The Global Badger Experience Grant (GBEG) supports global engagement and intercultural exchange by helping to fund events held by Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). GBEG is funded by the Chancellor’s Office. Events sponsored by the grant must provide out-of-classroom learning experiences that:
- Further campus internationalization
- Benefit the international student community
- Develop a more inclusive, respectful, and globally aware campus environment
The 2026-2027 grant is NOW OPEN!
Please reach out to gbeg.admin@iss.wisc.edu if you would like to meet with our grant team and make a plan for how we can support your RSO’s events in the 26-27 academic year.
Review the GBEG Policy Manual 2026-2027 before applying.
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Mission Alignment
Applicants must demonstrate how GBE Grant-funded events will achieve at least one of the following two GBE Grant objectives:
Objective 1: Global Engagement and Cultural Understanding
Applicants must demonstrate educational components with clear learning goals and with the aim of
expanding attendees’ knowledge of cultures different from their own, introducing new perspectives,
and/or fostering intercultural dialogue. Events without clear learning components will not be
considered.
Some ways RSOs can meet this criterion: presentations, performances or demonstrations with
explanation as to the activity’s cultural significance, introducing attendees to culturally relevant cuisine
with explanation of ingredients and cultural significance, film screenings, intercultural discussions,
workshops, etc.
Objective 2: Development of International Community
The event aims to establish cross-cultural connections among students of various backgrounds through
educational programs such as workshops, discussions, and community-building activities. Applicants
must indicate concrete strategies for guided interactions and provide detailed descriptions of:
- How a GBE Grant-funded event will actively engage students in building an international
community and creating a more inclusive campus. - How the event will support intercultural learning and exchange of information in multiple ways.
- How the event will extend its learning and interpersonal interaction beyond the event and make
a lasting impact on the campus community.*
Some ways RSOs can meet this criterion include: navigating cross-cultural discussions, facilitating
icebreaker activities that allow students from different backgrounds to meet each other, intentionally
creating diverse teams of students to participate in games or athletic events.
*Having students from different ethnic, national, and/or cultural backgrounds at your event without
following the steps above for developing international community is not enough to meet this objective.
Timeline
Eligibility
Please read the GBEG Policy Manual 2026-2027 to learn more about the application process.
Requirements
Requirement 1: RSOs first need to apply for an ASM Event Grant during the semester the requested GBE Grant funds would be used UNLESS they are applying for a grant to:
- Cover the costs of food only
- Cover an event co-hosted by two or more RSOs
Please note: ASM Event Grant is due 6 weeks before event date.
Requirement 2: RSOs applying for the GBE Grant must meet all of the following criteria:
- Your event must be held by a current Registered Student Organization. Your event must be free of charge and open to all students on campus.
- Your event must provide a clear benefit to the international student community at UW-Madison or provide a plan for how you plan to promote your event to and fully include international students in your event.
- Your event must be educational and held at an accessible location.
- Your event must have a marketing plan with event promotion starting at least two weeks in advance of your event.
Collaboration Among RSOs
Events that are co-hosted* by two or more RSOs are eligible for increased funding and are not required to first apply for the ASM grant. Only one RSO needs to submit the GBE Grant application.
*A co-hosted event is planned, managed, and marketed by two or more RSOs. Simply inviting other
RSOs to participate in the event DOES NOT meet the definition.
Sample Grant Applications
All rights reserved. These documents are modified based on real applications and are for reference only. No part of these applications may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means.
What Can Be Funded
The grant CANNOT reimburse RSOs for anything they have already paid for. The GBE Grant Administrator will make purchases on the RSO’s behalf.
- Food (review campus catering policies)
- Honoraria (fee for service)
- On-campus printing
- Advertising costs
- Space reservation fees*
- Equipment rental
- Movie license fees**
- Program supplies (one-time use only)
- Transportation and accommodations at the State rate for performers, guest speakers, etc.
* All GBEG-funded events must be held on-campus
**RSOs must demonstrate how the movie appreciation events will facilitate engaging discussions
among participants to ensure the educational value of the events.
NOTE: The grant only allows a maximum of TWO expenses or vendors per award.
Requirements for Grant Recipients
Questions? Please reach out to gbeg.admin@iss.wisc.edu.
Past Promotional Materials
