New College Initiative Fund (NCIF)

The New College Initiative Fund (NCIF) was established to support initiatives related to the New College community and its academic programs. Expenditures from the fund may include—but are not limited to—off-setting costs for events and/or other initiatives that enhance the student experience, link research to undergraduate teaching, encourage interdisciplinary community outreach, enhance accessibility, and advance equity and diversity. Other examples include student-led events and ideas related to improving New College infrastructure. Requests of up to $5,000 will be reviewed by NCIF Approval Committee of the specific bin you select. Anything above will be reviewed by the Priority, Planning & Budget committee.

The New College Initiatives Fund (NCIF) is now accepting applications for new proposals that have not previously been funded through NCIF. 

Application Process & Timeline

Your Application

Applications for the NCIF should include a choice of fund bins, a description of the activity included, a rationale for its relationship to the goals of the NCIF, and an estimated budget required. Applications for the Academic Bin should also first be approved by your Program Director.

Your application is then forwarded to the NCIF Approval Committee, who will assess the proposal and make a decision to approve, approve on condition, or reject.  

Timeline

Planning as early as possible will result in a smoother approval process. We strongly recommend you apply for NCIF at least 8 weeks prior to your event as it may take 2 weeks for the committee to convene and up to 6 weeks for administrative and financial support to be finalized (specifically if travel and accommodation is required). If you are unable meet this minimum recommendation, please consult the committee before applying.

Rationale connected to New College

In all cases, most successful proposals will demonstrate consideration of the following points:

  • enhancing the student experience
  • linking research to undergraduate teaching
  • encouraging interdisciplinary community outreach
  • advancing equity and diversity

Funding sources

There are three fund bins to select from that can relate to your application:

  • Academic – Select this bin for any activity that relates to the academic programming and/or pedagogy of your course(s) and/or program. This bin is used for most all applications.
  • Infrastructure – Select this bin for initiatives that involve alterations to physical spaces. Proposals that enhance accessibility are particularly welcomed.
  • Student Life – Select this bin for activities that primarily involve student organization, social events, or those that involve the Office of Residence & Student Life.

    Please note: New College Initiatives’ Student Life bin is currently closed (as of March 28th, 2025).

To facilitate decision-making or feedback, we require an informed estimated budget via this NCIF Budget [template], which will be used against actual costs by our finance department. Collaboration with other departments for workload, interdisciplinary value, and funding is encouraged where appropriate.

Best of Luck!

Apply Today!