Cultural Engagement Fund

The Cultural Engagement Fund (CEF), formerly known as the University/Cultural Fund (UCF), provides student organizations with financial support to develop and implement programs, which promote the arts, co-curricular education, health and wellness, multiculturalism and social justice, community service, and/or cross-cultural collaboration.

The Cultural Engagement Fund (CEF) derives its name from the “Cultural Fund” established in 2001 by President Nannerl O. Keohane to support student groups with a rich history of cultural programming on campus. Groups who typically receive funding from this source are those with long-standing signature events that have contributed significantly to the development of a more inclusive campus environment and a deeper understanding of cultural diversity.

With the recognition of cultural diversity and constant student needs in a changing campus climate, it was necessary to incorporate “engagement” in the new name to reflect broader and multifaceted ways students participate in various enriching activities on Duke campus as well as with each other.

The Cultural Engagement Fund provides student organizations with financial resources to develop programs that promote any of the following: arts, co-curricular education, health and wellness, multiculturalism and social justice, community service, and/or cross-cultural collaboration. The mission of the Cultural Engagement Fund is to support student cultural organizations with more consistent funding for long-standing signature programs.

Eligible Student Organizations

Any student organization that meets the following qualifications:

1. Is formally recognized or chartered by Duke University; 

2. Has an assigned fund code or account issued by the University Center for Activities and Events 
(UCAE) and, 

3. Primarily benefits undergraduate students. 


Eligible Programs

1. Arts: programs that promote and/or involve performance, visual, or other artistic forms.
2. Co-curricular Education: programs which complement the classroom experience and continue to be academically-based such as lectures, symposia, workshops, and seminars. 

3. Health and Wellness: programs that promote wellness and/or safe behaviors and lifestyles. 

4. Multiculturalism and Social Justice: programs related to social justice education and cross-cultural engagement via cultural and/or intercultural activities and dialogues. 
5. University/Community Service: programs that promote civic engagement and/or provide a needed service to the Duke or Durham community. 

6. Cross-Cultural Collaboration: programs that involve the collaboration of at least two student 
organizations that usually do not work together; to develop, implement, and evaluate such programs, particularly between domestic and international student groups.

The Cultural Engagement Fund provides separate funding for student organizations to attend conferences related to issues pertaining to their organization’s mission. Student organizations are required to have a representative complete the online CEF module to meet the eligibility criteria of the Cultural Engagement Fund in order to apply.

For more information on CEF’s eligibility criteria visit: Student Organization Policies

Funding criteria will also be shared during info sessions.

• All travel funding requests must be spent before the last day of class (fall and spring semester)
  • Graduating Seniors:
    • Must receive special permission for spring travel
    • Must submit all receipts by the last day of class
  • Funding can cover registration, lodging, and/or travel per person up to five members per group.
    • Leftover funding cannot be reallocated for other conference uses.
  • Student organizations are allowed to receive funding for only one (1) conference per academic year.
  • In order to receive conference funding, prospective attendees must submit a program proposal and provide documentation (conference proposal submission confirmation) when submitting application.
  • If funds are not used by the student, the student’s eligibility to receive conference funding for the upcoming academic year will be reviewed by committee on a case by case basis.
  • If two or more do not attend the organization is susceptible to not be awarded funding for the upcoming academic year.
  • If a student organization fails to spend allocation two years in a row, the group will lose funding privileges for the following year.

Conference Definition 

A conference is a half-day to multi-daylong event where higher learning takes place. Conferences are also a place where researchers typically present their findings or presenters speak on current issues. Eligible conferences are focused around academic learning or professional development related to a field of study enhancing the organizational effectiveness of a student organization.

Examples of Eligible Conferences:

• National Student Leadership Diversity Convention
• National Society of Black Engineers Conference
• Native Ivy Summit

Examples of events not deemed a conference:

• Dance competitions
• Music competitions
• Poetry Slams
• Athletic meets or competitions

Application Process

• Applications will be made available during the regular funding cycle for CEF but will be a separate application from the programming funding application.
• Advisor, president and treasurer will need to sign application before submission
• The CEF Committee will review applications to ensure criteria is met and award funding.
• Award letters will go out within two weeks of interviews and deliberations for conference attendance.

Post-Conference Follow-Up

• Attendees who receive funding through CEF will be responsible for submitting a short 5-minute video detailing what they have learned by attending the conference and how the conference benefits the work that their organization is doing on campus or in the Durham community.
• Evaluations will be disseminated to conference attendees in December and May to complete within a two-week deadline.