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Ut Prosim Student Impact Grants

Grant Details

Requests for proposals is open from August 10, 2026 to September 21, 2026. To learn more about the materials needed to complete your proposal please see below.

The Ut Prosim Student Impact Grants are funded by The Allstate Foundation and empower Virginia Tech students to design and lead service initiatives that address community-identified needs through meaningful action, partnership, and leadership.

Inspired by Virginia Tech's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), this program supports students who want to move beyond volunteering and become leaders in creating positive change. Through project funding, mentorship, and participation in the Ut Prosim Impact Cohort, students develop innovative service projects that make a measurable difference in the communities they serve.

Grants of up to $500 are awarded to support student-led projects that demonstrate community impact and embody the spirit of Ut Prosim.

The Ut Prosim Student Impact Grants support projects that:

  • Are student-led and student-driven
  • Address an identified community need in the United States
  • Engage community partners in meaningful ways
  • Create a measurable impact
  • Advance service and community well-being
  • Demonstrate thoughtful planning and implementation

Examples may include:

  • Food security initiatives
  • Environmental stewardship projects
  • School and youth partnerships
  • Community health and wellness efforts
  • Volunteer mobilization initiatives
  • Projects supporting local nonprofits and community organizations
  • Organize and sponsor a fundraising event on campus for a community partner

Applications are open to currently enrolled Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students under the age of 25.

Applicants may apply as:

  • Individual students
  • Student teams
  • Registered student organizations

Students must serve as the primary leaders of the proposed project and be responsible for planning, implementation, and project outcomes.

Successful applications typically demonstrate:

  • Student Leadership: Students identify the need, design the project, and lead implementation.
  • Community Need: Projects address a clearly defined need identified by or developed in collaboration with the community.
  • Community Partnership: Applicants engage with community organizations, leaders, or stakeholders who inform and strengthen the proposed project.
  • Impact: Projects include clear goals and anticipated outcomes for the community being served.
  • Sustainability: Whenever possible, projects should create impact that extends beyond a single event or activity.

The Ut Prosim Student Impact Cohort

Grant recipients become members of the annual Ut Prosim Student Impact Cohort.

This cohort model provides students with opportunities to learn from one another, strengthen their leadership skills, and reflect on the impact of their work.

As a cohort member, students receive:

  • Up to $500 in project funding
  • Mentorship and guidance
  • Connection with fellow student changemakers
  • Opportunities to share project successes
  • Recognition for community impact

Program Expectations

Recipients are expected to:

  • Participate in the Cohort Kickoff: Meet fellow recipients, learn program expectations, and begin planning for success.
  • Complete Project Activities: Implement the proposed service initiative during the grant period.
  • Participate in Cohort Gatherings: Share progress, successes, and challenges with fellow cohort members.
  • Present at the Impact Showcase: Celebrate accomplishments and share outcomes with campus and community partners.
  • Submit Final Reflection and Project Report: Document project outcomes, lessons learned, and community impact.

Application Process

  1. Develop Your Idea: Identify a community need and consider how a student-led service initiative could address it.
  2. Connect with Community Partners (must be in the United States): Discuss your idea with individuals, organizations, or stakeholders connected to the issue you hope to address.
  3. Submit Your Application: Applications should describe:
    • The community need
    • The proposed project
    • Community partnerships
    • Project goals and anticipated outcomes
    • Budget request
  4. Review and Selection: Applications are evaluated based on:
    • Community Need and Relevance
    • Student Leadership
    • Project Impact
    • Community Partnership
    • Feasibility and Sustainability

Key Dates

  • August 10: Applications Open
  • September 21: Applications Close
  • September 10: Interview invitations sent out on rolling basis beginning
  • September 23–October 2: Interviews
  • October 5: Award Notifications
  • October 12: Deadline to accept grant
  • October 14, 6 p.m.: Cohort Kickoff
  • TBD: Impact Showcase

Questions?

For questions about eligibility, project ideas, or the application process, contact: Meg Madel, Program Manager for Service Learning and Civic Dialogue at VT Engage, at megmadel@vt.edu or 540-231-1101.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you see a need in your community and have an idea for addressing it through service, we encourage you to apply for an Ut Prosim Student Impact Grant and join a community of student leaders committed to living Ut Prosim.

UPSIG Objectives and Outcomes Matrix
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