SNF Agora Student Grant Program

Now accepting applications! Grant funding is available for projects that can be completed by June 30, 2025!

About the Student Grant Program

The SNF Agora Institute awards grants to Johns Hopkins University students and student organizations whose work complements the institute’s mission of strengthening global democracy through civic engagement and inclusive dialogue.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available for individual graduate students seeking to travel to pursue research or present academic work at conferences, and up to $1,000 for individual undergraduate students and student organizations seeking to host programs and/or travel to academic events. 

Ideal grant proposals will draw a clear line from the proposed project’s aim to the SNF Agora mission. For graduate students seeking support for conference travel, priority will be given to grant applications from the social sciences. Priority also will be given to applications from students and student organizations that have not received funding from SNF Agora in the prior two academic years. 

Grant proposals are reviewed by institute staff on a rolling basis, and grants are awarded until the funding pool is depleted. Applicants should allow approximately six weeks from the time they submit their proposal to hear a decision, and should consider that lead time when applying for grant funding to participate in programs on specific dates.

Please note that student organizations that wish to apply for an SNF Agora Student Grant must be recognized by Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development (LEED). 

Use of Grant Funds

Examples of acceptable uses of grant funds include, but are not limited to:

  • Travel to pursue research or present academic work at conferences, workshops, and other events that are academic in nature and align with the institute’s mission (for recognized student organizations: up to $1,000; for undergraduate students: up to $1,000 per individual; for graduate students: up to $1,000 for domestic travel and up to $5,000 per individual for international travel)
  • Operational costs for recognized student groups hosting specific on-campus events and programs (such as room rentals, catering costs, A/V fees, etc.)
  • Travel expenses for recognized student groups bringing speakers to campus for student- and/or public-facing events and programs 

Examples of unacceptable uses of grant funds include:

  • Funding as compensation for student effort that would ordinarily be uncompensated effort required for course completion
  • Speaker fees for events and programs
  • General operating budget support for recognized student organizations

Eligibility 

  • All current Johns Hopkins undergraduate and graduate students, at any of the university’s academic divisions, and
  • Student organizations from any of the university’s campuses or academic divisions that are recognized by Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development (LEED).

Application

Applicants should email their written proposals and any related questions to [email protected]. 

All proposals should be submitted as a PDF document and the narrative portion should not exceed 500 words. See below for additional required proposal elements. 

Proposal Elements

Applicants’ grant proposals must include the following: 

  • A brief description of the research, conference, project, or event.
  • A brief description of how the proposed use of funds will support the mission of the SNF Agora Institute.
  • A brief description how the proposed use of funds will support the applicant’s personal, professional, and/or academic development, or support the student group’s advancement.
  • A general project timeline (the applicant must be able to complete the project within the same fiscal year).
  • An itemized budget and total of requested funding.

For individual research projects, please also include: 

  • How the research findings will be used and distributed.
  • The name, title, and contact information of the faculty adviser(s) associated with the research project.

For group projects, please also include: 

  • Name and JHU affiliation of project team leaders and team members.
  • The name, title, and contact information of the faculty adviser(s) associated with the project.

For awards seeking travel funds, please also include: 

  • List of Johns Hopkins University students who will be traveling.
  • Name of the affiliated JHU student organization (when applicable), which must be recognized by Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development.
  • General travel information such as destination, timing, and reasons for travel.
  • The name, title, and contact information of the involved faculty mentor(s)/adviser(s).

Grant Requirements 

Selected applicants will be required to: 

  • Schedule an initial consultation with the SNF Agora Institute to review budget and implementation plan.
  • Submit a final narrative within 14 days of the completion of the event, project, or activity, including photo and/or audio/video recordings.
  • Acknowledge the SNF Agora Institute on all relevant materials relating to the project, event, etc.
  • For travel awards, sign a student consent form, agreeing to comply with all state and university policies while off-campus.
  • For individual research awards, obtain written consent from your advisor stating that the research supports your progress in your academic program.
  • Student organizations applying for this grant must be recognized by Leadership Engagement & Experiential Development. If your organization is not recognized, please contact [email protected] to inquire about that process.