UW Tacoma Black Opportunity Fund

• Proposals may be submitted for up to $5,000. Proposals in excess of the amount will be considered on a case by case basis. a full or partial amount of requested funds may be awarded to selected projects. 
• Proposals are accepted from all current students, faculty, and staff at the University of Washington Tacoma.
• Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027 (Round 1) or December 31, 2027 (Round 2). Projects that request completion dates after, will be given special consideration.
• Recipients will submit a project/activity summary within 60 days of the project/activity conclusion that 1) lists/shows activities supported, 2) evaluates project/activity outcomes, and 3) accounts for project expenditures.
• If funded, the project may be used for fundraising and promotional purposes by the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Office of Advancement

Round 1, 2026-27:

Applications open – October 26, 2026

Applications close – November 30, 2026

Award notifications/disbursement – December 2026

Project completion - June 30, 2027

Report due - August, 2027

Round 2, 2026-27:

Applications open - March 2027

Applications close - April 2027

Award notifications/disbursement - May 2027

Project completion - December 31, 2027

Report due - August, 2027

Information session are to provide prospective applicants with support and guidance on the areas of focus and the application process. Frequently asked questions will also be addressed. Facilitators of the information sessions are not able to directly assist in the completion of the application and may not be able to provide answers about the merits of individual applications.

Thursday, October 22, 9:30 - 10:30 am

Monday, October 26, 2:00 - 3:00 pm

Please contact Tanya Velasquez iamtanya@uw.edu or Nicole Jordan, ncol3j@uw.edu to register for an information session over Zoom. 

• Objective: statement of how the project or activity will amplify, preserve, or advance Black culture(s) or experiences.
• Description of the project goals/learning outcomes, theory or philosophy that supports your approach, actual activities and tools for assessment.
• Project timeline, marketing plan and detailed budget with a description of any matching funds and/or any additional funds supporting the project or activity.

Applications will be reviewed by the UW Tacoma Black Opportunity Fund Committee, which is comprised of UWT students, staff and faculty. Proposals will be assessed based on the Areas of Focus and their alignment with the UW Tacoma BOF eligibility requirements. A review of the proposals will be shared with the Chancellor who will make final award decisions. 

Note: Eligibility and selection will be based on the focus and impact of the project or activity, not the identity of the applicant.