FAQs - KPUs Global SDG Funding

I am a part-time regular KPU faculty member. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply as long as you are a regular KPU faculty member.

I am a Non-Regular Type 2 KPU faculty member. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply as long as you are a “Type 2” Non-Regular KPU faculty member. 

How long will I have before I have to use the funds?

Successful applicants will have until March 31st, 2026 to complete their travel and submit the Expense Report, together with all the receipts, to KPU Finance. In the event that a faculty member chooses not to proceed with their proposed activity, they are required to return the full awarded amount via cheque, addressed to “Kwantlen Polytechnic University”, to the following mailing address: 

KPU International (Cedar Building, Room 1145)
12666 72 Avenue
Surrey, BC
V3W 2M8

What if there are trip disruptions due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, war, or pandemics?

If the funds have already been issued, you must repay the total amount, including any non-refundable expenses made using the allocated funds. Otherwise, your funding request will be cancelled if the funds have yet to be issued. However, we encourage you to resubmit an updated proposal and application for consideration in the next round of funding. We also recommend booking refundable options or purchasing cancellation insurance for expenses incurred.

Does my project need to be necessarily aligned with SDGs or can I propose something else too?

Please note that the purpose of this fund is give KPU faculty members the opportunity to participate in international mobility experiences that enrich KPU's global presence and at the same time contribute to fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While proposed projects can include various project activities (see Section 1.1. of this Call for Proposals for some project examples), all proposed projects must clearly demonstrate the alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also, just listing related SDGs is not sufficient; a clear connection between the proposed project activities and SDGs must be made in the proposal form.

Do I need to have the travel destination determined at the application stage or can I determine where to travel if I receive the funding?

Please note that only projects with already determined travel destination, including the travel dates and secured letter of invitation from the host institution (if applicable), will be taken into consideration. Should successful applicants’ proposed dates change, KPU International must be notified within 10 business days.

Can the funds allocated be deferred?

Due to limited funding, it is important to note that deferring payments for a scheduled activity will not be possible. If the circumstances surrounding the activity change, we kindly request that the faculty member promptly notifies KPU International.

How will the funds be distributed? Will I have to advance the payments?

Payment will be made in advance via a cheque or direct deposit for the amount approved by the selection committee. For cheque requisitions, you will need to provide the necessary information. Additionally, you must submit one of the following documents as proof: a flight booking confirmation, conference registration confirmation, or an invitation letter that includes the duration of the activity once confirmed/booked. These documents should be submitted to KPU International.

How many grants are available for distribution?

Annual distribution amounts vary from year to year. Typically, 8-10 proposals per calendar year are funded through this fund.  More faculty mobility opportunities may be funded as capacity permits.

What is the deadline for receiving applications in 2025?

The deadline for applicants to submit their application packages for 2025 intake is March 10th, 2025, at 5 p.m. PST.

Can I spend the funds on another project not outlined in the submitted application?

No, all funds must be exclusively allocated to the activity approved in the submitted application.

Can I apply for funding more than once?

If you were successful in receiving the funding in previous years, please note that the priority will be given to the first-time applicants. Should additional funds be available, returning applicants will be considered as well.

Who can I contact if I need additional support?

Should you have additional questions, or require support in connecting with existing KPU partners, please reach out to our Global Development and Partnerships Team at global.partnerships@kpu.ca.

If I receive funding and then I am made redundant can I still use the funding?

Unfortunately, if faculty are made redundant after they receive funding, they will need to return the funds if they haven't finalized their experience by the time their employment at KPU ends.

Can I still apply for funding if I have been made redundant?

Funding is only available to regular KPU faculty member and “Type 2” Non-Regular KPU faculty member. Unfortunately if you have been made redundant you are no longer a KPU employee and would not be eligible to apply for funding.