Ready to Find Your People?

Grant Application: https://win.wisc.edu/submitter/form/start/700562

Questions about the FYP Grant can be directed to: soli@union.wisc.edu

The purpose of the Find Your People Event Grant is to:

• Support the intentional design of events to promote connection, belonging and friendship making
• Normalize connecting with others without the presence of alcohol or other substances
• Provide opportunities for students to have fun and meet others

 Here are qualification criteria: 

• Up to $400 may be requested
• Funds must be used for free, student-oriented, alcohol-free activities
• Events must be open, promoted to, and potentially of interest to all members of the UW community
• Events must include an interactive element so that students can meet one another
• Events must be listed on the UW Madison calendar and tagged as a “Find Your People” event. You can submit an event here: https://admin.today.wisc.edu/events/new
• Upon approval, events will also be listed on the Find Your People calendar
• Events are strongly encouraged to use the Find Your People Event  tagline and mark
• Attendee contact information must be submitted so that a FYP Survey can be sent to participants

Preference is given to events that:

• Occur in the Wisconsin Union
• Are submitted at least two weeks before the event to give enough time for promotion
• Are seeking direct payment (s) to a campus unit 

Funding from the RSO Find Your People Event Grant can be applied to:

• Expenses paid directly to the Wisconsin Union or any UW campus unit for
  • Space/room rental
  • Equipment rental
  • Food
• External expenses, via reimbursement upon receipt submission, for:
  • Equipment critical to the execution of the event

Please visit The Well in room 233 Union South to study and connect with others seeking an alcohol-free environment.

The Well Event Calendar:  TBD
Note: The Well will be available for study when not scheduled for events. 

Purpose & Intent

The Well exists to foster a healthy campus culture by offering a dedicated, alcohol-free space for students to connect, study, relax, and participate in wellness-related programs. It is designed to promote mental health, meaningful connection, and a sense of belonging for all UW–Madison students.

Who Can Use the Space

• All currently enrolled UW–Madison students are welcome.
• Groups and individuals may use the space for study, conversation, or participation in scheduled programs.

Guidelines for Use

• Alcohol-Free Zone: No alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia are permitted.
• Respect the Space: Maintain an environment that is inclusive, welcoming, and conducive to both connection and study.
• Shared Responsibility: Clean up after yourself and leave the space ready for the next person or event.
• Programming Priority: Scheduled wellness-related programs have priority use. When not reserved, the space is open for individual and small group use.

Concept

• Promote friendship making
• Normalize the uncertainty around making connections
• Provide opportunities to have fun and meet others
• Intentionally designed events and messaging

Why this is needed

• Almost 40% of college students reported feeling loneliness the previous day
• More than half of the students (51.5%) in the 2023 National College Health Assessment by the American College Health Association, reported feeling lonely
• Rising social anxiety rates contribute to and result from loneliness and can lead to a spiral of isolation. Loneliness is associated with both mental and physical health risks

What is Being Created

• Calendar of “Find Your People” branded events and experiences
• Messaging to students
• An invitation to students emphasizing it is okay to attend alone

How You Can Support

• Submit events and experiences to the “Find Your People” Calendar (by sending event details to heidi.lang@wisc.edu)
• Assist with monthly message creation to students
• Develop talking points for your events
• Use the provided flyer template and/or “Find Your People” circle mark on your promotions