2024 UCD Africa Engagement Seed Fund - Open for Applications

The UCD Africa Engagement Seed Fund is designed to advance UCD’s Africa Engagement Strategy by supporting initiatives with the potential to deepen the University’s profile on the continent. Resources are allocated with the expectation of cultivating UCD’s network and demonstrating the potential of new engagement activities. It is open to UCD faculty and staff with proposals intended to address any of the Strategy’s key areas.

Key Areas:

Successful applicants will situate their proposal within one of the five key areas of the Africa Engagement Strategy:
(1) partnerships & academic engagement, (2) student recruitment, (3) student engagement, (4) alumni engagement, or (5) government & industry engagement. The key areas should be construed broadly. Support will not be limited to the types of activities identified in the Strategy, and creative approaches are welcome. All academic disciplines and University functions may apply. Extra consideration will be given to those proposals that address multiple key areas.

Preference will be given to those proposals that include a partner based at an African institution. However, any substantive and equitable engagement with Africa aligned to the Africa Engagement Strategy will satisfy the criteria.

Funding period/Funding amount:

The total funding available under this call is €25,000. Grants
up to €5,000 are available per individual application and up to €10,000 for applications that include more than one of UCD’s Schools or units.

All funds must be used by January 31st, 2025.

How to apply: 

Applicants are asked to complete
the online application form, providing:

  • a short description of how funds will be used to advance the Africa Engagement Strategy (5000 character limit);
  • information about the partner researcher and/or institution, if the proposal includes collaboration; 
  • a 800 character summary of proposal that, if funded, could be disseminated publicly (recipient will be notified prior to doing so);
  • anticipated outcomes from the proposed work (e.g., workshop, publication, grant proposal, etc.); 
  • a budget outline.

Please note:

  • Grants cannot be used for salaries or equipment;
  • All budget amounts are understood to be the best estimate at the time of the request.

All questions should be directed to The Office of Global Engagement via vpforglobalengagement@ucd.ie.

Application Deadline:

The deadline for applications is Friday, 26th of January 2024 at 11:59PM
. All applicants will be notified of the result of their application in early March 2024