Saint Louis University's Center for Social Action offers numerous signature programs throughout the year for 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 non-profit organization. The 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program is sponsored by Lux Living of St. Louis.
2022-2023 Winners Announced
Grantees for the 2022-2023 cycle of the 1818 Community Engagement Grant Program have been announced. This year's cycle received 55 applications, the highest total in the history of the program. Click below for a full listing of selected projects.
List of Selected Projects for 2022-2023
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 must include SLU students as part of 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, 2023. 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 4, 2023.
Click the links below to see the impact that previous years' grants have had.
2020-2021 Impact Presentation (Video)
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, 2022. Unused funds will be returned to the main 1818 Community Engagement Grant program, and will be 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! In fact, 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 that they want to impact, then approach them to collaboratively come up with 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 Service and Community Engagement staff is also available to consult on a variety of ideas and potential community partners.
Service Fairs
An easy way to learn about all the ways 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 Service Fair
Held each fall, this event brings non-profit organizations from across the region to campus to advertise service opportunities to our students. Stay tuned for student registration information.
Year of Service Fair
Held in the fall semester, representatives from 25 organizations that offer 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 St. Louis, Missouri, and Springfield, Illinois.
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.
Jesuits Volunteer Corp 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 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, as well as 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.
