Awards & Grants

Grants provide financial support to individuals engaged in equity work across three categories: (1) Black Empowerment, (2) Equity, and (3) Accessibility. Applications are submitted through Formstack and reviewed by a committee using a shared rubric. After deliberation, funding decisions are finalized and approved by the Vice-President (University Affairs). Recipients are notified by email and must acknowledge SIC support at their event.

The SIC also offers annual awards in three categories: (1) the Robert Sutherland Award, (2) the Equity Award, and (3) the Seven Grandfather Teachings Award. These awards recognize student leadership in advancing equity, anti-oppression, anti-racism, decolonization, and community well-being at Queen’s University. Nominations are submitted through Formstack and reviewed by a student committee. Final decisions are approved by the Internal Affairs Office and the Vice-President (University Affairs), and award recipients are recognized at the AMS Awards Gala.

Grants

Black Empowerment Grant

Purpose:

Provides financial support for Black student groups and/or Black History and Futures programming that promotes celebration, education, or advocacy around Black identities and Blackness. Open multiple times throughout the year, not limited to February.

Eligibility:

Organization’s mandate centers around Black identities and Blackness. Project promotes celebration, education, or advocacy related to Blackness and Black History and Futures. Project fosters safer, more inclusive spaces for Black students and combats anti-Black racism.

Equity Grant

Purpose:

Provides financial support to student groups engaging in equity, social justice, anti-oppression work, or student activism. Open several times a year.

Eligibility:

Organization engages in equity, social justice, or advocacy work. Project aligns with I-EDIAA principles and promotes an inclusive campus environment.

Accessibility Grant

Purpose:

Provides financial support for projects that promote accessibility and inclusion for students with disabilities. Open year-round, managed by Accessibility Initiatives.

Eligibility:

Applicant must be a Queen’s student or student group.
The project must address specific accessibility barriers and align with Accessibility Queen’s mission.

Funding Limit:

Up to $500 per application per round.

Awards

Equity Awards

Recognizes outstanding student leadership across four areas:

Fostering Wellbeing in Equity Award: Improving the wellbeing of equity-deserving communities.
Innovation in Equity Award: Creative and novel approaches to social justice.
Impact in Equity Award: Significant and sustainable equity-related contributions to campus.
Advocacy in Equity Award: Leadership and bravery in challenging oppression and advocating for justice.

Eligibility:

Queen’s University students who have paid the AMS membership fee.
Students may self-nominate or be nominated by others.

Award Value:

$1,000 per recipient.

Seven Grandfather Teachings Award

Purpose:

Awarded to two Indigenous students demonstrating leadership in anti-oppression, Indigenization, or decolonization efforts, guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.

Eligibility:

Must self-identify as Indigenous.
Must be a Queen’s University student who has paid the AMS membership fee.

Award Value:

$4,000 per recipient.

Robert Sutherland Award

Purpose:

Awarded to two Black students who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives at Queen’s University.

Eligibility:

Must self-identify as Black.
Must be a Queen’s University student who has paid the AMS membership fee.

Award Value:

$4,000 per recipient.

Submit a nomination