Mental Health Fund

Mental Health Fund logo

UChicago students know firsthand the importance of good mental health, and how it can impact one’s experience both in and out of the classroom. Students have made important strides in improving the culture and climate around mental health at UChicago, and we hope that these efforts continue.

In light of this, Campus and Student Life and the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) are collaborating to launch a Mental Health Fund, which will provide financial support to student-led projects aimed at improving students’ mental health and wellbeing on campus. Campus and Student Life will provide $10,000 for the initial funding cycle.

Application Form

If you are interested in applying, please read this webpage in its entirety to understand the application process and eligibility requirements. To apply to the Mental Health Fund, please fill out this Proposal Form and submit it through this Google Form. The Winter Quarter proposal deadline is February 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Who Can Apply

All currently enrolled UChicago students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional students) are eligible to apply for funding. Projects can be independently led, but we encourage students to work in teams. Projects can also include faculty members, but the project lead(s) should be UChicago students.

Proposal Criteria

Project proposals must illustrate a clear plan to improve mental health on UChicago’s campus. The proposal should describe the impact of the project on student mental health, as well as how that impact will be evaluated (through qualitative or quantitative metrics, etc.)

Helpful tips:

  • If applicable, insert additional supporting materials (i.e., tables, graphics, survey results, and images) into your proposal to further explain the need for and potential impact of your project.
  • Find a mentor or advisor for your project and explain how they will support your project in the proposal.
  • Create a precise and practical budget.

Application Process

Grant proposals for the Mental Health Fund are due Saturday, February 24, at 11:59pm CST. Applicants are encouraged to implement their project in Spring Quarter 2024, but the decision timeline also allows for projects to be implemented in the last three weeks of Winter Quarter. Applicants should create an implementation timeline that best fits their schedule. 

Applicants must include the following information in their proposal:

  • General information (project title, team members, start and end date)
  • Summary of the Project
  • Experiences and Qualifications of the applicant(s)
  • Issue Assessment
  • Implementation Plan
  • Evaluation Plan
  • Itemized Budget

A board composed of faculty, student leaders, and campus health and wellness experts will review applications.

Please note that if your project receives funding, all corresponding promotional materials must indicate that your project was funded by the Mental Health Fund.

Additional Information

Check USG’s Instagram account for updates on the Mental Health Fund. Students with questions may contact maggiegjliu@uchicago.edu.

Previous Recipients

Distribution of Sunlight Vitamin D Lamp Care Packages
This project's main goal is to address the impact that the loss of sunlight hours during Chicago winters has on university students by distributing 100 care packages to UChicago students in partnership with USG. The care package includes a quality Vitamin D sun lamp, a QR code linked to USG’s Mental Health Resources and Sunny Spots on campus, and a handwritten positive message to foster a positive environment. The initiative is set to distribute the care packages in the winter of 2023.
Example Proposal

UChicagoSocial: Campus and Student Life