GWupstart - Social Innovation at GW
GWupstart empowers students to design, launch, and scale innovative solutions to meaningful social challenges through our social innovation grants and fellowships. Our projects aim at transforming ideas into action by providing funding, mentorship, and a structured pathway for student-led social innovation.
Social Innovation Grants, Awards & Fellowships
At its core, GWupstart bridges interdisciplinary academic knowledge and real-world application, enabling students to test ideas, engage communities, and build solutions with measurable public impact.
The Nashman Center currently has multiple social innovation grant programs through GWupstart that GW students can apply for:
You're at the right place if you are at any of these 3 stages:
How Does it Work?
Step 1: Have a project idea, social issue, or a community need off-campus you want to address.
Step 2: Set up a meeting by sending an email to upstart
gwu [dot] edu (upstart[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Step 3: Submit the project proposal for your selected grants/fellowships by the deadline. APPLY HERE!
Log in using your Single Sign-On (SSO) or George Washington University username and password.
Step 4: If approved, implement the project by working closely with the Nashman Center, community partners, and faculty advisors.
The deadlines to apply for the 2026-27 academic year are:
1. Public Service Grant Commission
Open to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Students
The Public Service Grant (PSGC) is awarded in 4 cycles across 4 deadlines each academic year. The deadlines for 2026-27:
- PSGC I (Fall 2026): September 14, 2026
- PSGC II (Fall 2026): November 1, 2026
- PSGC III (Spring 2027): February 7, 2027
- PSGC IV (Spring 2027): March 7, 2027
*You must have a community partner onboard and the projects must be primarily based in the DC-metropolitan area beyond the GW campus.
2. Knapp Fellowship for Entrepreneurial Service-Learning
Open to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Students
Deadline: May 23, 2027 (Project will take place in 2027-28)
*You must have a community partner and a faculty advisor onboard. Projects can take place anywhere globally as long as the impact is beyond the GW campus. Projects must have an academic component.
3. Nashman Center MicroGrants
Open to Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral Students
Deadlines Closed for Spring 2026.
**Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. So, the earlier you apply, the sooner you can start your project.**
*You must have a community partner onboard and the impact must be primarily based in the DC-metro area beyond the GW campus. GW Student Organizations are eligible as partners only for MicroGrants.
4. Julian Clement Chase Prize for Community Impact
Open to Only Undergraduate Students
Deadline: May 15, 2027
*You must have a community partner onboard and the projects must be primarily based in Washington, DC and beyond the GW campus.
5. Projects for Peace
Open to Only Undergraduate Students
Deadline: November 1, 2026 (Project will take place in Summer 2027)
*You must have a community partner onboard. Projects can take place anywhere globally as long as the impact is beyond the GW campus. Projects must have a peacebuilding component.
The projects must be aimed at solving an issue, need gap, or disadvantage in the community beyond GW through innovative social solutions. Projects designed to impact only GW students or limited within the GW Campus are not eligible.
Projects must take place in the DC Metropolitan area for PSGC, Eco-Equity, Nashman Center MicroGrants, and the Julian Clement Chase Prize.
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.
CONTACT upstartgwu [dot] edu (UPSTART[at]GWU[dot]EDU) FOR QUESTIONS AND MEETING REQUESTS!
>> APPLY FOR THE PSGC AND PROJECTS FOR PEACE GRANTS HERE <<
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the different types of funding available at GWupstart?
GWupstart offers various programs for students to engage in community service. Each program gets awarded a specific amount, and students can apply for multiple grants and fellowships:
- What should I do before beginning my application?
Applying takes time, energy, and organization. Before you begin, draft a planning calendar with specific steps:
- Think about your audience, the issue you are trying to address, and research the resources already available in the community.
- Schedule an appointment with a GWupstart mentor about a month before submitting. Email upstartgwu [dot] edu (upstart[at]gwu[dot]edu).
- Request feedback on your drafts from faculty, peers, and community partners, and revise accordingly.
- Ensure you have all the necessary components mentioned in the application requirements.
- What are the components of a complete GWupstart application?
Applicants must submit the following through the GWServes GivePulse Application Form:
- The application, budget template, community letter, and project timeline.
- You can download all the components of the application here.
- If I am not awarded, can I apply for the same grant again?
