The School of Science is accepting applications for the Science Quality of Life (SQoL) Grant Program, designed to build community within the school, promote inclusion for students, staff, and faculty, and support the well-being of our community members. The call is opened twice annually, preceding the fall and spring semesters. The program’s goals are to:

  • Build community and foster a sense of inclusion for all.
  • Provide faculty, staff and students opportunities to interact and socialize outside of the current research-driven activities and events.
  • Integrate academic and social aspects of life within the school.
  • Improve communications and outreach.
  • Build collaborations and connections with other community groups.

Projects need not be ambitious in scope, so long as they encourage positive connections within the community. Proposals can be submitted under three broad categories – it is possible for a proposal to be applicable to more than one category. These are:

  • Community building
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Mentoring

Examples of activities could include: workshops, seminars, wellness programs, book clubs, team building activities, and similar initiatives.

NOTE: Due to financial constraints and in the spirit of maximizing inclusion and approving as many applications as possible, the following should be noted:

  • The funding cap for this cycle is $1,000;
  • Funding must be used during the semester for which it is being requested. Any unused funds will revert back to the Dean’s Office;
  • Proposals that have matching funds from departmental and/or other sources will be viewed favorably by the selection committee;
  • In the event that we need to prioritize between multiple similar eligible proposals, preference will be given to proposals that have not received QOL funding in the past.

Please contact the Dean’s Office at sos-dean-sqol@mit.edu for additional information.

Proposal process and guidelines

Proposals are reviewed and funded twice per a year with notifications made within 30 days of the submission deadlines noted below:

The submission deadline for this cycle is January 12, 2026.

The direct link is to submit an application is: https://mitfunding.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1999664

Eligibility: Applicant’s and co-applicant’s primary appointment must be in the School of Science and have the means (outside of funding needs) to execute their proposal. Funds are meant to be used for School of Science activities. Funds will be distributed only to DLCIs within the School of Science for administration.

Please be sure to include the following information in your proposal:

  • Detailed description of the event or activity
  • Rationale for how this will build community within the School
  • Clarify that the effort is achievable within the proposed time frame and budget
  • Explain how your proposal makes a difference in the quality of life of participants.
  • A list of the types of people who you expect to attend the event (faculty, staff, students, with their affiliated units)
  • A detailed budget.
    • Please note: In general, funding will not cover equipment (cameras, computers, furniture). Proposals for house parties or research will not be considered. In addition, these funds cannot support charities. Proposal authors are expected to volunteer their time; stipends for the organizing team will not be considered.

Please note that when picking your primary department, you must select the DLC that will be managing the award (PILM, MIBR, BCS).