Student Affairs Belonging and Communities has launched the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant , a seed funding initiative designed to foster connection, creativity and intentional engagement for students across campus.
Applications for the spring funding cycle are open and will be accepted through Friday, Jan. 9.
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant provides up to $5,000 in seed funding for innovative, community-driven projects that are led by, and in support of, Vanderbilt students. T.H.R.I.V.E stands for transformation through honoring relationships, innovation, values and empowerment, and its goal is to affirm ideas that strengthen belonging, build relationships across disciplines and perspectives, and inspire sustainable impact at Vanderbilt and beyond. Projects that foster dialogue across differences are strongly encouraged.
“T.H.R.I.V.E. is about helping ideas and people flourish,” said EJ Edney, associate dean for belonging and communities. “We’re excited to see proposals that honor collaboration, creativity and the shared values that make Vanderbilt such a dynamic community.”
Funded projects may include events, creative works, research or partnerships that advance innovation, community and empowerment. Proposals are encouraged to reflect the program’s framework:
- Connectedness: Foster welcoming environments, build bridges across differences and activate relationships to create meaningful, mutually beneficial experiences where students feel seen, supported and connected.
- Mutual Respect: Foster dialogue across differences, promote listening and curiosity, and honor the unique journey and perspective each student brings.
- Collective Responsibility: Extend accountability for creating a more welcoming, open campus by collectively removing barriers and expanding opportunities for all individuals and communities to thrive at Vanderbilt.
- Care: Center care, celebration and reflection as vital to a thriving student community.
- Adaptive Growth: Generate, teach and creatively express knowledge in ways that advance learning and community practice, while embracing change through reflection and continuous learning with our communities, in order to strengthen our systems, skills and shared practices for creativity, community-building, responsiveness and sustainable impact.
Who Can Apply
Current Vanderbilt students and registered student organizations are eligible to apply. All applicants must be Vanderbilt students. Each project must include at least two collaborators, and at least one collaborator must serve as the student applicant. Additional collaborators may include staff, faculty or community-based organizations, but the project must be led and submitted by a Vanderbilt student.
If the project is being submitted on behalf of a registered student organization, or one or more of your collaborators is a registered student organization or campus department, the applicant must submit letter(s) of support from organization advisers or unit leaders.
How to Apply
Applicants should review full eligibility details and proposal guidelines on the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant website and submit their completed application form by Friday, Jan. 9. Award decisions will be announced in early to mid-spring.
Why It Matters
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant reflects Vanderbilt’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation, belonging and collaboration across the university. By empowering community-led initiatives, the program helps transform ideas into action and deepens connections in the campus community.
“The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant embodies what it means to belong and contribute meaningfully at Vanderbilt,” said ReChard Peel, director of the Bishop Joseph Johnson Black Cultural Center, who is coordinating the grant. “It’s an opportunity for our community to imagine and create the future together.” 
Visit the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant website for full program details, eligibility information and proposal materials.
Spring cycle applications are open through Friday, Jan. 9.
