Leadership Development Fund for Marginalized and Historically Underrepresented Groups

The fund is available to employees who hold a permanent appointment at the University of Windsor and self-identify as members of marginalized and/or historically underrepresented groups, including Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities/disabled people, women, racialized people, the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and other equity-deserving groups.

The fund can be used to offset the cost of participating in leadership/career development opportunities, including, but not limited to:

• Comprehensive leadership development training programs.
• Workshops designed to enhance specific leadership competencies or to support career advancement opportunities.
• Leadership assessment and debriefing carried out by a certified professional.
• Executive/leadership coaching carried out by a certified coaching professional. 

Eligible expenditures also include associated travel, accommodations, and meal costs as per the University of Windsor Travel Policy.

Tuition fees for degree programs and professional membership/licensing fees are not covered by this program.

The total annual funding available is $50,000, which will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Employees may request up to $3,000 per fiscal year (May 1 through April 30) to offset the cost of participating in leadership/career development opportunities. The development opportunity must occur in the same fiscal year in which the individual is approved, and all expenses must be submitted before each fiscal year end (April 30).

To apply for the fund:

1. Obtain a letter or email from your Dean (for faculty), or immediate supervisor (for staff), outlining their support of the funding request and how this opportunity will support your leadership or career development.
2. Gather information supporting your request for funds, such as link or pdf to a program brochure, or workshop details. 
3. Complete the Leadership Development Fund application form, available here.
4. Either upload your letter of support and supporting materials to the application form or send your documents as attachments via email to the Office of the VP, People, Equity, and Inclusion, at ldf@uwindsor.ca. 

Applicants will be notified of a decision within 15 working days of submission of the application form and all supporting documentation.

Even though individuals apply to the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity & Inclusion for the funding, individuals will be required to submit to their department the expenses associated with the funding request as per University policies. After expenses are submitted by the employee to the department and processed, the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity & Inclusion will pay back the department up to the maximum amount ($3,000) as follows:

• If the opportunity is for an in-person event, expenses will be paid back to the department upon completion of the leadership/career development opportunity for which the funds were approved.
• If the opportunity is for a virtual event, expenses will be paid back to the department before upon completion of the leadership/career development opportunity for which the funds were approved.

The individual responsible for financial matters of the department is asked to email ldf@uwindsor.ca the following items:

1. The departmental account string to be credited.
2. Supporting documentation for the expenses associated with the approved funding request.

Should you have any questions, please e-mail ldf@uwindsor.ca