FBE | MBSL Diversity and Inclusion Small Grants Program

Introduction

FBE and MBSL are committed to fostering and enhancing a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion in the community of both faculties. Aligned with this commitment, the FBE/MBSL Joint D&I Committee is pleased to announce a small grants program to support staff and students who are interested in hosting or coordinating events that advance the vision of FBE and MBSL as trusted leaders in diversity and inclusion.

We invite applications for projects, activities, and events that advance diversity and inclusion within FBE, MBSL, and the wider University community for the 2026 academic year. Up to five grants, each up to AUD3,000, will be awarded this year. The grants will be allocated on a competitive basis.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be a student or member of staff in FBE or MBSL, who will be enrolled and/or in a continuing or fixed-term position until at least 31 December 2026. Applications may come from an individual or a group. Staff (including academics and professional staff) and students from diverse religious, cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic and geographic backgrounds, people with disability, Indigenous Australians and LGBTQIA+ staff and students are especially encouraged to apply.

Please note: Applications from students or student clubs must nominate a full-time staff member at FBE or MBSL to be a supervisor.

Application information

Applications for the 2026 grant round are now open. The deadline for submissions is 5pm AEST, 27 March 2026.

Type of events encouraged

Funding will be given to events such as film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, cultural performances and other activities that build awareness, create space for all students and staff members to mark occasions of cultural significance and create an inclusive and welcoming environment across the Faculty. Events that facilitate wide participation are especially encouraged. Events must be completed by 31 October 2026.

Cost covered by the grant

The grant can be used to pay for any goods or services that support the event outlined in your application. This may include:

• Equipment hire
• Printing / stationery / graphic design
• Advertising
• Payment of domestic guest speakers/performers
• Travel costs associated with the activity
• Catering
• Exhibition costs

The grant cannot be spent on:

• Goods and services provided by overseas suppliers
• Salaries or teaching buyouts
• Activities/projects that will charge participation fees
• Research
• Learning and teaching projects
• Retrospective funding for projects already underway or completed
• The purchase of equipment
• Payments or gifts to event sponsors
• Student case competitions
• Activities that have already received FBE grant funding in the same calendar year (e.g. from other Faculty-run student grant schemes)
• Venue hire - Applicants are expected to use University of Melbourne-owned venues that are free of charge wherever possible. Grant funding should not be used for external venue hire unless there is a strong justification and prior approval has been obtained from the FBE/MBSL Joint D&I Committee.

Terms and conditions

How to apply?

Complete the application form

The deadline for submissions is 5pm AEST, 27 March 2026.

In the application, please include the following information:

• Your name, division, and the name and contact details of your direct supervisor at the faculty.
• For student or student club applications: student name, student number, program enrolled (UG, PG, or Graduate Research), and name of the student club/association, if applicable.
• Name and email of the full-time staff supervisor in case of a student or student club application.

The application should address the following questions:

• What is the theme of the project, and what are the proposed timelines?
• How will the implementation of this project contribute to advancing the faculty’s vision of cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture?
• Provide direct evidence of the applicant’s capacity and capability to successfully fulfil the project.
• How will the faculty grant support the implementation of this project?
• Briefly describe the need for your initiative, the anticipated reach of the project, its significance, and how the allocated funds will be used to achieve these goals.

Please note: Application outcomes will be communicated to the applicants by the end of April 2026.

If you have questions about the Small Grants Program or the application process, please email fbembsl-di@unimelb.edu.au.

Acknowledgement

We are inspired by the Small-Grants Program for D&I Activities established by the Faculty of Arts in creating this program.