The IDEA Fund was established in December of 2010 as an outgrowth of the now disbanded Alumni Diversity Advisory Committee (ADAC). Where ADAC’s role provided a group of alumni and friends an opportunity to advise the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
The UVA IDEA Fund, in collaboration with the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, provides action-oriented leadership and support to University initiatives in order to ensure that the values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access permeate the University community and culture.
“Diversity stands with ethics, integrity, and academic excellence, as a
cornerstone of University culture. The University promotes an inclusive and welcoming
environment that embraces the full spectrum of human attributes, perspectives, and
disciplines. When people of different backgrounds come together, they exchange ideas,
question assumptions (including their own), and broaden the horizons for us all. A
University of Virginia community rich in diversity affords every member equal respect
and provides a forum for understanding our differences as well as our commonalities.”
– UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mission
As Trustees, we provide action-oriented leadership in support of the
University of Virginia’s aim to be inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible.
Vision
The University of Virginia IDEA Fund will be the most influential vehicle for alumni
passionate about inclusion, diversity, equity and access to ensure that these values
permeate the University community, culture, and climate.
Objectives and Programs
IDEA Fund trustees conceive and implement a project or projects to promote a “Big IDEA.” The Trustees identify departments, persons, committees, or other established areas of the institution that might take ownership of advocating for and serving the action-items stemming from each “Big IDEA,” allowing its benefits to enmesh in University culture and policy.
- The IDEA Fund’s inaugural “Big IDEA” began in 2011 with the aim to enhance public knowledge of the University’s early history as it relates to slavery.
- The Fund’s second “Big IDEA” was the Early ID Program. This program was established in 2013 to increase the yield and pool of high quality diversity and low-income applications to the University.
In addition to supporting “Big Ideas”, the IDEA Fund awards mini grants of up to $500 to student-led, innovative projects that promote a diverse and inclusive culture at the University each semester. Since the inception we have supported over 25 student groups and/or projects and have given over $30K in grants. We are continuously looking to support projects that meet our organization’s goals so please reach out to the student organizations you were a part of and make sure they know of this opportunity.