Yes, students are encouraged to incorporate the feedback provided to them and apply again for the next grant deadline.
- Do I need a community partner?
Yes, all students need a community partner and must submit a letter of support from them.
- Community engagement focuses on developing projects that fit community input.
- Work alongside partners to ensure your project fits their needs before submitting.
Helpful steps for engaging partners:
- Request a meeting to find out more about their needs.
- Share a project summary and ask for modifications.
- Explain why partnering is important and how your goals intersect with their mission.
- Can I apply for multiple grants for the same project?
Yes! However, you must submit separate applications for each grant.
- How much detail should my application and budget include?
We encourage applicants to submit as much information as possible:
- Know your audience and your purpose.
- Include the community in all aspects of the planning.
- Create a concise timeline and provide deep details in the application body.
- The budget worksheet needs a justification for each expense (e.g., separate personal costs and project expenses).
- What if a student misses the deadline to apply?
After the deadline passes, applications cannot be submitted. However, you can apply for a different grant. Students applying for the Public Service Grant may apply multiple times across cycles during the year.
- Can part-time students participate in GWupstart?
Any GW enrolled student (undergraduate and graduate) is eligible to apply. For the Knapp Fellowship specifically, you must be enrolled for back-to-back semesters over Fall and Spring.
- Is feedback available for a declined application?
Yes, all applicants are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a GWupstart representative to discuss feedback and re-apply.
- What does the award agreement entail?
Grant recipients agree to:
- Provide a brief written report with photos/videos of their accomplishments.
- Participate in presentations to showcase their work.
- Have a monthly check-in meeting with a GWupstart representative.
- Keep organized financial records to document the use of funds for the Nashman Center.
How Can GWupstart Help You Start?
FUNDING
Are you a GW Student? We have funding available for student-led service projects.
Check out our deadlines for different grants and funding opportunities!
MENTORING
Do you have an idea but need help to turn it into a sustainable project?
Get your timeline and budget sorted out, and connect with faculty and partner organizations!
Set up a meeting:
upstartgwu [dot] edu (upstart[at]gwu[dot]edu)
WORKSHOPS
Our leadership workshops are always a great place to start!
Attend one of our in-person dialogues to connect, engage, and learn with your peers.
Check out the upcoming dates. Register today!
WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO?
>> READ Our 2024-25 Update Report! <<
List of 2025-26 GWupstart Grantees
I. PSGC – Public Service Grant Commission 2025–26
- Julia Baran, Jessica Rich, Simone Semerijan – RootED (Rooted in Education and Development)
- Anastasia Chajecki, Kevin Jaatinen, Clarissa Sofian, Lauren Schneider – Health Break: Preventive Health Education Initiative in Southeast DC
- Serena Finger, Sonia Lerner, Amelia Ogawa – Tree Biodiversity of Public Lands in Ward 8 – Congress Park Woods
- Sonse Ransibrahmanakul – Bridging the Gap: Hands-On Comparative Anatomy through Squid Dissection for Future Health Professionals at 5 High Schools
- Allie Schwartz – A Landscape Assessment of Barriers and Supports to Trauma-Informed Care in DC
- Aicha Sy, Nnamdi Felix Ugorji, Tega Igho, Nakeryana Ingram, Boluwatife Ogundimu, and Samaa Afoke – Youth Unbound
II. Knapp Fellowship 2025–26
- Katie Anderson – The Calm After the Storm Kit
- Rebecca Burns – Run the World – Appalachia: Empowering Future Women Leaders in West Virginia
- Alex Glade – Amplifying Youth Voices in Colorectal Cancer Advocacy
- Sofiia Khugaeva – From Test to Care: A Community-Guided Model for HIV Care Continuity
III. Nashman Center MicroGrants 2025–26
- Sanjana Anand – Spooktacular Science at the Latin American Youth Center
- Naz Atabas – Connecting Students Globally: Exploring Math Through Cultural Art and Creativity
- Mykala Bledsoe – Seeds of Peace: Community Gardening as Harm Reduction
- Anna Buchanan, Alisa Dewald – CONNECT-ED: Coordinated Outreach & Navigation for Needs, Equity, and Community Transitions
- Kevin Concepcion – DC Middle School Youth Changemakers
- Savannah Hagen Ohbi – MK's Holiday Grab Bags
- Qi Hu, Sharad Wertheimer – GroW For Health
- Ruby Leonard – SewUp! Sustainable Sewing Workshops and Instructor Day
- Brandy Lopez – Fall Baking Class
- Emily Mahler, Gannon Albertsen, Tore Oguntolu, Anvi Batra – Making Hygiene Mobile and Accessible
- Lily Myrick, Ruby Leonard, Savanna Jones – CELS Narcan Training
- Joanna Portillo, Ruby Leonard – FLOC Book Drive
- Jorge Ramirez – Crochet Class
- Sonse Ransibrahmanakul, Amanuel Haileleul – Renewing the Roots: Spring Cleaning for a Temple that Serves Its Community
- Sofia Roehler – Mindful Movement
- Nomonde Shongwe – The Pad Project
IV. Projects for Peace 2026
Sonse Ransibrahmanakul – Architecting Technical Innovations for the Peacemakers to Regain Their Inner Peace with Island Dolphin Care
Social Innovation Previous Projects Showcase
Check out these amazing final project presentations from our GWupstart Social Innovators!
