Student Funding

The Student Engagement Fund supports civic learning and action and is designed to catalyze projects and initiatives that align with community-identified needs. Primarily intended for students to work in conjunction with a local community partner, this funding brings the UR campus to the community, and the community to the campus.

There are several ways to utilize this funding, from student-led, on-campus projects to broader actions in the Richmond community. A small portion of the Student Engagement Fund is also available to support student learning at conferences or conventions if the content can be tied back to supporting community-engaged work in our local region. Be it a community-engaged project or an experience focused on supporting a student’s understanding of civic engagement, all funding awards should align with the CCE’s Mission and Values. 
 
In summary, appropriate use of this funding falls into three broad categories: 

Community Programs

Student initiatives or projects enacted in conjunction with a local non-profit

Past examples include: 

  • weekly STEM lessons in a local school 
  • DIY hygiene kits donated to a local org working with people experiencing homelessness 
  • a drag workshop focusing on Black, queer love in Richmond 

Student Programs

Support for student-led projects or programs that align with CCE’s Mission and Values

Past examples include: 

  • student art project highlighting their abroad experience, exploring cultural ideas and the importance of community care, and their connection to the Richmond community 
  • student interviewing + profiling LGBTQ+ Richmonders who lived through the AIDS crisis, creating a gallery of their portraits and experiences 

Trainings

Assistance with attending conferences or workshops with learning goals integrated into a local experience

Past examples include: 

  • student presenting their research with UR’s Race & Racism project at a local conference 
  • student presenting at the American Association of Colleges & Universities Diversity Conference connected to an equity initiative in Richmond 


Once a project proposal is submitted, a committee of staff and students evaluates the application based on its alignment with funding guidelines, the potential impact of the work, the extent to which the requested funds are critical to the success of the activity planned, and the availability of remaining funds. 
 
If you’re interested in submitting a proposal, please apply at least six weeks before the project's start date.

Please note: A brief letter of support is required for applications that impact a community organization directly. 
 
Applications will be reviewed bi-weekly during the academic year beginning September 20, 2024.

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