Applications for 2025-2026 are now open
Elevating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a top priority at WashU Psychiatry and across our medical school at large. We strive to advance the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders for all by addressing disparities in access to mental health services, through research, education, and clinical care and ensuring an inclusive, diverse workforce across all levels for faculty, trainees, and staff. As part of our ongoing commitment to these principles, we are pleased to announce the re-launch of our DEI Funding Program. This grant offers funding to support individuals in our department that are actively working to create positive change and address systemic barriers to equality
Eligibility: Applicants must be a resident, fellow, full-time faculty, or full-time staff with their primary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry. Applicant teams may include faculty, staff, trainees. For teams without a faculty member, the project must be approved by the manager or training director to ensure support for the staff or trainee’s time commitment.
Funding details: Applications (up to $5000) are accepted on a rolling basis with no official deadline. However, funding is limited and will no longer be available once the allocated funds are spent. Funding can be used to support and sustain ongoing DEI-related efforts that our employees are already involved in; proposing a new project is not required. Awarded projects funds must be spent within one (1) year from the date of the award. Status reports regarding the team’s progress will be routinely requested.
Here are a few examples of projects, though not limited to the following:
Support ongoing new research recruitment efforts for hard-to-reach populations: Hard-to-reach populations encompass groups that are traditionally underrepresented or face barriers to participation in research studies. Examples include individuals from low-income backgrounds, ethnic or racial minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, and other marginalized or vulnerable populations. NIH criteria for diversity is available at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html.
Sustain to increase diversity within a team: Funds to retain or recruit team members who are often at a negative power differential within our society. Embracing diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic decision that can be enhance your team’s performance, innovation, and overall success.
Sustain existing or integrate new DEI principles into mental health initiatives: New or existing projects that address disparities and promote more inclusive and culturally competent approaches to support mental well-being; establishing collaborative partnerships with organizations and advocates who share our commitment to promoting mental health equity through a DEI lens
Enhance education and training: Projects that help enhance or sustain educational programs, workshops, or training sessions related to DEI. For example, hosting an expert speaking to enhance our DEI knowledge and understanding, enabling us to make positive changes within our department and the broader community.
Application: Email your application to: deipsych@email.wustl.edu
- 2-3 page summary of proposal
- Budget justification
- Biosketch or CV of each team member
If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to deipsych@email.wustl.edu. Our DEI leaders will be more than happy to assist you through the application process. We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and witnessing the positive impact they will have on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department. Thank you for your commitment to advancing DEI principles and making a difference in our department.
Congratulations to our 2023-2024 grant recipients:
Addressing racial disparities in adolescent mental health and increasing efficacy in treatment in an outpatient psychiatry setting
Tara Tinnin, LMSW, NBC-HWC and T. Eric Spiegel, MD
Advancing equity in Black maternal mental health
Monique D. R. Gill, LPC, NCC, CCTP, Joanna Rosenthal, LCSW, Joshua Jones, LCSW, and Taylor Bass, LMSW
Expanding knowledge in the field of Deaf/Hard of Hearing mental health care and bringing such education to WUSM psychiatry, WashU/BJC and STL communities
Jessica Williams, MD with faculty sponsors: Drs. Patty Cavazos and Bohnenkamp
Exploring opportunities to promote diversity in human studies participants and diversity on research teams
Ginger Nicol, MD, Teddy Gray, Demetrius Perry
We are open to creative ideas. No idea is a bad idea! If there are questions or you’d like to brainstorm, you can communicate with your Division Director. In addition, please do not hesitate to reach out to your DEI Leaders (deipsych@email.wustl.edu). We will be more than happy to assist you throughout the application process.
We look forward to receiving your innovative proposals and witnessing the positive impact they will have on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our department. Thank you for your commitment to advancing DEI principles and making a difference in our department.