Social Impact Grants

Social Impact Grants support applied learning experiences for students motivated by important questions and issues studied in the curriculum, who connect these engagements with ongoing efforts to solve community issues.

With Social Impact Grants, students have the opportunity to both reflect on social issues and their own agency, and apply what has been learned to practical, "real-world" settings.  Approved social impact proposals should model the idea that contributing back to a particular community is an important outcome of education, and that partnering with communities is critical preparation for our own practice of global citizenship.

Social Impact Grants will fund proposals by students that promise meaningful impact for communities and enrichment of life circumstances. Some examples might include: service activities, education and outreach initiatives, sustainable environmental ventures, conference presentations, and/or social justice programs that address community challenges.

Awards range from $500 to $2,000. Proposals should be feasible to implement within these budget guidelines.

All students matriculated in Liberal Studies are eligible (including those currently studying away); priority consideration will nonetheless be given to applicants with both academic merit and financial need demonstrated. Funds are limited, and grants will be awarded competitively until the total funding available for the academic year has been exhausted. Applications are reviewed by the Liberal Studies Office of Advising & Student Affairs.

Applicants must be matriculated Liberal Studies students in at least the second semester of their first year, and may receive no more than one grant in any academic year. Small groups of students (normally 2 or 3) may file collaboratively for a grant, but one student in the group has responsibility for submitting the application materials.

A student may receive no more than one award per academic year, whether offered to support an individual or group project. Students should therefore plan the timing of their applications carefully.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that grant applications will no longer be accepted once annual funding has been exhausted.

Applicants must submit an online proposal that includes the following:

• Project Proposal (500 words)
• Project Timeline
• Proposed Budget
• Faculty Sponsor Letter of Support (faculty sponsor should email letter to ls.service@nyu.edu with subject line "Social Impact Grant: [STUDENT NAME]")

Upon completion of the project or program, students are required to submit an Impact Assessment, which reflects on both the learning experience and the social impact accomplished, as either a written report or creative presentation. The format for the Impact Assessment is flexible based on your project and interests. Some examples are:

• A written report (4–5 pages); or
• A research or experiential presentation (12–15 minutes), that could include the lesson plans created for the project; or
• A short, edited video (4–5 minutes), with one-page written supplement; or
• A visual portfolio (15–20 images), with a one-page written supplement

The Impact Assessment should introduce the project and present some outcomes for the communities served.

Please note: By accepting an award, you also grant Liberal Studies permission to publish information about your project and its outcomes online, and share information with prospective or current donors who help fund these grants.