The “Belonging Boost” Grant was started after hearing that students want more opportunities to join a Registered Student Organization(RSO) in the Winter and Spring Quarters. We hear from students that they often want to join a RSO mid-year but they are apprehensive about walking into a meeting that is not meant for new members. To remedy this, Health Promotion is offering up to $100 to RSOs who would like to host a social event or welcome night for new members in Winter or Spring Quarter. This grant is meant to combat loneliness and boost belonging among the student body.
Why is this grant offered?
- Students often want to join an RSO mid-year but feel apprehensive about walking into a meeting not meant for new members in Winter and Spring quarters.
- During Fall, there’s a strong emphasis on “finding your community” and “trying new things.” But for students who still want more social interaction or are hoping to make more friends later in the year, there tend to be fewer opportunities to do so in Winter and Spring quarter.
- Over 50% of students reported feelings of loneliness. These feelings are elevated by the weather and seasonal affective disorder that presents itself in the winter.
Overview
- Registered Student Organizations can apply for up to $100 for event supplies or food for a welcome meeting/event for new members that will take place Winter or Spring quarter
- These events can take place on or off campus
- A maximum of 10 grants will be given out each year
- RSOs are eligible for funding once per academic year
- Clubs who are new to hosting events for new members in Winter or Spring quarters will be given extra consideration.
- Please be sure to research the cost of supplies/rentals etc. before filling out the budget portion of the application
Timeline
- Applications are due by Friday, November 14th 2025 at 11:59 PM. We will do our best to review and let RSOs know if their application was successful within a week or two to give applicants time to plan and purchase supplies if awarded a grant.
- Be sure to follow @AggieMentalHealth on Instagram for the most up to date information
- The RSO will have Winter and Spring Quarter to host a welcome meeting/event
Requirements
- The event must specifically be advertised as an meeting/event for new members
- “New members welcome” on flyers or Instagram posts is NOT sufficient
- Funding can be used on food, event supplies, gift card incentives, campus approved vendor giveaways, or campus-provided entities (e.g., renting a space and/or renting tables, AV equipment etc.)
- Please contact (Sydney) sjholmes@ucdavis.edu and cc (Michelle) mezamora@ucdavis.edu if you'd like to ask about whether other expenses can be covered.
- We cannot support personnel contracts, e.g., DJ
- RSOs who receive funding will need to submit these items:
- Before receiving funding:
- Signed copy of our funding guidelines
- A filled out budget sheet
- After receiving funding and hosting the meeting/event:
- Event flyer or Instagram post that specifically advertises to new members
- Receipts of all purchases
- Two surveys:
- The results of a post-survey for meeting/event participants to fill out
- A post-survey report with photos, attendance numbers, etc. for someone in the RSO leadership to fill out
- Before receiving funding:
Apply for the "Belonging Boost" Grant 2025-2026!
Examples of meetings/events that are “new member” friendly
- A Boba Social
- Purchase boba for your club members and specifically invite new members that day
- Informally talk about the club and what you do
- Encourage new members to meet new people and talk to existing members
- A “Welcome Night” for new members
- Invite new and existing members to attend a welcome night or “Winter Quarter Kick-Off” meeting
- Make part of the meeting interactive and fun, such as trivia or a game to integrate new members into the club
- Provide food or prizes to incentivize attendance