GWupstart - GW's Social Innovation Hub

 

 

GWupstart is GW's central hub for social innovation training, mentoring, and funding. It builds on GW’s strength as an institution that fosters the next generation of citizen leaders. Approximately $75,000 in funding is available every year. In addition, we provide mentorship and support to students to turn their ideas into practical action that makes a measurable, sustained difference.

The Nashman Center defines social innovation as creative approaches to addressing social problems. Our goal is to support and nurture projects that facilitate meaningful and sustainable impact to create more inclusive and equitable communities. All projects supported by GWupstart strive to be ethical, creative, systematic, sustainable, and created in reciprocal partnerships with community organizations and the community members who will be affected by the project.

 

APPLY HERE!

 

CONTACT [email protected] IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!

GWupstart Grant Details

 

The deadlines to apply for the 2023-24 academic year are:

 

Public Service Grant Commission

The Public Service Grant is awarded 4 times each academic year.

Round 1: September 15, 2023
Round 2: November 8, 2023
Round 3: February 7, 2024
Round 4: March 15, 2024

 

Clinton Global Initiative Entrepreneurship Program

Clinton Global Initiative University Deadline: March 15, 2024
Clinton Global Initiative Fellowship Deadline: March 15, 2024 

 

Eco-Equity Challenge

Deadline: November 8, 2023

 

Projects for Peace

Deadline: November 8, 2023

 

Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning

Deadline: May 24, 2024

 

Julian Clement Chase Prize for Community Impact

Deadline: May 24, 2024

 

CONTACT [email protected] IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of funding available at GWupstart?

GWupstart offers various programs for students to engage in community service. As such, it provides a wide range of opportunities to further community engagement and service. Each program gets awarded a specific amount depending on the program, and students can apply for other grants and fellowships at the same time.  

 

The Clinton Global Initiative University - Commitment Maker Challenge 

Eco-Equity Challenge                             

Projects for Peace 

Public Service Grant

Knapp Fellowship

 

What should I do before beginning my application?

Applying for any program takes time, energy, and organization. Before you begin your application, draft a planning calendar with specific steps to start your application process making it more manageable to execute.  

  • During your application drafting process, think about who your audience is and the community you will engage. Think about the issue you are trying to address and do research to learn more about the resources already available and how your project fits the community/organization's needs.   

  • About a month before submitting your application, schedule an appointment with a GWupstart mentor. 

  • Also, request feedback on your drafts from faculty, peers, and community partners (if possible). Consider their comments and revise accordingly. Get as many reviews as possible so you can anticipate the questions and critique of the commission, and address these as you write subsequent drafts.  

What are the components of a complete GWupstart application?

Applicants must submit the following information through GW Serves: 

Please note that the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) grant will have their own application, but the GWupstart can still support you in the application process.

If I am not awarded, can I apply for the same grant again?

Yes, students are encouraged to apply again for the next grant deadline.

Do I need a community partner?

Yes, all students need a community partner and need to submit a letter of support from the community partner.  

  • Community engagement focuses on the needs of communities to develop projects fitting community input.  

  • Before submitting your proposal work alongside community partners to define relevant research questions and if your proposed research or project fits their needs.  

  • Community entities are important to build deep connections in order to make a significant change in your community.  

Examples of helpful information you might to send to your community partner organization: 

  • Request a meeting with the community partner to find out more about their needs and the needs of the community. 

  • Share a summary of the project the grant will fund and ask them for any suggestions or modifications. 

  • Explain why partnering with their organization is important to you. 

  • Explain how the project intersects with the goals and mission of the partner organization. 

Can I apply for multiple grants for the same project?

Yes, you can! However, you will have to submit separate applications for each of the grants you are applying to.

How much detail should my application and budget include?

We encourage all applicants to submit as much information as possible. We understand that every application is unique and focused on specific issues or communities.  

  • Know your audience, it is crucial to know the intended audience. 

  • Know your purpose.  

  • Include the community in all aspects of the project. Ask them questions about their issue or visit town hall meetings to have an idea of what their problems look like.  

  • Create a concise timeline.  

  • Provide details in the application. It is essential to provide as many details as possible because the reviewers will have many questions if your project is not clear.

  • The budget worksheet needs to have as much detail as possible and include a justification for each expense. For example, personal costs and expenses for the project must be separated.

What if a student misses the deadline to apply?

Unfortunately, after the deadline has passed, students will not be able to submit their applications. However, you can always apply for a different grant. Only students applying for the Public Service Grant may apply multiple times during the calendar year.

Can part-time students participate in GWupstart?

Any GW enrolled student is eligible to apply for grants and both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply and participate in GWupstart programs. 

Is feedback available for a declined GWupstart application?

Yes, all applicants will be encouraged to schedule a meeting with a GWupstart representative to discuss their application.  

What does the award agreement entail?

Grant recipients agree to:  

  • Provide a brief written report of their project with photos/videos of what they accomplished 

  • Participate in presentations to showcase the work they are doing alongside the community 

  • Have a monthly check-in meeting with a GWupstart representative 

 

Stories from Grant Recipients