Fall 2024 Political Engagement Fund Launch

About the Political Engagement Fund

Wesleyan University has a long history of supporting student civic engagement and recognizes this moment’s unique opportunity for liberal learning through engagement with the public sphere. 

We are pleased to welcome applications for the Political Engagement Fund’s fall 2024 cycle through September 27, 2024 (11:59pm) – which will offer funding support to students interested in engaging in the electoral process. 

Projects and Proposal

Wesleyan undergraduate students can apply to the Political Engagement Fund for project support in one of the following areas:

  • Voter Registration 
  • Issues Advocacy
  • Local or national campaigns

See examples of previously funded projects here!

Budgeting and Expenses

Political Engagement Fund grants provide funding to help alleviate costs in the following areas:

 

  • Fall, Winter Session, and Spring Cycle awards are capped at $500.00 per cycle (per applicant), while summer Political Engagement Fund requests are capped at $5000.00 per applicant.
  • Living/Personal Expenses: Rent/Housing, Utilities (if not included with rent/housing),
  • Food, Clothing (only if specific wardrobe is required for your experience)
  • Travel Expenses: Airfare, Train Tickets, Bus Fare/Tickets, Subway/Metro Fare, Mileage ($.655 cents per mile)
  • Program Expenses: Tuition (non-Wesleyan), Supplies (i.e. notebooks, pens), Books and Equipment (student will retain)

Political Engagement Fund grants may not be used for any of the following:

  • Purchasing or leasing a vehicle
  • Tuition at Wesleyan University
  • Payment to applicant
  • Personal expenses deemed nonessential to project. 
  • Other discretionary expenses deemed unrelated to proposed project.  

All applicants are required to submit a budget sheet, detailing the funding request. All items included in your budget must be directly related to your proposal. Based on the information you provide and available funds, an amount may be awarded to you, equal to or less than your request.

Additional Political Engagement Fund requirements

Award recipients are required to:

  • Enroll in CSPL 494 (Elections Internship)
  • Submit a summer report 
  • Share their experience at select Allbritton Center events

Apply for the Political Engagement Fund here!!

If you need additional information or want to further workshop your ideas, please contact Diana Martinez (dmmartinez@wesleyan.edu).