OPPORTUNITY FOR PREVIOUS AND CURRENT FINAL YEAR CSSD WORKING GROUPS:

Call for Proposals: CSSD Social Engagement Grant

Deadline: March 11, 2022 by 11:59pm, emailed to CSSDcfp@gmail.com with subject line CSSD Social Engagement

Funding: $20K-$50K for a one-year project taking place in FY23 (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023)


Announcing an opportunity for previous and current final year CSSD working groups to complete a one-year community-based project aligned with Columbia University’s Fourth Purpose.

The Center for the Study of Social Difference (CSSD) invites applications for one-year projects that build on the work of former CSSD groups (including those currently in their third and final year), moving that work toward new forms of public engagements and partnerships. 

Successful proposals must align with Columbia University’s Fourth Purpose, which is concerned with “how to extend Columbia’s abilities to bring the extraordinary knowledge and capacities of the University in tandem with the wider academic community and actors beyond the campus to more effectively address pressing human problems” – i.e., projects should aim to have tangible outcomes with measurable social impact. This is an opportunity for working groups who have been through a full three year cycle with CSSD to realize projects with their community partners and ideally to lay the groundwork for continuing collaborations and funding partnerships.

We encourage applicants to think about what visions would be possible to realize with their partners outside the university with this level of funding.


Eligibility

Members of past CSSD working groups or CSSD working groups that are currently (2021-22) in their third and final year. CSSD Social Engagement Projects must be directed or co-directed by Columbia University faculty.

Expectations and Use of Funds

As the nature of each CSSD working group’s focus has been different, we anticipate that proposed one-year projects will vary, but possible projects may include:

  • Public events with community organizations

  • Website development and other forms of resource sharing

  • Fellowships for community partners

  • Co-sponsored projects with grassroots organizations

  • Payments to consultants, designers, or other specialists to help realize special projects

  • Manuscript subventions and other publication costs

  • Travel as possible and necessary for the completion of specific collaborative endeavors

How to Apply

Submit the following to CSSDcfp@gmail.com, with subject line CSSD Social Engagement, no later than March 11, 2022 at 11:59pm:

  • Description of project, including: how it builds on the work of your CSSD working group, description of established community relationships/commitments in place to realize project, the measurable social impact that the project will have, and a calendar of key dates for completion of project (total: no more than four pages)

  • Brief bios/descriptions (one paragraph each) of individuals/organizations involved with project (total: no more than two pages)

  • Itemized Budget for project costs (up to $50K). Must include one paragraph description explaining expenses (total: no more than one page)

Review of Applications

Proposals will be reviewed by the CSSD Executive Committee, and applicants will be notified of decisions by mid April 2022.

The Center for the Study of Social Difference will fund 1-2 CSSD Social Engagement Grant projects in the 2022-23 year, depending on strength of proposals received and amount of funds (from $20K-$50K) needed to realize each proposed project.


We encourage you to reach out via email to CSSDcfp@gmail.com with any questions as you develop your proposal.