BEAR Grants

The Baylor Engagement and Recruitment (BEAR) Grants provide supplementary funding for departmental-level events for the recruitment of new graduate students and promoting collegiality, scholarship, and community among current graduate students and faculty. 

The Graduate School and GSA jointly award these once-per academic year grants, offering a maximum of $150, contingent on matching funding from the host department in the amount of at least $150. ($150 from the BEAR Grant and $150 from the department).

We currently ask that you apply for BEAR grants at least 4-weeks before your event. 

Eligibility: All Baylor University graduate students and graduate student campus organizations may submit proposals.

Starting Spring 2026, because of funding limitations, priority will be given to BEAR grant applications submitted within the first 6 weeks of that semester. 

Procedure

1. Complete and Submit the BEAR Grant Application.
2. The GSA Executive Cabinet and the Graduate School will evaluate each request and offer feedback if appropriate.
3. Upon approval, funding will be provided through Ignite, processed by the department and graduate school financial administrators. The detailed reimbursement procedure and Ignite instructions will be sent to the applicant via e-mail.

NOTE: The Graduate School will no longer reimburse individual students through Ignite. All purchases must be made by the department in order to be charged to the Graduate School.