University/Community Service-Learning Teams Grants
The Service-Learning Initiative funds development or enhancement of service-learning courses and collaborative university/community projects that address community goals.
The Request for Proposals for 2008 grants is now closed. The next RFP is expected to be issued in January 2009.
Prepare to write a proposal by reading about current and past projects funded by these grants, attending a workshop (see right sidebar), and reviewing the tips for proposal development below.
Video: In this 6-minute video, Service-Learning Initiative Director Golden Jackson explains the requirements for service-learning course grants, including the new “S” designation and key elements of a service-learning course (wmv file, requires Windows Media Player, Real Player, or similar software).
Tips for Successful Service-Learning Proposals
Respond to each item in the RFP.
Use the sections and questions as an outline for the proposal.
Plan the service project to support and enhance learning in the course.
Clearly state the linkages between the service and academic content and the ways that students will be asked to demonstrate their understanding of the connections.
Show clearly how Ohio State faculty are collaborating with a community partner to develop the service project associated with the course.
- Provide documentation of community input in the proposal.
- Describe how the project reflects priorities and stated needs of community partner and collaborative planning by all partners.
Provide background information to document need and community participation in development of the project.
Discuss how you will prepare students for effective community service.
Describe plans for sustainability and departmental support for offering the service-learning course on a continuing basis.
A primary objective of the funding program is to develop sustainable service-learning courses and ongoing, sustainable university/community partnerships.
Describe plans for assessment of student learning and community impact.
As one concrete method of showing mutual benefit, make sure that you have shown how at least $500 of the total budget will be allocated for direct support of the community partner.
The expenditure should be negotiated with the partnering community organization, school, or service agency.
For information about other grants to support outreach and engagement work, see outreachgrants.osu.edu.
