Social Innovation Workshops
Do ANY of these apply to YOU?
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?
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!
TURNING PROBLEMS INTO PROJECTS: SOCIAL INNOVATION 101
Wednesday, October 1st, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Every strong project starts with the right problem. This workshop will guide you in recognizing issues that matter — drawing from your academic studies, personal passions, past experiences, and the real needs of communities. You’ll learn frameworks for brainstorming innovative solutions and techniques to refine raw ideas into practical, actionable projects. Students will leave with clearer project concepts and a roadmap for moving from vision to implementation.
RECIPES FOR A GREAT PROJECT PROPOSAL
Wednesday, October 8th, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Every great project deserves a compelling proposal. This interactive session will break down the “ingredients” of a strong pitch: clarity, storytelling, structure, and confidence. You’ll practice refining your ideas, articulating your vision, and tailoring your message to funders, partners, or community stakeholders. Students will leave with practical strategies for boosting confidence in presentations, improving communication skills, and building a proposal that resonates with audiences and inspires support.
HOW TO MEASURE IMPACT: TOOLS AND STRATEGIES
Friday, October 17th, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
How do you know if your project is truly making a difference? This session introduces simple but effective strategies for evaluating your work. You’ll explore tools for measuring outcomes, collecting meaningful data, and assessing both short- and long-term impact. Students will practice turning feedback into actionable improvements and learn how to communicate results to funders, partners, and community members. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit for strengthening accountability and demonstrating real change.
FUNDING YOUR VISION: BUDGETING & RESOURCES
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Behind every successful project is a realistic and well-thought-out budget. This workshop will teach you how to estimate costs, prioritize spending, and manage resources effectively. You’ll also learn how to identify funding opportunities, from grants to partnerships, and strategies to stretch your budget further. Students will leave with hands-on budgeting skills, an understanding of how to align resources with project goals, and insights into where to look for support to bring their vision to life.
SIGN UP FOR AN UPCOMING WORKSHOP!
Contact upstart
gwu [dot] edu (upstart[at]gwu[dot]edu) with questions, ideas, thoughts, or an application.
Open to all GW Undergraduate and Graduate students.
CONTACT upstartgwu [dot] edu (UPSTART[at]GWU[dot]EDU) IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS!