Where can I find the application questions?

Please review the Application Requirements section above for more information on the application.

Can an institution submit multiple proposals?

Institutions are welcome to submit multiple proposals. However, because awards are limited, it is unlikely that an institution will receive more than one grant. We therefore encourage departments and units within the same institution to collaborate and consolidate efforts to submit the strongest possible application.

What makes a strong application?

A strong proposal clearly demonstrates how your initiative empowers young people to serve and improve their communities. Proposals should include a description of the purpose of the project, intended use of funds, strategy for incorporating youth leadership, and the impact it intends to create. Applicants are encouraged to show collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to building lasting impact within their communities through youth-led service.

Can our proposal address multiple categories (microgrants, access support, increasing impact)?

Absolutely! We know that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Proposals that align with the recommendations outlined in the linked reports are of great interest, especially those that equip and engage student leaders with the skills and resources to bring their ideas to life.

Are there any word count limitations for the different application sections?

There are no word count or page limitations – in partnership with The Allstate Foundation, we aim to reduce the burden of lengthy applications in this process. Our only request is that proposals clearly address the prompts on the application. There are no options to upload additional documentation to the application. Please do not email supplemental information.

How is “youth-led service” defined?

For the purpose of this grant, community service is defined along a continuum from volunteerism to civic engagement (Dugan, Skendall, & Weatherford II, 2024). Significant funding is already directed toward service-learning, consider opportunities beyond that modality. You do not need to launch a new program to receive funding.

Click here to view a new definition, model, and design considerations to guide the next decade of youth-led, youth-driven service.

Click here to download an article co-written by current and recent college students deeply invested in community service. It offers a call to action focused on accelerating the promise of service and its impact in a contemporary context.

Do expenses for the required in-person convening come out of the grant funds?

Lodging, meals, and transportation are generously provided by The Allstate Foundation for one full-time representative per institution, at no cost to the campus.

Can I use funds for institutional overhead or to pay personnel?

Funds should not be used to pay for staff salary support or institutional overhead; however, grantees can work with their institution to strategize on compensation for youth service leaders. Approaches to compensation (e.g., stipends, hourly compensation) for students should follow your campus policy. 

Review examples of proposals that have successfully received grant funding to gain insight into the qualities of a strong application. These proposals represent only a selection of funded ideas and are not intended to limit the scope of future submissions.

Microgrants

• City University of New York used The Allstate Foundation College Service Grants funds for students to propose service projects in their local communities for microgrants ranging from $200-$1000. The selection committee included CUNY staff, faculty, and one alumnus. Selections were based on feasibility and potential impact of the project. Students were encouraged to partner with other current students on the leadership of the project and to recruit CUNY students to volunteer for it. Student leaders were encouraged to bring their proposal to a relevant faculty member to invite their students to also participate.

Access Support

• Colorado College used The Allstate Foundation College Service Grants funds to increase student access to service experiences by providing more access to transportation resources. Funds were used to pay for the routine maintenance and gas for a car from the campus motor pool that students used to get to their community engagement site. Prior to application, the campus also saw an increase in requests for background checks for service sites. The cost was anywhere from $42-$55 per student. Funds also allowed the campus to cover more student background checks for service experiences.

Increasing Impact

• Berkeley College used The Allstate Foundation College Service Grants funds to extend, evolve, and increase the impacts of their garment repair-teaching and camp model. The core of the project was a week-long, free, public-school break-week camp for high school students that is centered on circular fashion, visible and invisible repair methods, sustainability, and skill-building. Berkeley College students planned, led, and taught hands-on fashion skills to local high school students. Funds were used to lengthen the duration of the camp, create kits for the high schoolers, and add a community pop-up event.