Overview

The Presidential Advisors on Diversity & Equity (PADE) invite proposals for programs, events, and activities to advance a culture of belonging by creating opportunities for genuine engagement, shared learning, and community-building. Successful projects will help strengthen interpersonal connections and contribute to a welcoming, supportive, and cohesive campus environment.

PADE seeks to support initiatives that bring people together, foster understanding across differences, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a deeper sense of belonging at Cornell. These grants are intended to encourage meaningful engagement across our community and reinforce the values that connect us.

Funding Available: Up to 10 grants will be awarded, with individual awards of up to $750 each.

Funds may be used to support community-building initiatives (e.g. informal coffee or lunch gatherings), but could also include workshops, educational activities, speaker events, or other efforts supporting meaningful engagement with others. 

Proposal Requirements

To be eligible for funding, proposals must:

1. Enhance the experience of Cornell students, faculty, and/or staff and with an event or activity that demonstrates clear potential to foster meaningful interactions, strengthen relationships, build trust, and increase engagement among members of the Cornell community.

2. Include at least two Cornell community members who will serve as project leads, preferably representing different campus organizations, colleges, units, or constituencies.
3. Be inclusive of all populations on one or more Cornell campuses.
4. Include clear outcomes and a plan for assessing the program's effectiveness.

Proposal Submission

Applicants should submit a proposal, no more than two pages in length, that includes:

• Project title and description of the proposed program, event, or activity
• Names, affiliations, and contact information of project leads
• Statement of how the proposal supports Belonging at Cornell and the intended purpose
• Intended audience and anticipated participation
• Timeline for implementation
• Budget details (up to $750)
• Expected outcomes and measures of success

Proposals must be submitted to pade@cornell.edu. Funding is available for the 2026-7 academic year. Questions can be directed to pade@cornell.edu. 

Supplemental Information

Reporting Requirements:

Award recipients will be required to submit a brief summary upon completion of their project that includes:

• Description of activities conducted
• Number of participants reached
• Outcomes and impact achieved
• Assessment results and lessons learned

Programs and expenditures should be completed by July 1, 2027.

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Strengthening Community Connection, Trust & Belonging (25 points)
  Evaluates the proposal's ability to bring people together, foster meaningful relationships, build trust, and create a stronger sense of belonging across the Cornell community.
• Alignment with Belonging at Cornell & Grant Purpose (20 points)
  Assesses how well the proposal advances the goals of Belonging at Cornell and supports a diverse, inclusive, and engaged campus environment.
• Potential for Lasting or Sustained Impact (15 points)
  Considers whether the project will create enduring benefits, ongoing relationships, future collaborations, or culture change beyond the initial activity.
• Cross-Campus/Cross-Unit Engagement & Collaboration (15 points)
  Evaluates the extent to which the proposal connects individuals, organizations, colleges, units, or campuses that might not otherwise engage with one another.
• Clearly Defined Outcomes & Assessment Plan (10 points)
  Assesses whether the proposal includes measurable goals and a realistic plan for evaluating impact and success.
• Feasibility & Thoughtful Use of Funds (10 points)
  Considers the practicality of the implementation plan, budget appropriateness, and responsible stewardship of grant funds.
• Creativity & Innovation (5 points)
  Evaluates whether the proposal offers a fresh, engaging, or novel approach to strengthening connection, trust, belonging, and community engagement.

Total: 100 points