300 words) and provide a picture. This summary will then be disseminated on the DAC webpage or other UM communications. Applicants should include the DAC logo when disseminating information about the event. Applicants who do not submit the final summary will not be eligible to submit an application the following academic year.

Application Evaluation Criteria

Each application is scored on the follow criteria. For each criteria, applications are scored as Adequate (2 points), Needs Improvement (1 point) or Missing/Weak (0 points).

• Applicant has not received a Diversity Funding Award this academic year.
  • Adequate: Applicant has not received a Diversity Funding Award this academic year.
  • Missing/Weak: Applicant has received for a Diversity Funding Award this academic year.
• If applicable and applicant received funding last academic year, applicant submitted a summary and photo by the end of the academic year.
  • Adequate: Applicant submitted a summary and photo by the end of the academic year.
  • Missing/Weak: Applicant did not submit a summary and photo by the end of the academic year.
• Proposal fosters diversity on campus/in the campus community.
  • Adequate: Statement clearly summarizes how the activities foster diversity on campus/in the campus community
  • Needs Improvement: Statement only vaguely describes how the activities foster diversity on campus/in the campus community
  • Missing/Weak: Statement does not describe how the activities foster diversity on campus/in the campus community
• Proposal shows potential to make lasting impact.
  • Adequate: Presents compelling details of how the activities/event will potentially make lasting impact
  • Needs Improvement: Weak, unstructured evidence of how this activity will make a lasting impact. Little details provided
  • Missing/Weak: Significance of activities not articulated.
• Proposal outlines a clear budget.
  • Adequate: Clearly outlines a budget
  • Needs Improvement: Outline of budget is vague or lacks details
  • Missing/Weak: No budget outline is provided
• Proposals demonstrates collaboration among students, faculty and staff.
  • Adequate: Statement clearly demonstrates collaboration among students, faculty and staff
  • Needs Improvement: Statement only vaguely demonstrates collaboration among students, faculty and staff
  • Missing/Weak: Statement does not demonstrate collaboration among students, faculty and staff

Recent examples of successful proposals

• Queer Prom
• MOSSAIC Neurodiversity Trainings
• Native American Law Student Association film festival, alumni reception and youth conference
• International Culture and Food Festival sponsored by the International Student Association and Foreign Student and Scholar Services
• Middle East Peace Panel sponsored by the Model Arab League (Northern Rockies)

Recent examples of unfunded proposals

• Applications that were incomplete
• Applications that provided little or no evidence of efforts to secure funding in addition to that requested from the DAC
• Applications whose intended audiences were either limited in scope or did not comprise the campus community
• Applications that requested honoraria for UM employees

Debriefs from Funded Events

Neurodiversity Inclusion Trainings Debrief:

The MOSSAIC (Mentoring, Organization, Social Support for Autism/All Inclusion on Campus) program is grateful for the opportunity afforded to pursue campus-wide training on Neurodivergence Inclusion.  Dr. Schoffer Closson worked with the Office of Organizational Learning and Development to provide trainings every semester to faculty, staff, and students on how to make our campus neurodivergent inclusive.  People that attend the trainings are offered a door sticker so they can identify themselves as having neurodiverse inclusive space and practices (see image below).  Two sessions have been hosted by OOLD, one in Spring 23 and Fall 23.  The plan is to offer one each semester to increase inclusive practices on campus.

Jack W. Dorsey Unvieling Debrief:

James W. Dorsey, originally from Missoula, Montana, was a trailblazer who transcended societal boundaries. He achieved the remarkable distinction of being the first Black graduate of both the University and its Law School, a groundbreaking accomplishment that shattered barriers and paved the way for generations to come. His legacy extends far beyond his academic achievements.

Dorsey's talents were not limited to the classroom. He was a star football player, showcasing his athleticism and dedication to excellence. Yet, it was his unwavering commitment to the cause of civil rights that truly set him apart. In an era of significant social change, he became a prominent civil rights leader, advocating for equality, justice, and the eradication of discrimination.

Following his time in Missoula, James W. Dorsey relocated to Milwaukee, where he established a thriving law practice. His legal expertise, combined with his steadfast dedication to justice, earned him numerous awards and accolades for his pivotal role in advancing interracial relations. His work was instrumental in bridging divides, fostering unity and understanding in a society yearning for change.

The portrait we unveil in April 2023 transcends art; it serves as a symbol of James W. Dorsey's enduring legacy and a reminder of the progress we have achieved in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. We cordially invite you to be a part of this historic moment as we honor a man whose contributions to civil rights, sports, and education continue to inspire us all.

Join us in commemorating the life and achievements of James W. Dorsey in April 2023. Together, we pay tribute to a man who blazed a trail for justice, equality, and understanding. As we unveil this portrait, we renew our commitment to carry on his work in the pursuit of a more just, inclusive society.