Social Innovation Grants

There is no shortage of ingenuity of #UMchangemakers on our campus, yet oftentimes students with new ideas do not know where to start to making their visions into realities. You may feel like you do not have the resources needed to transform your thoughts into action, but Social Innovation Grants can help bridge those gaps.

Applications will be availble in Spring 2024.

Social Innovation Grants up to $500 each are awarded to students who submit applications that meet the following criteria:

In order to qualify for funding, student projects must meet the following guidelines:

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a student at the University of Miami at the time of submission and implementation (must be a first-year, sophomore, or junior as of Spring 2024). You may apply as an individual or as part of a group.
  • Any projects from which students will receive wages, salaries, or a stipend are ineligible.
  • Projects must contain a clear service and/or leadership mission.
  • Projects must benefit the South Florida community.
  • To access funds, recipients must submit invoices or receipts for reimbursement. Requests for reimbursement will only be accepted within a calendar year of award.
  • Implementation of the project must be done within one semester post-receiving the award.
  • Recipients must submit a final report, no later than two weeks after the project is completed. Please use the provided template, following the directions closely. You will need to document:
    • Achievement of proposed goals
    • Impact of completed project
    • Partnerships with other student organizations, departments and community partners
    • All relevant data collected throughout implementation. 
    • Photos and media impact
  • Submissions that do not include a completed line-item budget will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed.

You will be required to supplement your application by presenting your proposal to the Butler Center Social Innovation Grant Committee.

For more information about the Social Innovation Grant program, please contact the Butler Center at 305-284-4483 or leadandserve@miami.edu.