Student Grants

We’re committed to empowering the next generation of global democracy leaders.

The SNF Agora Institute awards grants to Johns Hopkins University students and student organizations that carry out work aligning with the institute’s mission to strengthen global democracy through civic engagement and informed, inclusive dialogue.

Grants of up to $5,000 support individual graduate students who travel to pursue research or present academic work at conferences. Grants of up to $1,000 support individual undergraduate students and student organizations that host programs or travel to academic events.

Strong grant proposals clearly connect the proposed project to the SNF Agora mission. Projects might create opportunities for people of different backgrounds and perspectives to engage in dialogue and seek common solutions. They might also deepen understanding of global democracy. Graduate students applying for conference travel support from the social sciences will receive priority. We will also prioritize applicants who have not received SNF Agora funding in the past two academic years.

Institute staff review proposals on a rolling basis and award grants until they allocate the full funding pool. Applicants should expect to receive a decision within six weeks of submitting their proposal and should plan accordingly if applying for time-sensitive events.

Student organizations must receive formal recognition from Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development (LEED) before applying.

Use of Grant Funds

Applicants may use grant funds for the following purposes:

    • Travel to pursue research or present academic work at conferences, workshops, or other academic events that align with the institute’s mission

      • Recognized student organizations: up to $1,000

      • Undergraduate students: up to $1,000 per individual

      • Graduate students: up to $1,000 for domestic travel and up to $5,000 for international travel

    • Operational costs for recognized student groups hosting specific on-campus events and programs (e.g., room rentals, catering, A/V fees)

    • Travel expenses for recognized student groups bringing speakers to campus for student- or public-facing programs

Past awardees include:

    • Hopkins Model United Nations (HOPMUN) for student participation in Harvard’s Model UN convening in Spring 2024

    • Sebastian C. for presenting work in progress at the Social Science History Association Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2023

Applicants may not use grant funds for the following purposes:

  • Compensation for student effort that typically remains uncompensated as part of course requirements
  • Speaker fees for events or programs
  • General operating budget support for student organizations

Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be a current undergraduate or graduate student in any academic division of Johns Hopkins University

  • Represent a student organization based on any university campus or academic division that has received recognition from LEED

Application

Applicants should email their written proposals and any related questions to [email protected]. Submit proposals as PDF documents. The narrative portion must not exceed 500 words. See below for additional required elements.

Proposal Elements:

Each grant proposal must include:

    • A brief description of the research, conference, project, or event

    • A brief explanation of how the proposed use of funds supports the SNF Agora Institute’s mission

    • A short statement on how the grant will support the applicant’s personal, professional, or academic development, or how it will advance the student group’s goals

    • A general timeline (applicants must complete projects within the same fiscal year)

    • An itemized budget and total requested amount

For individual research projects, include:

    • An explanation of how the applicant will use and share the research findings

    • The name, title, and contact information of the faculty adviser(s) for the project

For group projects, include:

    • Names and JHU affiliations of team leaders and members

    • The name, title, and contact information of the faculty adviser(s) for the group project

For travel-related requests, include:

    • A list of Johns Hopkins students who will travel

    • The name of the affiliated student organization (if applicable), which must be recognized by LEED

    • General travel information (e.g., destination, timing, and purpose of travel)

    • The name, title, and contact information of the faculty mentor(s) or adviser(s)

Grant Requirements

Selected applicants must:

  • Schedule an initial consultation with the SNF Agora Institute to review their budget and implementation plan

  • Submit a final narrative within 14 days of completing the event, project, or activity, including photos or audio/video recordings

  • Acknowledge the SNF Agora Institute on all project materials

  • Sign a student consent form for travel awards, agreeing to follow state and university policies while off-campus

  • For individual research awards, obtain written consent from their adviser confirming that the research supports progress in their academic program

Student organizations must be recognized by LEED before applying. Those that have not completed the recognition process should contact [email protected] for guidance.