GWupstart Innovation Hub

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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!

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!

Check Out GW's Innovation Ecosystem!

Get connected with a robust network of GW partners and resources to help you make an impact. Through our collaboration with faculty, community partners, GW offices, and other campus organizations, you’ll gain access to valuable mentorship, workshops, and expert guidance. 

On-Campus Resources

GW Open Source Program Office

Last year GW established a university-wide Open Source Program Office (OSPO) to foster a culture of networked collaboration, promoting open source software development, open data, and open access in research and education, and to support the university community in adoption of open practices.  The OSPO has launched several initiatives including:

• Student award programs to encourage collaboration and contributing to open source projects
• A project registry to help discover and grow the GW open source community

• Consultations and free LAI workshops focused on programming and open practices.

   

ADDITIONAL GUIDES & Resources

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The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

ATTEND A SOCIAL INNOVATION WORKSHOP!

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 Are you a GW student seeking funding and mentoring for a project that addresses community needs? Do you have an idea that combines service with action? Or maybe you just want to help people but not sure how and where to start? 🤔
 

SIGN UP FOR AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP!

Let us help you on your journey from idea to impact! Before you apply for our grants and fellowships, our workshops are always a great place to work on your ideas, get access to resources and connect with fellow impacters!

All students are welcome! If you have an established project, a social issue you feel strongly about, or an idea you need help with, GWupstart is here to help!

Contact [email protected] with questions, ideas, thoughts, or an application.

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

Julian Clement Chase Prize for Community Impact

 

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:

• They must have the application, budget template, community letter, and project timeline. 

• You can download all the components of the application here.

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 

How Can GWupstart Help You Start?

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR FUNDING!

CONTACT [email protected] IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!