Tisch Fund: How to Apply

Preparing a Strong Application

Tisch College places particular emphasis on supporting programs or events that expand Tufts students’ interest in and engagement with public issues, and combine civic life with community engagement.

A strong application will: 

• Present an engaging and innovative project, explaining its relevance to the Tufts community and/or surrounding communities
• Clearly articulate the project's connection to civic life
• Addresses a community-identified issue and/or topic
• Submit a sufficiently detailed implementation timeline
• Submit a comprehensive and appropriate itemized budget (template available)
• Explore the short- and long-term impact of the project and include a concrete plan for evaluating the initiative
• Promote collaboration between individuals, departments, or organizations
• If requesting funding for an existing program or event, evidence that it has a successful track record and/or strong potential for improvement

Requirements for Accepted Proposals

Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance of the project or event to be considered for funding.

Applications will be reviewed by Tisch College staff members, and we will contact you with information about scheduling a virtual proposal review meeting if your project meets selection criteria. Be prepared to discuss your timeline, budget, and other materials in detail. Students will be contacted with final decisions within a week after their scheduled proposal meeting.

Students whose funding requests are approved must comply with a set of requirements: 

• All students must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), agreeing to Tisch Fund terms and requirements, before funding is processed.
• Students must schedule a planning meeting with Tisch staff to review feedback from the interview and finalize the planning for the project. 
• Students must submit a project report (template available) that summarizes the outcome and impact of the program or event, along with photos. This report must be completed within 2 weeks of project completion. 

Have questions?

• General Questions and AS&E, Fletcher, and SMFA Students - Contact Malathi Reddy, Program Administrator, Tisch College, Student Programs. 
• Medical school and Friedman Students - Contact Kate Eastwood, Administrative Coordinator, TUSM Civic Life and Scholarly Programs.  
• Cummings Students - Contact Shelie Wells, Program Administrator for Civic Learning
• Dental Students - Contact Jen Greer-Morrissey, Program Manager of Civic Life, Health Sciences