Project Awards Program
The Project Awards Program supports VCU faculty projects that will enhance and increase service-learning pedagogy. Activities funded under this award must be used to support designated service-learning classes.
Due date for 2013-2014 Project Award applications is September 16, 2013.
2013-2014 Project Awards Application (Word)
View the 2012-2013 Project Award Winners
Eligibility
The deadline to submit a proposal occurs each year in September. To be considered for the Service-Learning Project Awards, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Applicant must be the instructor of a designated service-learning course at VCU.
- Applicant must be able to spend the awarded funds by May 31 of the funding year.
Funding Availability
Awards of up to $1,000 per project will be made. Awards will be announced in the first week of October. The funding period will be for eight months, from October through May. Funding will be transferred from the Division of Community Engagement to the home department responsible for fund disbursement. Once monies have been disbursed to the home department account, it is the responsibility of the applicant to work with their home department to make project purchases.
Budget and Allowable Costs
Requested funds may be used for supplies, materials and equipment needed to support service-learning activities. Payments to student workers are acceptable so long as the work can be completed and the student workers paid prior to the May 31 award finish date.
Review Criteria
The Service-Learning Project Awards Review Committee will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of community-identified need.
- Merit and feasibility of proposed project to address community-identified needs.
- Strength of university-community partnership and evidence of a reciprocal relationship.
- Soundness of the budget.
Preference will be given to proposals that:
- Align with at least one VCU Quest for Distinction Theme
- Involve cross-school and/or cross-campus collaboration
Required Reporting of Awardees
A brief final project report will be due to the committee no later than June 1 of the funding year. Guidelines for this report will be provided with award letters.
Proposal Format
The application cover sheet must be completed in full, including all signatures, before the application will be considered. The proposal narrative may be no longer than 1,000 words (excluding references) and must include the three elements listed below as numbered sections. Use 11-font or larger.
1. Statement of community-identified need
2. Project description
3. Sustainability of the project
Off-Cycle Awards
At the discretion of the Service-Learning Office director, worthy projects may be considered for an off-cycle award. Applicants should contact Dr. Lynn Pelco at lepelco@vcu.edu to inquire.
