Advice
Whenever you are completing an application for any kind of support, complete the form with care:
- Read the instructions for applying.
- Provide thorough answers to all questions. Review to correct any errors before submission.
- Plan ahead. A detailed budget including cost estimates and potential funding sources will be required.
- Submit well in advance of anticipated event.
It is often possible to apply for several sources of travel support for the same activity. Start early, ask questions, and follow carefully the instructions and timeline for each application.
Two EDI Funds Support Student Travel
EDI Student Travel Fund
EDI offers modest funds to individual students and EDI-affiliated student organizations for participation in professional/educational conferences and other events that advance equity, diversity, and intercultural connections. Maximum award to an individual or group is $300; award amounts may vary based on requests and funds available.
To apply, please complete the application linked below in its entirety at least one month prior to the event. Incomplete applications will not be considered. EDI staff are happy to assist with completing the form (MRC 110).
Note: In most instances, awarded funds cannot be disbursed in advance of travel/event or without appropriate receipts: save all receipts detailing expenses for which you plan to use awarded funds.
UMM Salt Springs Endowment American Indian Student Travel Fund
The Salt Springs Fund is an endowed fund tied to an act of the 1988 State Legislature directing the University of Minnesota that proceeds from sales of Minnesota Salt Springs lands be devoted to support American Indian education at system campuses outside the Twin Cities. The UMN Morris American Indian Advisory Committee (AIAC) allocates Salt Springs endowed funds to support student travel; a subcommittee reviews all applications and recommends awards.
To apply, please complete the application linked below in its entirety at least one month prior to the AIAC’s board meeting. The form includes information on funding requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered. EDI staff are happy to assist with developing a complete application (MRC 110).
Salt Springs Travel Funds Google form
Additional funding
Morris student organizations receive funding through the Student Activity Fee for group events. Many student organizations support travel experiences for their members and friends.
Coke Student Initiative Travel Funding - supports travel expenses for groups of students pursuing life-changing co-curricular opportunities, similar to the privately funded Catalyst fund for individual students.
UMM Catalyst Fund - Create life-changing experiences. UMM Catalyst supports individual UMM students’ life-changing co-curricular travel, creative projects, and other adventures. The fund is supported by gifts from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends.
Additional funding for conference participation may be available through the Academic Center for Enrichment. Fund Your Conference Travel.
Policy and Procedures
EDI student / org funds are for use by current University of Minnesota Morris students who have demonstrated a commitment to campus engagement around multiculturalism, social justice, or improving campus climate.
Preference will be given to students who are presenting or are involved in the planning of a conference/event, and to students who are actively involved in EDI programs.
Funds may also be used to support study abroad or other similar experiences.
Individual applicants must be making satisfactory progress toward degree completion, including a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the semester prior to the request and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Applications may be denied due to prior student conduct violations.
One request per student or student organization will be considered each academic year in each of the funds.
Student organizations applying for funds must demonstrate financial need and / or exceptional opportunity. For example, these funds are an appropriate resource for a new organization that is not yet eligible for an annual allocation, or to attend a special exhibit, conference, or other cultural event that was not anticipated in an organization’s annual budget request.
Students and groups receiving funding are expected to:
Represent themselves, EDI, the Morris campus, and the University of Minnesota with integrity and respect for self and others, and to conduct themselves responsibly at all times.
Attend a majority of the event that funds are supporting.
Questions?
Questions about EDI travel funds should be addressed to EDI staff at 320-589-6095. Staff are happy to assist students in developing their applications for funding.