T.H.R.I.V.E Grant

The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant supports innovative, community-driven projects led by, and in support of, students that strengthen connection, collaboration, and belonging across Vanderbilt.

 

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Overview

By providing seed funding for initiatives led by, and in support of, students, the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant helps our community explore new ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and create positive, lasting change at Vanderbilt and beyond.

Through this initiative, Student Affairs Belonging and Communities invests in ideas that help communities – and people – thrive, including those that:

  • Foster dialogue across differences;
  • Advance opportunities, wellbeing, and access;
  • Encourage creative, people-centered problem solving;
  • Strengthen relationships within and beyond the university; and
  • Inspire sustainable impact aligned with Vanderbilt’s mission and values.

Eligibility

Current Vanderbilt students and registered student organizations are eligible to apply. All applicants must be Vanderbilt students. Each project must include at least two (2) collaborators, and at least one collaborator must serve as the student applicant. Additional collaborators may include staff, faculty, or external community partners, but the project must be led and submitted by a Vanderbilt student.

  • Who can apply
    • Current Vanderbilt students and registered student organizations in good standing 
      • Faculty and staff can serve as collaborators or partners, but students (either individually or as registered student organizations) must lead and submit the proposal 
      • The partner (staff, faculty, or peer collaborator) must affirm their involvement to ensure appropriate support for the student team. Community centers, academic departments, or campus partners can collaborate on shared projects.
      • If the project is being submitted on behalf of a registered student organization, or one or more of your collaborators is a registered student organization, or campus department, the applicant must submit letter(s) of support from organization advisors or unit leaders.   
  • Eligible projects include
    • Events or programs that build belonging and community 
    • Research, creative work, or scholarship that advances opportunity, access, and understanding 
    • Collaborative initiatives that strengthen relationships across disciplines or communities 
    • Projects that support wellbeing, mentorship, dialogue across difference, or connection 

Note: Applicants must be Vanderbilt students or registered student organizations and be able to complete projects within the designated funding cycle. Students or student organizations may collaborate with staff on their project; however, applicants must be students.

Funding Details

The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant offers students seed funding of up to $5,000 per project to support innovative, student-led initiatives that embody Vanderbilt’s mission and the values of Student Affairs Belonging and Communities.

Funding may be used for: 

  • Materials, supplies, rentals, or event logistics directly related to a program or initiative, including event catering, programmatic supplies, and space reservations
  • Modest stipends or honoraria for guest speakers or collaborators*
  • Marketing, design, or communication needs*
  • Professional services offered by university-approved vendors
  • Research or creative production expenses
  • Group event or experience tickets (not individual gifts)
  • Modest travel or partnership-related costs (as applicable)*

*Expenses that may require special financial procedures

Funding may not be used for: 

  • Tuition or salary support
  • Political or partisan activity
  • Long-term operational expenses
  • Projects without a clear Vanderbilt or community connection
  • Direct sponsorship/co-sponsorship/subgranting/ regranting to organizations or individuals
  • Donations to charity/non-profit organizations
  • Staff and student salaries or other personnel expenses
  • Cash Reserves
  • Monthly or yearly software subscriptions
  • Gift Cards
  • Gifts/prizes to students or staff exceeding $70 in value
  • Individual or personal expenses
  • Professional development experiences
  • Organizational membership dues, or fees
  • Unapproved vendors
  • Expenses for events that exclude populations
  • Speaker expenses outside of honorarium (travel, accommodations, and other fees should be included in the speaker fee, and booked by the speaker or their agent)

Reporting requirements: 
Awardees will submit a brief final report summarizing outcomes, reflections, and impact on belonging and collaboration.  This includes completion of the required expense reporting and project timeline using the appropriate tools provided by the review committee.

