From: Micah Stickel, Acting Vice-Provost, Students
Ann Lopez, Provostial Advisor on Access Programs
Date: February 12, 2021
Re: Call for Proposals – Access Programs University Fund (PDAD&C #46)

The Access Programs University Fund (APUF) – espousing the University’s values of access and equity and the President’s three priorities – is calling for proposals for the 2021-22 academic year.

Fund Overview

The University of Toronto has a long-standing commitment to outreach and access – currently there are over 80 access programs across the institution. The University is committed to ensuring that students from communities that are underrepresented in universities see and experience U of T as a place where they belong and can thrive. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial resources to help local units develop new and enhance existing programs dedicated to providing opportunities and support for students who, without intervention, would not access or succeed in post-secondary education.

Funding Streams and Application Timelines

The Access Programs University Fund (APUF) supports two levels of grant activities*:

• Seed ($5,000-$25,000) – applications will be accepted on a rolling basis
• Expand/Sustain/Build (ESB) ($15,000-$100,000) – the application deadline is April 30, 2021.

* Applicants from multi-departmental faculties should check with their Dean’s office before applying as some may require Decanal approval before submission.

This two-tiered system is intended to provide opportunities for creating outreach opportunities and pathways to post-secondary education for underrepresented groups by either developing new projects or scaling existing projects. Grants in both tiers are provided for a maximum of 2 years.

Applications for both streams must be submitted online. If applicants for the ESB grants require the funding for the summer term, please indicate this in your proposal.

Questions about APUF can be directed to:Office of the Vice-Provost, Students
vp.students@utoronto.ca