Community Service Project Grant (CSP)

Please read the following guidelines and download the CSP Grant Application. Contact SVC staff at 831.459.3363 or volunteer@ucsc.edu to review your grant proposal prior to submission.

Spring Application Deadline: May 13th, 2013

About the CSP Grant

• Applications are due one quarter before implementation of the service projects.
• Applicants are required to meet with the Director to discuss the proposal before the application deadline.
• If you receive an award, the SVC Director will send you an award letter and a grant contract.

Example

• Proposal and Budget Example

Testimonials

Tiffany

SANTA CRUZ WHARF COASTAL ENERGY RESEARCH FACILITY - INTERPRETIVE SIGN (completed spring 2011) Through the effective, creative and informative design and installation of an interpretative sign at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf Headquarters, the objective of this project is to bring awareness to the residents of and visitors to the Santa Cruz community about the meaningful action occurring through sustainability efforts underway at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf and inspire incorporation of the principles of sustainability into community members’ lives. The Green Wharf projects include a social science study of stakeholder perceptions on renewable energy at the Wharf, facilitation of business utilization of rebate programs that help improve energy efficiency, and pilot testing renewable energy alternatives at the Wharf. The project also aspires to link the Green Wharf efforts to practical household sustainability and efficiency measures. The sign was designed and installed by student interns from the service learning course, Impact Designs: Engineering and Sustainabilty through Student Service (IDEASS), which is being offered as part of the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Internship Program. It will remain posted for the duration of the renewable energy testbed project and will be one featured stop on a soon-to-be-launched EcoTour of coastal Santa Cruz, a project also partially funded by the SVC CSP.

SANTA CRUZ ECO-TOUR PROJECT (in progress) The focus of this project is the design and construction of eight Greenwharf Eco-Tour "Green Spot" signs which will identify featured stops on the Eco-Tour. Green Spot stops will consist of exhibits such as static interpretive signs, interactive LED screens, and demonstration kiosks that feature the Wharf's environmental research, sustainability efforts and renewable energy projects. Each stop on the EcoTour will also include one takeaway message for community members and visitors to consider. Through the IDEASS program, student interns will design and implement the project, as part of an ongoing, collaborative effort by researchers, students and the City to promote applied sustainable education. Through this three-quarter project, student volunteers will gain skills in service learning through professional development within a course structure. The funding of this project will enable the continued positive impact of the "Green Wharf," the critical training of near-term environmental studies and engineering graduates, and indirectly contributes to the City of Santa Cruz's broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 30% by year 2020 from 1990 baseline. The Eco-Tour's first phase will be installed and launched during Spring Quarter 2012.

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Eligibility: Who can apply?

Community Service Project Grants are available to individual UCSC students and student groups who are interested in designing and implementing quality, direct-service projects that addresscommunity needs or problems within Santa Cruz County (note: grants are limited to off-campus projects only).

• Grants will be given for community service projects that are student initiated and need seed money to get started
• Grants may be given to students looking to implement a new on-going program in the community
• Grants may also be given to students looking to facilitate a meaningful, short-term community service project
• Projects that continue on a yearly basis and have already received CSP Grant monies may be considered if sufficient evidence is given of a continually evolving program
• The student who submits the proposal must show evidence that they will be directly involved with the utilization of project funds
• Equipment and supplies may be funded if they are determined to be critical for the completion of the project organized and facilitated by the student applicant

Project Approval: What kinds of projects receive CSP Grants?

A CSP Grant may fund a wide variety of projects. Some examples of projects that have been awarded monies through CSP Grants include tutoring programs, homeless garden projects, and after school music programs. Typically, grants are awarded to projects that address real community needs that will offer long-term benefits for the community and any collaborating organizations. Each applicant is required to provide evidence in their proposal of the said community need and that he/she has initiated and planned the proposed project

Awards: How much money can be awarded through a CSP Grant and how will it be dispersed?

• Students may submit a proposal for a CSP Grant ranging from $100-$1,000
• Grants may be approved in full or partial amount, depending on the decision made by the CSP Grant Committee.   
• Grant monies will be given in the form of a purchase order to be spent at vendors listed in your original budget proposal.

Note: You will need to complete a 204 Form for any vendors, organizations, or individuals without an existing account in the university system. Original, itemized receipts are absolutely required to process any purchase orders and/or reimbursements. NO EXCEPTIONS: CSP Grant monies can only be spent on approved budget items. 

Restrictions: What are the limitations for CSP Grant monies?

• CSP Grants are for off-campus projects within the Santa Cruz County
  
• Awards for salaries will not be funded
• Personal living expenses will not be funded
• Rent will not be funded
• Funds will not be awarded retroactively (Note: funds cannot be awarded to a project that has already been completed.)