Are you passionate about an issue somewhere in the world where you want to make a difference, but you don't have the money to make it happen?
The GoMakeADifference Grant Process Explained
Grants will be given to projects that demonstrate that they can make a difference.
Projects should be your own initiative (but can be within an already existing NGO), and must show that they put the UWC mission into action, answering a real need and leaving an enduring benefit to the community they are serving. They can be carried out anywhere in the world, for a minimum period of four weeks – maybe over the summer vacation, or as part of a gap year.
Besides helping other people, it is important that you challenge yourself, learn new skills and develop your own identity and belief in yourself.
Projects for one or two people will be favoured, though some might require a small group led by one or two project leaders. Grants are unlikely to exceed $1,000 – it is meant to be catalyst seed money. However, additional funding may be possible, if you can demonstrate why your project may benefit from additional funding.
2023 applicants please note:
Whilst so many people are still suffering from the global pandemic we shall only be awarding grants to projects where it is demonstrable that they can be delivered in a safe manner with no risk to anyone. We shall be seeking assurances in this regard from your teachers, parents or other relevant people.
The project needs to demonstrate that can be delivered in a safe manner with no risk to anyone. We shall be seeking assurances in this regard from your teachers, parents or other relevant people.
Be original! Originality is one way of challenging yourself. Do something you haven’t done before.
Think about the UWC mission statement.
Think of a project which helps to foster peace and a sustainable future by uniting peoples, nations and cultures... and then apply for a GoMakeADifference grant!
The process for applying for the GoMakeADifference grant is outlined below in the following stages. Remember - grants will be given to original projects that demonstrate they can make a difference,
Good luck!
Stage 1 – Think about a project
Think about a project that is unique and special to you and the people that would be affected. A project that is truly significant and offers an enduring benefit – something that makes a difference.
Think about how you would deliver it
Stage 2 – Develop your plan
To help us understand your plan, we would like you to write a project proposal with two objectives in mind:
- Explain what you are trying to achieve and how you are going to deliver it.
- Demonstrate that you have a properly thought-out plan and that you have considered all the risks and rewards.
The contents of your project proposal should include:
- Section A: Details of your project
- Section B: Your proposed plan
- Section C: Details of you and your team
- Section D: Your safety statement
- Section E: Optional - A video presenting your project
To help you put together your project proposal please view the section 'writing your project proposal' to ensure you have covered everything required as part of your application.
Stage 3 – Get signed off by a member of faculty
Prior to submitting your online application, please ask a member of faculty to sign off your project plan.
Stage 4 – Complete online application form
The online grant application form allows us to understand a bit more about you, what you have been passionate about at UWC, what activities and services you have undertaken and what your plans for the future are.
The form will help us to know why this project is important to you and where your idea came from.
The application form can be completed online.
Stage 5 – Upload your project proposal
As part of your online application, we will need you to complete a project proposal (see Stage 2). Please upload this document as part of your online application process.
If you have any problems scanning in the documentation, then please photograph your application form and attach with your email.
There is an option to send us a link to any video you may have to support your application.
Stage 6 – Ensure your application meets the deadline
The closing date for 2023 awards is 31st January 2023*- please ensure your application has been submitted by that date. Any applications for 2023 awards cannot be considered after this time.
*Final applications from UWC Waterford South Africa is 10th February 2023.
Stage 7 – Applications reviewed
All applications for 2023 are now open. They will be acknowledged and applications will be reviewed by the GoMakeADifference panel by 28th February 2023.
Stage 8 – Interview with potential candidates
For suitable applications with meaningful projects, an interview process may take place with potential candidates, either face to face, by email or by video call during March 2023.
Stage 9 – Grants approved
All candidates will be notified at the latest by 30th March 2023 as to whether their project has been successful in gaining an award or not.
Grant funds will be distributed to you via your UWC school/college at appropriate times.
Stage 10 – If successful...
If successful, you will need to submit a short report (including photos and possibly videos) no later than two weeks after the project is finished, outlining what your project achieved, the challenges you faced and what you have learned from the project. These reports are vital to inform the funders of the project outcome and are used to help stimulate and motivate other candidates next year to GoMakeADifference – to go and make a difference.
Testimonials
As a team and as a village, we would like to pass our sincere gratitude to the Go Make a Difference grant scheme – through which a massive difference and impact has been done on the lives of hundreds of villagers in the Kolonyama community. We stand in eternal gratitude to Colin and Jill for creating this selfless grant scheme.
— Nthati & Morero Mofolo, Hydro-Pure project (2021)