2025 GWupstart Social Innovation Showcase
2024 GWupstart Social Innovation Showcase
RESOURCES & TIPS
What Makes a Good Application?
Don't treat your project proposals like class assignments. There are no extra credits for length or word count. The purpose of your project proposal should be to give a clear, precise and pragmatic overview of your project's intent, scope and necessity. All GWupstart applications are evaluated by diverse and interdisciplinary groups of reviewers who will require clarity as they might be unfamiliar with the issue area.
The project description should serve as the Executive Summary or an Elevator Pitch for your project with clearly defined objectives, activities and impact.
While we understand that Generative A.I. and Large Language Models (LLMs) can be helpful tools and a good starting point, your final proposal should reflect your own opinions informed by your personal experiences. These tools have been resulting in recent proposals being wordy, full of jargons and lacking any kind of specificity. The content of your proposal should reflect your passion and must be precise, clear, and unique.
You can check out our guidelines and potential indicators of strength to help your application. These are tips and suggestions of features to look for in a proposal. They are neither requirements nor an exhaustive list.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND TIPS
GWupstart Social Innovation Hub
Explore Funding, Mentorship, and Social Innovation Resources
Looking to bring your ideas for social change to life? The GWupstart Social Innovation Hub provides a central resource for GW students to discover funding opportunities, mentorship, and workshops designed to turn innovative ideas into sustainable, impactful projects. Get connected to other GW offices, programs and resources designed to help you out!
CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL INNOVATION HUB!
Whether you're looking to develop solutions for social issues, connect with like-minded peers, or learn through interactive events, the GWupstart Hub is your go-to resource for building meaningful change in your community.
What’s Next? Join us in shaping the future of social innovation at GW as part of the ecosystem!
CONTACT upstartgwu [dot] edu (UPSTART[at]GWU[dot]EDU) IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!
Stories from Grant Recipients
“I gained an immense amount of experience on the difficulties of coordinating with non-profits and managing both professional and personal calendars. Although we were able to successfully overcome scheduling difficulties, this provided valuable knowledge on how to approach future work. The project has also inspired me to continue pursuing grant work in the public health space and continue to improve my implementation of projects in the future.”
- James Cobb, PSGC Recipient
“More than anything, the project taught me the power of art to activate public memory, foster solidarity, and offer a space for grief and resistance. It challenged me to step into roles I hadn’t yet imagined for myself, co-founder, organizer, advocate and helped me realize that students can be catalysts for serious cultural and political work. The experience deepened my belief in the urgency of artist-led, humanitarian-centered programming and has fundamentally shaped how I envision both my future creative practice and my professional trajectory in law, art, and advocacy.”
- Benjamin Cunningham, PSGC Recipient
“This project had a profound impact on me, not just as a student but as an emerging leader. It pushed me to grow beyond the classroom and challenged me to lead with empathy, flexibility, and purpose. It also ignited in me a greater passion for serving my community. I learned how to lead a team with shared goals and how to balance responsibilities with other professionals. Collaborating with other OTs helped me understand how to navigate a real-world dynamic to make inclusive decisions.”
- Carolin K. Capurro Perez, PSGC and MicroGrants Recipient
