Nichols Humanitarian Fund
The Nichols Humanitarian Fund was established in 2006 by the E.C. and Lucile Hamby Nichols Trust. The purpose of the fund is to enable Vanderbilt students to volunteer for local, domestic, or international humanitarian service opportunities. Support is primarily focused on summer projects, or projects that take place during defined academic breaks. Funds are available for educational and other expenses.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled Vanderbilt students are eligible to receive assistance from the Fund. Preference will be given to undergraduate students who have not yet completed their baccalaureate degrees.
Administration
The Fund is administered by the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and his designee(s).
Application Process
Applications are due by January 15, 2010 and should be sent to Shelley McFarlan, Program Coordinator, Vanderbilt International Office, 201 Alumni Hall, Nashville, TN 37203, or e-mailed to shelley.l.mcfarlan@vanderbilt.edu. Applications will be reviewed by a faculty committee on the basis of merit and validity of project. Students will be notified of the committee’s decision in mid-February. There is a limited amount of funding available and it is a competitive application process.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form detailing your proposed service project
- Current transcript
- One (1) page resume
- A letter of recommendation from a Vanderbilt faculty member
Please click on the link below to download the application form.
Note: If the country to which you would like to study is currently under a travel advisory, please contact the Global Education Office (GEO) at geo@vanderbilt.edu for additional forms and procedures. There is no guarantee of funding or university approval for countries which fall under travel advisories.
Reporting
Students who receive support from the Nichols Humanitarian Fund are required to prepare a brief report (2-3 pgs.) upon returning to campus detailing their experience. This report should include:
- how the Fund enabled you to engage in a service opportunity
- what learning was achieved or greater understanding of an issue resulted from the experience
Students should include two to three photos from their experience in the report. The Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will share these as appropriate with the trustees of the E.C. and Lucile Hamby Nichols Charitable Trust.