Do you have an idea for a project that will improve the health and well-being of the McMaster community? You can apply to the McMaster Okanagan Special Project Funding to receive up to $5,000 to help make that idea a reality.
The funding is available to staff, students and faculty (as individuals or groups) who can demonstrate how their unique and creative proposal will improve the well-being of our campus and wider community. Applications are being accepted until Monday, February 28.
“We can’t emphasize enough how great this opportunity is,” says PhD student Madison Brockbank.
Brockbank and her research partner Renata Hall used the Special Project funding to in 2021 to create Learning in Colour, a digital platform that consolidates information, recommendations and resources for Black, Indigenous and racialized students navigating racial trauma.
“We were able to hire a web developer because we can’t do anything with tech,” laughs Brockbank. [The fund is] “an awesome opportunity to develop, support and sustain campus-wide community health initiatives.”
The Bounce at McMaster podcast, which features real stories of McMaster community members, was a 2020 recipient of the McMaster Okanagan Special Project Funding. The podcast celebrates the rarely-highlighted bumps along the road – the failures, rejections and struggles that mark everyone’s academic journey and the resilience we all build through these experiences.
“I wanted to do this podcast because when I am vulnerable and brave, it gives others permission to be vulnerable and brave,” said Zeinab Khawaja, a health promoter at Mac’s Student Wellness Centre, who shared her university experience during the podcast’s first episode.
“I hope my story makes someone feel seen and less alone,” said Khawaja.
When it came to launching a McMaster Class video series in collaboration with Paul Hoag, McMaster’s own executive chef, the Special Project Funding was “critical,” said Kyle Armstrong, the program coordinator of Engagement and Wellness at McMaster.
The project aims to help members of the McMaster community improve their kitchen skills through a series of engaging online cooking classes.
The funding allowed “for strong production quality as well as top-notch ingredients,” said Armstrong.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out some of the successful projects that received funding back in 2020 and 2021.
This is the third year the special funding is being awarded. This year’s deadline for applications comes at an exciting time as we mark a full return to campus and in-person projects and events.
To apply, fill out the submit an application here by Monday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m.
To find out more about the McMaster Okanagan Special Project Funding and whether your project is eligible, click here.