Community Engagement Programming

The grant program welcomes applications from students, as well as faculty and staff. For groups of faculty or staff, it is required that students be involved in some way with the project.

While the grant lead must be a SLU student, faculty or staff member, it is a requirement that a nonprofit organization also be a partner on the grant.

Yes, as long as it can demonstrably show a significant potential improvement in your group’s community engagement program.

No, all funds must be spent by May 16, 2026. Unused funds will be returned to the main 1818 Community Engagement Grant program and distributed the following year.

While we encourage groups to think long-term about their potential projects, groups can certainly apply for funding to create a one-time or short-term program.

Yes! Groups who receive funds this year will be encouraged to apply again for future cycles to build on their first year and will be given preference if a high degree of impact can be demonstrated in year one.

All funds must be spent on materials, services, etc. No funds can go directly to the community organization.

Groups are encouraged to think about the community organization or issue they want to impact, then approach them to collaboratively develop an idea for a grant proposal.

Potential programs could include:

• Improving physical facilities at a local school or community center
• Implementing an after-school or weekend program for youth
• Creation of educational materials that can be used by local community organizations, school, etc.
• Launching a literacy (financial, health, nutritional, etc.) program for families
• Partnering with a local organization to host a health fair
• Creating a sustainable hunger-reduction program
• Organizing an advocacy campaign related to a particular social justice issue or congressional bill

The Center for Social Action staff is also available to consult on a variety of ideas and potential community partners.

The Billiken Teacher Corps at Saint Louis University forms the next generation of Catholic school educators through service, learning, and spiritual growth in community. This program is a unique opportunity for faith-driven college graduates to have a transformative impact in underserved Catholic schools in Springfield, Illinois, and St. Louis. 

BTC Fellows live the Jesuit Mission of being men and women for and with others. For two years, the members live in an intentional faith community while teaching full time and earning their Master of Arts in Teaching degree with full tuition remission. Members also earn a Missouri teaching certificate via the alternative route if they are not already certified.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps engages brave leaders in life-changing service, living and accompanying those in need to build a more just and hopeful world. Volunteer for one to two years, either domestically or internationally. Live in community with other JVC volunteers. Room, board, health insurance and a monthly stipend are provided.

Similar to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, JVC-Northwest takes place specifically in the northwest region of the country, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho, with both rural and urban experiences offered.

AmeriCorps works with local and national partners to tap the power of the American people to tackle our country's most pressing challenges. Volunteer for one year domestically. Live individually and receive a modest living allowance and an educational award. 

In more than 60 countries, Peace Corps volunteers are putting their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with welcoming host communities. Volunteer for two years internationally. Room, board, health insurance and a monthly stipend are provided. 

Teach For America works toward the day when every child will receive an excellent and equitable education. Volunteer to teach in a high-need public school for two years. Salary and health insurance are provided, as well as an education award upon completion of service.

Sponsored by the Jesuits of the Central and Southern Province, Alum Service Corps volunteers commit to a year of service teaching in a Jesuit middle or high school in Denver, Kansas City or St. Louis. The program offers retreats, housing, health insurance, a stipend, a community car and close ties to the school's Jesuit community.

For over 70 years Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) has provided a loving home to orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Bolivia, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. NPH USA screens, places, and supports U.S. volunteers (21 or older) who serve for a year or more in one of our homes. Room, board, health insurance, and a modest monthly stipend are provided.