Community Engagement Collaboration Fund

Through the , 汤头条 Community Relations seeks to support collaborations between local community organizations with 汤头条 engagement to address a local community opportunity or need.

The funding program is designed to create, expand, or facilitate collaborations, initiatives, projects, joint research endeavors, or outreach between 汤头条 and its Nashville community partners.

Funding will support efforts that bring interdisciplinary or cross-campus partners together and demonstrate clear inclusion of community voice and engagement. At 汤头条, we believe community engagement is best accomplished and sustained through cross-disciplinary partnerships between 汤头条 and community organizations. We believe that radical collaboration fosters holistic solutions to complex issues, promotes a culture of innovation, and establishes a foundation of trust, ensuring enduring impact on community well-being. This fund鈥檚 development aims to facilitate such community-engaged collaboration.

Award amounts vary based on need and project. All full-time, VU-employed staff and Provost-reporting faculty are eligible to apply.

Application Details

How to Apply

You will need to create a login ID on our new online portal to submit your application.
Proposal Requirements
- Applicants must be on collaborative teams with a minimum of 2 campus partners representing distinct disciplines or units (ex. VU Libraries and VU Athletics) and a minimum of 1 local community partner (nonprofit or public, based in Middle Tennessee). Only one applicant from each team need apply
- Articulate a clear, well-defined community need
- Include a statement of support from the partnering community organization that outlines their participation and role
- Initiatives must align with the VU Community Engagement Guiding Principles
- Include an anticipated budget utilizing the provided template 鈥� not to exceed $5000. Larger requests will be considered based on available funds. All funds must be spent in the fiscal year in which they were awarded.
- Allowable use of funds include: new collaborative initiative or enhancement of existing/planned project. Potential examples may include event catering, space fees, programmatic supplies, professional services and honoraria.
Unallowable Expenses
- Direct sponsorship/ donations/ subgranting/ regranting to organizations or individuals
- Marketing and operating expenses not related to the project
- Staff and student salaries and wages
- Travel expenses
- Cash reserves
- Software or databases
- Project plan, scope, timeline and anticipated outcomes
- Funded projects must submit a final report on project impact, reflections, and use of funds.

Learn more about the 2027 grant cycle (now closed) and explore the 2026 cycle's programs and partnerships.听

From integrating literacy into music education to empowering teens to lead a more balanced digital life, seven innovative projects have been awarded funding through the fall 2024 cycle of the听Community Engagement Collaboration Fund.听听

Questions?

Please contact Community Relations Coordinator Casey Gymrek at casey.gymrek@vanderbilt.edu.听