Applications for 2025-2026 are now open
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 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 Culture and Inclusion 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 equity in mental health.
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, or 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 Culture and Inclusion 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.
Sustain to increase heterogeneity within a team: Funds to retain or recruit team members who are often at a negative power differential within our society. Embracing inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also a strategic decision that can enhance your team’s performance, innovation, and overall success.
Sustain existing or integrate new inclusive 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 culturally expansive lens.
Enhance education and training: Projects that help enhance or sustain educational programs, workshops, or training sessions related to culturally informed approaches and inclusion. For example, hosting an expert speaking to enhance our cultural 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 Culture & Inclusion 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 inclusive principles and making a difference in our department.
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 Culture & Inclusion 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 the culture within our department. Thank you for your commitment to advancing culture and inclusion principles and making a difference in our department.