Funding available to support student-led, student-driven service and volunteer projects this fall semester! The Center for Community Engagement is excited to announce that applications are open! During the fall 2025 semester, TCNJ students are invited to apply for funds to organize student-led, student-driven service and volunteer projects! Mini-grants of up to $1,000 are available.
Priority Proposal Deadline: September 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
Bring your service ideas to reality this semester. Mini-grants may be used to support many kinds of student-led service projects, including:
- Student Organization Service Projects – Grow your club’s service agenda!
- Service Projects Inspired by Course-Based Experiences – Make that class assignment turn into a real-life experience!
- Service Projects Focused on a Personal Passion – Take that idea you have and run with it!
How to Apply
Proposal Requirements
Interested applicants should submit a proposal (Word doc, Google doc, or PDF accepted) including the following information:
- Project Title
- Organizer(s): Name(s), contact information, and student affiliation
- Community Partner Organization: Name, brief description, and point of contact
- Project Description: What the event is, what volunteers will do, and why it matters
- Volunteer Engagement Plan: How you will recruit and engage at least 10 students
- Timeline: Include event date(s) and any preparation milestones
- Budget: Breakdown of how the requested funds will be used (within guidelines)
- Impact Goals: What you hope to achieve and how success will be measured
Application Deadline: All proposals should be submitted by Thursday, September 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
Email your proposal to: tcnjcel@tcnj.edu
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Clarity and feasibility of the project
- Potential for student engagement and impact
- Responsible and creative use of funds
FAQ
What is the TCNJ Service Mini-grant program?
The TCNJ Service Mini-grant program is an opportunity for students to move their service ideas into action.
What is the definition of “service”?
The TCNJ Service Mini-grant program defines service as “acts intended to benefit people and/or communities by enhancing connections and relationships to address issues and strengthen communities.”
What kind of expenses are allowed?
- Allowable expenses – Grant funds can support transportation costs, food, stipends, materials/supplies, printing, space rental, parking passes, and more!
- Unallowable expenses – Money cannot be used to support alternative breaks, and funds cannot be directly donated to an organization.
When does the money have to be spent? When does the project have to be completed?
All funds must be spent by November 28, 2025. No extensions will be allowed.
Do I have to request the full $1,000? What is the smallest amount I could ask for?
We anticipate requests in all amounts. While $1,000 is the most you can request, you can ask for as little as $250, depending on your needs. Whether it’s $250 or $1,000, we are excited for your ideas.
Do I need a certain number of people involved in the project?
We ask that you plan for at least 10 TCNJ students to engage in the project. One of the main goals of these grants is to increase access to service
opportunities for college students, so this should be a priority.
Can I request more money later if I find out I need more? What if I don’t use all the money I am given?
We have a priority deadline of September 19th for applications. If we still have money available, additional funds can be considered. Any unspent funds should be reported to CCE so we can consider reallocation to other projects.
What’s required of me if I am awarded a mini-grant?
As a recipient of a TCNJ Service Mini-grant, you’ll be asked to keep CCE informed of any changes, challenges, and successes of your project. All recipients will be asked to do an interview with CCE at the end of the semester so we can discuss lessons learned.
What are some examples of projects that would be a good fit for this opportunity?
We are really excited to see what college students want to do with these funds, and creativity is welcome. As long as the project meets the definition of service and doesn’t conflict with the rules on how the funds CAN’T be used (i.e., direct grants to an organization or an alternative break event), there is a good chance that the project would be a good fit.
Here are some ideas for projects:
- Bringing youth/community to campus (or meeting them off-campus) for an experiential learning opportunity
- Hosting/collaborating on a community event or program
- Providing transportation to a community volunteer event
- Hosting a fundraising or donation drive for a community partner
- Purchase supplies to help connect people to service (i.e., trash grabbers for a stream clean-up, paint for a school beautification project)
Still have questions?
Email tcnjcel@tcnj.edu, and we will be happy to assist you! We look forward to receiving your proposal.