Grants to pursue an innovative idea
serving the common good in the
spirit of social entrepreneurship.

Proposal Deadline: January 30, 2009- 5pm

$26,000 available for 2009!

Download 2008-2009 Grant Information

Overview

Washington University Social Change Grants provide funding and support for undergraduate students to pursue innovative social change ideas and community projects. The funding is intended to help individuals and groups defray project and/or cost-of-living expenses, enabling students to devote full attention to the development and implementation of their projects without the need to pursue paid work. Funding can be used at the recipient's discretion to cover costs of the project, cost-of-living expenses, and/or in lieu of earnings during the summer (or academic year). The Community Service Office provides mentorship and support to prospective grant applicants in the development of their project proposals, and to grant recipients in the implementation and wrap-up of their projects.

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Submit proposal

• Proposals must be submitted through the Career Center's CAREERlink website, which is linked from www.communityservice.wustl.edu/grants.
• You will be required to upload a resumé if you do not already have one on CAREERlink. You are advised to do this before the proposal deadline date.
• Abstract, proposal, and budget should be submitted as a single document, with a filename indicating your last name and the grant name (e.g., Jones – Stern Proposal).
• Letter(s) of endorsement should have a filename indicated your last name (e.g., Jones – Stern Endorsement Letter).
• For best transmission of your materials, Microsoft Word documents are recommended over pdf documents.
• If you are applying for more than one grant, you must submit each proposal separately.
• When you enter CAREERlink, select "stipend". The employer will be “Washington University in St. Louis” and each Social Change Grant will be listed separately.
• Proposals must be received by 5pm on the deadline date.  You are advised to allow time to address any questions that arise with the online submission process so that your materials are submitted on time.
• Click here to submit your proposal. (Note: link will not go live until mid-fall. Please check back.)

Social Change Grants

Grants to pursue innovative ideas serving the common good in the spirit of social entrepreneurship.

Characteristics of Promising Projects

• Concept, idea, and plan are innovative and developed by student(s).
• Addresses an area of social, economic, and/or environmental concern.
• Evidence that student has explored the idea with appropriate mentors and community experts.
• Existence of necessary resources (human, material, location, etc.) for effective implementation.
• Evidence of partnership(s) with established non-profit or governmental agencies.  While the project should be innovative and student-run, agency partners often provide critical access to relevant community members, space, and local resources.
• Realistic planning and implementation timeline.
• Ability to begin and complete project over duration of grant period.
• Clear objectives and measurable criteria for success.
• Demonstrated knowledge and concern for community to be served.
• Positive impact of proposed project on community to be served.
• Evidence that student(s) are dedicated to project and qualified to implement it effectively.

Characteristics of Effective Project Proposals

• Addresses characteristics of promising projects (see above).
• Abstract (maximum 300 words), Proposal (maximum two pages), Budget (one page).
• Well-written, well-developed, and professional.
• Addresses background/context, implementation plan, resources, objectives, method of evaluation, and budget.
• Identification of a faculty/staff sponsor from a related discipline to assist with development and implementation of project.  Grant applicants and recipients are encouraged to work closely with their sponsors in the interest of developing the strongest possible project.  The frequency and duration of meetings are at the discretion and mutual agreement of the student and sponsor.
• Letter(s) of endorsement from community partner(s) and/or faculty/staff sponsor (one letter at minimum; more are encouraged).
• Resumé.

Proposal Submission Guidelines

• Proposals must be submitted through the Career Center's CAREERlink website, which is linked from www.communityservice.wustl.edu/grants.  
• You will be required to upload a resumé if you do not already have one on CAREERlink .  You are advised to do this before the proposal deadline date.
• Abstract, proposal, and budget should be submitted as a single document, with a filename indicating your last name and the grant name (e.g., Jones – Stern Proposal).
• Letter(s) of endorsement should have a filename indicated your last name (e.g., Jones – Stern Endorsement Letter).
• For best transmission of your materials, Microsoft Word documents are recommended over pdf documents.
• If you are applying for more than one grant, you must submit each proposal separately.
• When you enter CAREERlink, select "stipend".  The employer will be “Washington University in St. Louis” and each Social Change Grant will be listed separately.
• Proposals must be received by 5pm on the deadline date.  You are advised to allow time to address any questions that arise with the online submission process so that your materials are submitted on time.

Other Grant Resources

• Click here for links to related grant opportunities at the national and international level.
• The Gephardt Civic Engagement Fund has four deadlines annually for Speaker Sponsorship, Service Trips, and Community Projects. Information is available within the pdf document containing Social Change Grant information.