Saint Louis University's Center for Social Action offers numerous signature programs throughout the year for SLU students, faculty and staff to become more meaningfully involved in the community.
1818 Community Engagement Grant Program
What impact could your group have on the community with $1,800? The 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program celebrates the over 200-year history of SLU giving back to the St. Louis community. Eighteen grants of $1,800 each are given to selected applicants to make a positive impact in the community in partnership with a local nonprofit organization. The 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program is sponsored by Lux Living of St. Louis.
2023-2024 Grant Cycle
Awardees for the 2023-2024 cycle have been selected! Click below for the list of projects. For information on the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program, contact Aubra Ladd with the Center for Social Action at aubra.ladd@slu.edu.
See the 2023-24 Grant Awardees (PDF)
Grant Information and Requirements
- Groups must complete an application and submit a project budget and timeline.
- All groups must have at least one community partner as a co-applicant and include SLU students in the initiative.
- Grants must either be used to start a new community engagement program or significantly improve an existing one.
- All projects must be completed no later than May 31, 2024. All funds must be used by that date.
- All recipients will present a poster on their project at the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Showcase on May 2 in the Center for Global Citizenship.
2023-2024 Grant Info Sheet (PDF)
Past Projects
Click the link below to see the impact that previous years' grants have had during its first five years.
1818 Grants - 5 Years of Impact (PDF)
The grant program welcomes applications from students, as well as faculty and staff. For groups of faculty or staff, it is highly recommended 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 non-profit 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 31, 2024. 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:
- Building a playground at a local school or community center
- Implementing an after-school or weekend STEM program for youth
- Hosting a winter or spring break service/immersion trip
- 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.
Service Fairs
An easy way to learn about how you can make a difference in the community, both as a student and as an alum, is to attend our Community Service and Year of Service Fairs. You will be able to meet staff from dozens of groups to learn about their work and how to get involved.
Community Engagement Fair
Held each fall as part of Fall Welcome, this event brings 60+ non-profit organizations from across the region to campus to advertise service opportunities to our students.
Year of Service Fair
In November, representatives from 25 organizations offering post-graduate service opportunities will be on campus to advertise their programs. SLU juniors and seniors are especially invited to explore the possibility of doing one or two years of service after graduation, whether here in St. Louis, around the country or across the world. Each year, nearly 75 members of the graduating class go on to participate in at least one year of service.
Participating Service Organizations
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 information on these or other programs, contact Bobby Wassel at 314-977-2041.
