Applications are more likely to be successful if the documents you provide answer all questions required, and are in the format requested.
Grants will be given to projects that demonstrate that they can make a difference.
Is GoMakeADifference for you?
Are you excited about the prospect of receiving a grant for your potential project? To be a successful GoMakeADifference grant applicant, projects must meet the following criteria:
Criteria for your GoMakeADifference project:
- GoMakeADifference is only open to current UWC students. Projects must be in led by 1st or 2nd year students studying for their IBDP at any UWC school or college.
It must put the UWC mission into action, answering a real need of the recipients and leave an enduring benefit to the community they are serving.- Projects should be your own initiative (but can be within an existing NGO)
- Can be anywhere in the world, but previously students who return to their country of origin contribute the most.
- Projects can be anywhere in the world for a minimum of four weeks – during the summer vacation or part of a gap year.
- All projects should be identified and carefully planned ahead of its start date, requiring a well-prepared and budgeted application.
- Projects for one or two people will be favoured, though some might require a small group led by one or two project leaders.
- Maximum grants awarded are $2,000 – it is meant to be catalyst seed money.
- Students can apply for less than $2,000
- If more than $2,000, students will need to demonstrate how they will raise additional funds.
- Students must demonstrate projects can be delivered safely with no risk to anyone.
- We shall be seeking assurances from your teachers, parents or other relevant people.
Tips: when thinking of a project...
Projects more likely to be successful may include:
- Creativity and imagination - something different or covers topics around peace, sustainability, social justice, conflict resolution and bridge building to improve solutions.
- Impact for the people affected.
- Resilience and commitment from students.
- A challenge.
- Personal development for students.
- A level of sustainability and a probability of success.
- It is delivered outside of term time and is not part of current curriculum activity.
Check out case studies of previous projects from past students just like you!
Projects less likely to be successful may include:
- Gifting ideas – Merely using the funds to buy items without any innovation, personal development or challenge.
- Education initiatives – That show little innovation to projects delivered in previous years, for example just teaching English or a repeat of previously run short summer camps.
- Where the application is missing fundamental components of the project plan – If there is no budget, no timescales plan or the application lacks the required detail to fully allow us to assess the project is unlikely to be successful.
Make sure you've read our guide for ensuring your Project Proposal is as strong as it can be.
Be original, do something you haven’t done before, and challenge yourself!
Think about the UWC mission statement. Think of a project which helps to foster peace and a sustainable future by uniting peoples, nations and cultures... and then apply for a GoMakeADifference grant!
Testimonials
If it was not for the GoMakeADifference empowerment, I don’t think I would have realised how grave the poverty, healthcare and environmental issues are in my country. As I still embark on my academic pursuits, I have been shaped partly by my UWC Atlantic College experience and re-shaped by the problems that my country faces. The 5 weeks spent in Kenya and Uganda were eye opening to me... I have been shaped by my UWC AC experience.
— Kenya and Uganda Summer Project, 2001