Focus Areas

Projects supported through the T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant should advance one or more of the following priorities:

  • Connectedness: Foster welcoming environments, build bridges across differences, and activate relationships to co-created meaningful, mutually beneficial experiences where students feel seen, supported, and connected.
  • Mutual Respect: Foster dialogue across differences, promote listening and curiosity, and honor the unique journeys and perspectives each student brings.
  • Collective Responsibility: Extend accountability for co-creating a more welcoming, open campus, by collectively removing barriers and expanding opportunities for all individuals and communities to thrive at Vanderbilt. 
  • Care: Center care, celebration, and reflection as vital to a thriving student community.
  • Adaptive Growth: Generate, teach, and creatively express knowledge in ways that advance learning and community practice, while embracing change through reflection and continuous learning with our communities, in order to strengthen our systems, skills, and shared practices for creativity, community-building, responsiveness, and sustainable impact.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Review eligibility and focus areas.
  2. Download the application materials, including the timeline and budget template.
  3. Prepare a brief (2–3 page) proposal outlining goals, community impact, and timeline.
  4. Submit your proposal online by the deadline noted in the application form. Communications regarding funding decisions are outlined in the form.

Grantees will be required to submit a brief final report describing outcomes and impact.

Submit Application

Applications are currently open for the 2026 spring cycle and close January 9, 2026.

FAQs

  • Who can apply for funding through the THRIVE Grant?

    Current Vanderbilt students and registered student organizations are eligible to apply. All applicants must be students; however, applications from students can include partnerships in collaboration with registered student organizations, community centers, academic departments, staff, and faculty members.

  • Can external community partners be involved?

    Yes. Projects that include external community partners are welcome as long as a Vanderbilt student applicant leads and submits the proposal, and the project clearly benefits the Vanderbilt community. 

  • How much funding can I request?

    Each project may request up to $5,000 in seed funding. Proposals should include a simple, itemized budget that outlines how funds will be used.

  • What kinds of projects are eligible for funding?

    The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant supports projects that advance belonging, collaboration, and innovation. Eligible projects may include:

    • Events or programs that build belonging and community
    • Research, creative work, or scholarship that advances opportunity, access, and understanding
    • Collaborative initiatives that strengthen relationships across disciplines or communities
    • Projects that support wellbeing, mentorship, dialogue across difference, or connection
  • What types of expenses can the funding cover?

    Funding may support supplies, materials, guest speakers, marketing, or event-related costs. It may not cover tuition, salaries, or political activities. 

    (See “Funding Details” above for the full list of eligible and ineligible expenses.) 

  • When are applications due?

    Applications for the 2026 Spring Cycle are due by January 9, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. Please see the Timeline section for all key dates.

  • How are projects selected for funding?

    Proposals are reviewed by a committee based on:

    • Innovation and feasibility
    • Community engagement and potential for impact
    • Radical collaboration and mutual efforts across the campus community
    • Alignment with Student Affairs Belonging and Communities’ mission and values
    • Clear and realistic budget
  • Can I apply if I’ve received funding from another campus program?

    Yes, but projects must be distinct from those already funded and cannot duplicate funding requests. Applicants should note any additional support in their proposal.

  • When will I know if my project is funded?

    Award notifications will be sent early during the cycle applied for, following committee review. For example, applications for the 2026 Spring Cycle will be notified in early spring.

  • What happens after I receive funding?

    Awardees will:

    • Complete the required expense reporting and project timeline using the appropriate tools provided by the review committee.
    • Complete their projects during the designated project period.
    • Submit a brief final report describing outcomes and impact.
  • Do I need prior grant experience to apply?

    No. The T.H.R.I.V.E. Grant is designed to be accessible to all students and their designated partners. Proposals are evaluated based on ideas, goals, and impact—not previous grant-writing experience.

  • Are there requirements of grantees?

    Yes. Recipients of this grant will be required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding access to funds, use of granted funds, and project reporting. Grantees are required to track the use of funds and will be provided an expense tracking tool to maintain. Grantees will also be required to submit at least 2 out of the 4 types of documentation by the deadlines described in the grantmaking timeline provided to recipients of funding, including photos or video documentation, written qualitative assessment, verbal qualitative assessment, or quantitative assessment.

Questions? Email: thrive@vanderbilt.edu