The Division of Government and Community Relations has announced the opening of applications for the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund. The fund aims to foster capacity for deeper collaboration among university partners and local community organizations.
Launched in spring 2024, the fund has supported more than 20 partnerships between Vanderbilt and Nashville-based community organizations. These collaborative projects have addressed pressing local needs and engaged various Nashville communities through initiatives focused on health and well-being, intergenerational connection, music and literacy education, AI technology and civic innovation, historical preservation, art and cultural celebrations, STEM education and more.
These community-focused collaborations involve a variety of community groups, including local government agencies, schools, and nonprofits. Each project is shaped by the voice and leadership of the community partners and demonstrates close interdisciplinary partnerships with Vanderbilt faculty or staff from distinct parts of campus working together with community organizations.
In keeping with Vanderbilt’s guiding principles for community engagement, 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 and demonstrate the community partner’s active voice, role and needs.
Proposals will be reviewed by a committee of Vanderbilt community engagement practitioners. The deadline for eligible applicants to apply online through InfoReady is Sept. 15, 2025. Funds must be spent in the 2026 fiscal year. Awardees will receive funds in early October. There will only be one funding cycle offered this fiscal year. Additional details and requirements are available in the application.
Info Session
Interested applicants are welcome to attend a virtual info session on Wednesday, 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.
