The Division of Government and Community Relations has announced the opening of applications for the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund. The fund aims to foster new avenues for radical collaboration among university partners and local community organizations.
In its inaugural spring 2024 cycle, the fund supported nine partnerships between Vanderbilt and Nashville-based organizations. These projects addressed pressing local needs and collectively engaged more than 1,000 Nashville residents through initiatives focused on education access, professional development, racial equity, social justice, health and wellness, AI technology, historical preservation, art and cultural celebrations, and STEM education and outreach.
The collaborations involved a variety of community groups, including local government agencies, historical societies and nonprofits serving underrepresented groups. Each project involved close interdisciplinary partnerships between Vanderbilt faculty or staff from distinct parts of campus working together with community organizations, elevating the voice and leadership of the community partners.
The fund’s goal is to foster sustained, mutually beneficial collaborations that positively impact the wider Nashville region. Applicants must be full-time Vanderbilt faculty or staff members. Proposals should include at least two different campus partners and an external Nashville organization, demonstrating the community partner’s active voice, role and needs.
Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of Vanderbilt community engagement practitioners. Eligible applicants can apply online through InfoReady by Sept. 16, 2024. Funds must be spent in the 2025 fiscal year. Awardees will receive funds in early October. Additional details and requirements are available in the application.
Info Session
Interested applicants are welcome to attend a virtual info session on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Register to receive the meeting link. The Community Relations team will share more information about the fund, provide an overview of the application process and answer questions.
