What is the University Diversity Fund (UDF)?

The University Diversity Fund (UDF) was launched in 2019 by former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Toope. This initiative provides up to £1500 to staff and student-led activities which have the following objectives:

1. Challenge discrimination and inequalities.
2. Increase the representation of underrepresented groups.
3. Raise awareness of issues related to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
4. Facilitate implementation of good practice at the University.

All UDF projects must impact staff and/or students at the University of Cambridge. Although the panel welcomes projects that will benefit both the University community and the wider external community, proposals that focus only on external groups or communities are unlikely to be successful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who can apply for the UDF?
  
  • Any current staff member or student at the University of Cambridge can apply for the UDF.

• Can societies apply for the UDF? And how can my society find our departmental cost code(s)?
  
  • Yes, societies can apply for the UDF. All applicants, including societies, must include their departmental cost code(s) in their application to indicate where the funds should be distributed if they are successful. Societies can obtain information about their departmental cost code(s) from whoever manages their finances.

• What qualifies as a host institution?
  
  • Host institutions include Departments, Faculties, or University Non-School Institutions (e.g. museums). Colleges are not eligible host institutions.

• How many applications can I submit?
  
  • Only one application per individual or group can be submitted for each funding round. This is to ensure a fair selection process.

• How are the applications assessed?
  
  • All applications are assessed by a representative panel of staff and students. In line with University policy, all panel members are required to declare any conflicts of interest. Each application is scored on the following criteria:
• • • Meets at least 1 UDF objective (see the above section, “What is the University Diversity Fund”).
• • • Has a clearly defined goal that extends beyond the funding period.
• • • Is realistic and deliverable.
• • • Has a clearly defined evaluation plan.

• When will I hear about the outcome of my application?
  
  • Applicants will be notified by the end of February 2026.

• Can I include additional documents with my application?
  
  • Due to the high volume of applications that we receive each year, the panel will not be able to read through any supplemental materials that are provided with your application.
    

• I previously received support from the UDF. Can I apply again?
  
  • Due to the high volume of applications that we receive each year and the limited funding that is available, the panel tends to prioritise initiatives which have not previously been supported by the UDF.

• My application was unsuccessful. Can I receive feedback?
  
  • Due to the high volume of applications that we receive each year, detailed feedback for each applicant is not possible.

• What cannot be funded by the UDF?
  
  • Due to the limited funding that is available, the UDF cannot be used for the following items. If there is uncertainty about whether certain aspects of your proposal can be funded, please contact the ED&I Team as soon as possible:
• • • Initiatives which are considered a routine function for the host institution (i.e. “business as usual”).
• • • Initiatives which overlap with ongoing activities across the University. All applicants are encouraged to liaise with relevant groups and stakeholders across the University prior to submitting their application. For example, the Widening Participation Team should be contacted prior to submitting any proposals related to this area.
• • • Prizes, rewards, or incentives.
• • • Supplementing existing research funding.

• What are some alternative sources of funding for EDI initiatives within the University?
  
  • Alternative sources of funding within the University include:
• • • The Cambridge University Student Union provides funding to registered societies via SU Society Grants.
• • • The Enhancing Research Culture Fund provides support to activities that aim to address issues impacting research culture (e.g. inclusive and safe working environments, positive research leadership).

Further guidance about the UDF can be found in the Applicant Information Pack.

Information for successful applicants and host institutions

• How long do I have to complete my project?
  
  • All successful applicants have until the end of December 2026 to submit their evaluation form to the ED&I Team. The evaluation form will be sent to you when you are notified of the outcome. If this deadline is not possible, please contact the ED&I Team as soon as possible.

• How can I demonstrate the impact of my project?
  
  • When successful applicants submit their evaluation form to the ED&I Team, they are required to describe the impact of their project on staff and/or students. This information will be used in future reports about how the funding has contributed to making a difference at the University. Some examples of how impact can be demonstrated include the number of participants/attendees who were involved in the project, feedback from participants/attendees, and the number of people who were affected by the project’s outcomes.

• How do I claim back the expenses for my project?
  
  • Costs for the project should be charged to a departmental cost centre of your choice and the Source of Funds is LFHA.  Please use the appropriate CUFS transaction codes for the expenditure. You may need assistance from the Finance Division to set this up for you – the contact is UFS_GL@admin.cam.ac.uk. For general financial guidance, please contact Chris Patten at Chris.Patten@admin.cam.ac.uk. There is an expectation that Financial Regulations are followed. You must provide proof of expenditure (e.g. invoice, receipts, train tickets) alongside your itemised expense claims form. The expense claims form will be sent to you when you are notified of the outcome. Once these expenses are approved by the ED&I Team and the HR Division, the funds will be distributed to your host institution.