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UCL staff and students can bid for up to £500 to fund activities or research projects which advance disability inclusion at UCL. The deadline to apply is Thursday 29th February 2024.
DESG Fund
UCL staff and students who would like to run disability inclusion activities or research projects are eligible to apply to the DESG Fund. Applicants are not required to identify as a member of the disabled and/or neurodivergent community; however, their proposal must have a clear aim that aligns and contributes to the visions outlined in the DESG’s Terms of Reference.
As the DESG Fund is finite, applicants should use this fund to apply for innovative, impactful, and wide-reaching projects which would be otherwise unfeasible, as opposed to business as usual (i.e. training or regular departmental activity).
Information for student applicants
Submissions from Student Union groups (clubs, societies, representatives and networks) will be considered providing the details of a student lead are provided for ease of contact.
Information for all applicants (students and staff)
All applications must detail how the positive impact of the proposed activity will be measured, as well as any formal reporting mechanisms that will be in place. Applicants can apply for a grant of up to £500. Priority will be given to applications that have a visible, cross-institutional reach.
Additionally, the DESG will assess and consider proposals that support one or more of the three following priorities:
- Intersectional activities (i.e. those that consider how disabled and neurodivergent identities interact with issues such as race, gender, class etc.).
- Projects that address disability equity challenges in new ways.
- Activities / projects to 'level up' and ensure that good practice is celebrated and replicated across UCL.
Applications must be received by Thursday 29th February 2024.
Guidance for creating a strong application
- Use clear, concise language and avoid academic jargon. Strong applications should use plain English and make their case succinctly.
- Focus on the impact of the project. What change will be brought about by your project and how will you measure it?
- Consider how your project could be upscaled to reach and benefit as many members of the disabled (and wider university) community as possible.
Once funding has been allocated
Successful applicants will be asked by DESG to produce a short impact report to be circulated to the wider UCL community via the EDI newsletter.
If you have any questions or need further guidance in making an application, please contact i.beedie@ucl.ac.uk.
Other sources of support
Please note that the DESG fund is specifically for disability inclusion activities and local institutional research. Students experiencing financial hardship are advised to seek alternative assistance listed on the UCL Financial Assistance Funds webpage.
Students who wish to apply for reasonable adjustments should contact UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing. More information on reasonable adjustments can be found on the Disability Mental Health and Wellbeing webpage.
Staff looking for guidance on support available at UCL for disabled and neurodivergent staff can find out more information on the Disability Equality Webpage.