Urban Innovation Grants for Student Organizations
The Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation is providing grant support for University of Chicago student groups for events, research, or other efforts focused on critical issues and topics impacting cities.
Our goal is to encourage and support University of Chicago students’ efforts that encourage bold thinking around the future of cities. This opportunity is open to undergraduate and graduate student groups at the University of Chicago.
Applications are currently closed for the Urban Innovation Grants for Student Organizations. We’ll announce new application opportunities in the coming academic year.
Overview
The Mansueto Institute is providing grant support to student groups and organizations across the University of Chicago for events and conferences at the university, such as bringing in outside speakers, or other efforts that focus on cities and urbanization. Research being conducted by student organizations or groups may be considered if it is directly supervised by faculty or university centers/institutes. Learn more about our 2024-25 student grants.
Eligibility
Proposals are open to current undergraduate and graduate students or student groups at the University of Chicago (must be current students when the grant is awarded). Applicants may submit more than one proposal, provided that each is distinct.
Award
Selected projects will receive funding up to $5,000, for a one-year period. Awards must be used for the year they are awarded, beginning on July 1 (the beginning of the fiscal year), or they will be forfeited.
Funds can be used for expenses related to events and conferences at the university, such as booking outside speakers, refreshments, marketing, or renting space; organizing student groups around issues impacting cities; or conducting research, provided that it is supervised by faculty or another University of Chicago academic organization. The award is not intended for independent student research.
Criteria
Proposals will be reviewed by the Mansueto Institute using the following measures:
- Explicitly Urban: The event or research is related to a topic that is urban in some form.
- Alignment with Mission: The event or research is relevant to the Mansueto Institute’s mission and work.
- Feasibility & Deliverables: The proposal clearly conveys anticipated results/activities and their significance.
Commitment
Awarded projects are asked to commit to acknowledgement and use of Mansueto brand in publications, marketing, event materials, etc. as a sponsor. Branding materials will be provided.
We also encourage applicants to be part of our dynamic scholarship community, including participating in events.