Grants and Fellowships

The Morgridge Center provides various service grants and fellowships to support opportunities to create and implement service projects.  We also have information about national grant opportunities that are available periodically.

Co-Sponsorship Fund (formerly Service Grants program)

About the Co-Sponsorship Fund
Let the Morgridge Center help fund your service experience! The Morgridge Center’s Co-Sponsorship Fund was developed to support University of Wisconsin students who are advancing the Wisconsin Idea. These students may participate in activities ranging from leadership development to direct service.

The Morgridge Center grants up to $250 to support projects by individual students, student groups, or formal student organizations looking to address specific community needs.

Funds may be used for projects or activities i ncluding but not limited to:
• Attending a leadership conference
• Planning a day of service
• Hosting a guest speaker
• Arranging an advocacy event
• Attending an educational seminar
• Promoting philanthropy
• Planning an annual food drive
• Presenting a social issues workshop.

We encourage applicants to submit proposals for any type of activity that furthers civic engagement.

We fund projects that:
• Allow students to meaningfully reflect on their experience
• Provide opportunities for students to learn about citizenship, community issues, and global perspectives
• Encourage productive collaboration between campus and community organizations
• Develop a foundation for students to engage in active citizenry and leadership
• Directly address and raise awareness about an identified community need
• Have a significant and measurable impact on campus and in the community
• Have not previously received funding from the Morgridge Center through Service Grants or the Co-Sponsorship Fund

We do not fund food, t-shirts, or transportation.

Grant Application Process
1. Application must be completed online here. (a copy of the online application is available here to view for your reference before you begin the online applcation. Please note we only accept online applications)

2. Additional materials must be emailed to vista@morgridge.wisc.edu with the subject line “Co-Sponsorship Fund Additional Materials." Click here for our Budget Template. Click here for a sample project evaluation.

3. Application must be received 30 days prior to the event for consideration. Submitting your application earlier is strongly suggested, in order for accepted applicants to fully take advantage of Morgridge Center Marketing Services.

4. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; the sooner an application is received, the sooner it will be processed for consideration.

5. A Morgridge Center representative will contact applicants concerning their application status within two weeks of submission.

6. If awarded, participant has two weeks to return necessary paperwork (Memorandum of Agreement, Photo Release Form, and Pre-Service Evaluation) to the Morgridge Center in order to receive grant money.

REQUREMENTS OF GRANT RECIPIENTS:

• Communication: Grant recipients are required to meet with a Morgridge Center staff member both before and after the project.
• Marketing: The Morgridge Center for Public Service must be recognized on all marketing materials, as well as within the project.
•Evaluation: Students design and later complete an evaluation for their project.  The blank evaluation is to be submitted via email to vista@morgridge.wisc.edu along with the application.  The completed evaluation is to be submitted via email to vista@morgridge.wisc.edu no later than 2 weeks following the event or project.  To view a sample blank evaluation click here. 
• Morgridge Center Resources: Photos of the project will be submitted to the Morgridge Center via email no later than two weeks after the project. Recipients may be invited to showcase their project at the Morgridge Center’s annual volunteer celebration.

Please direct any questions you may have to Megan Miller at vista@morgridge.wisc.edu or 608-262-0731.

Other Grant Opportunities

Wisconsin Idea Undergraduate Fellowships (WIF) support innovative projects where undergraduate students, faculty/instructional staff and community organizations collaborate in service activities and/or research designed to meet a community need while enhancing student learning.  Students can receive a stipend of up to $3000.

Campus Compact offers grants of varying amounts to students and faculty/staff.

Starbucks Foundation Grants
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/foundation.asp

Service-learning programs may be eligible for a contribution of food, coffee, and money from Starbucks. Each store chooses a charity or community program to support (which can include a school). In addition, the Starbucks Foundation funds local programs that serve low-income, at-risk youth through its Youth Leadership Grant Program. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000. The deadlines are October 1st and April 1st.

Raise Your Voice: Student Action for Change
http://www.actionforchange.org/getrecognized/

This site lists several awards and scholarships for civic engagement work by students.