UC Riverside is launching a new crowdfunding initiative in support of programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, or DEIB, initiative, which began on April 19, highlights programs focused on those values and shows how the Highlander community can make a philanthropic impact. It runs through the end of May. 

“We as a campus community have so many resources and programming that support DEIB,” said Crystal Sankey, director of Annual Giving at UCR. “This is a great way to showcase these areas of support.” 

The initiative has more than 30 funds participating, most of which provide scholarships and fellowships to students from underrepresented backgrounds. They include programs aimed at increasing opportunity, such as Women in Computing, the Advancing Inclusivity in Entomology Scholarship, and the National Society of Black Engineers. Two groups, African Student Programs and Chicano Student Programs, are celebrating their 50th anniversaries. A complete list is available at donate.ucr.edu/DEI.

The campaign will be primarily digital, spreading awareness via emails, social media, and in the parent and alumni newsletter. Campus groups are also encouraged to help promote the initiative as part of the crowdfunding effort, Sankey said.

"Gifts of all sizes combined make a great impact," she said.

The initiative notes that UCR has one of the most diverse student populations in the UC system and continues to expand opportunities with more than 40% of incoming freshmen coming from underrepresented communities.