Apply for MCSE summer grant : Application deadline March 18

The MCSE is providing funding of $3,000 for up to three social innovation projects designed by students.

To be considered, a student (or group of students) must prepare a written description of the project (who, what, where, how) including expected outcomes and prospects for future impact (not to exceed two pages) as well as a budget for the $3,000 grant (budget not to exceed one page). Proposals should include pre-approval of all involved parties and organizations involved in the project. Students must include their own fundraising plan to complement Middlebury’s grant. The two-page proposal and one-page budget should be submitted electronically to the MCSE before or at 5:00 pm on Monday March 18, 2013. Email applications to: hneuwirth@middlebury.edu

After the submission deadline, the MCSE will read grants and select the top five winning projects. Up to three of the projects will be selected.The intention is to fund five projects this summer. All projects will receive $3,000. Grants are made upon assurance that the project proposed will, in fact, be undertaken during the summer of 2013.

Middlebury students (first year-senior year) will be eligible to submit grant applications for projects that bring about positive social change in the world. The MCSE team will read and select 5 grant recipients for the summer of 2013.

We seek applications that touch on the most important qualities of a liberal arts student—clear analytical thinking, excellent communications, self-confidence, creativity and initiative.

Questions for students to answer:

What differentiates you from others who may be applying for this grant in terms of your skills and talents?

How will you translate those skills and talents into a project related to improving the lives for those living in your community?

How will you draw on the expertise of professors, staff, and your fellow students at Middlebury, or in the community, to develop a project that is both practical and can be implemented within the budget. How will you fundraise and how much will you fundraise?

Each funded project must submit a final report to the MCSE. It will contain 5 pages of narrative using the final report form on the MCSE website. It also includes a separate one-page accounting of the funds expended. Students must include a 3-5 minute video and 3 digital photos, attaching them to the end of their two-page final report. Reports will be posted on the program’s website.