JH Needs U: COVID Well-Being Grant

Have an idea for an initiative, activity, or promotional campaign that will help encourage COVID safety measures among members of the  Hopkins student community, whether virtual or in-person? 

 If you have an inspiration but lack funding for it, the JH Needs U campaign invites you to submit an application for a small grant for a student-led COVID well-being and/or safety promotion initiative. These are unique times, and students know best how to support each other – we want to hear from you!  

Details

Any student, trainee, or affiliated (learner, student, trainee, etc.) group, from any Hopkins school, who has an idea to promote COVID-safe activities or behaviors may apply for a small grant to execute their idea.  

Applications should describe how the initiative will promote selected JH Needs U objectives (see below) among a defined audience of the student body, through new and creative forms of safe activities, communication initiatives, fun, or whatever the group sees fit. Please use this as an opportunity to “Help Us Protect Each Other”, whether on-campus or in remote settings.  

Awards will be given up to the amount of $1,000. Applications must include an itemized budget of what the funds will be used for, and must be feasible within University COVID guidelines. 

JH Needs U Objectives of emphasis

• Encouraging the foundational prevention behaviors: hand washing, distancing, mask wearing, routine testing, Prodensity app usage to monitor symptoms and access campus, and how to practice them
• Acknowledging the important roles and responsibilities every member of our community plays
• Promoting use of the JHU COVID info site

How to Apply

Submit one application per group via this Google Form. This is not a formal research proposal; we are interested in seeing creative ideas that can have real impact on safe behavior or could serve as a pilot project that would have value if scaled up. Please be imaginative and adapt as necessary to virtual circumstances!

 To include in the application:

• • An overview of your initiative
  • A timeline for implementation
  • Justification for your initiative, including support for its efficacy and a plan for evaluation
  • An itemized projected budget
  • Contact information for an administrative officer who will receive the grant transfer of funds and be responsible for disbursement

Application reviewers will consist of a group of members of the Office of Health & Well-Being, Student Affairs, JH Needs U, the University Communications Office, and student leaders.

Awards Timeline

Applications must be submitted by Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. Awardees will be notified no later than Feb. 12.

Tips for Strengthening Your Application

• Budget should be detailed so the review committee understands how you determined the request. You can include notes directly in the budget, or provide a separate, concise budget justification.
• Justification for your project idea bolsters the application. Why do you believe it is a good idea?  This can be anything from anecdotal information to an internal poll sent to your cohort.  
• Ideas that foster social connections and support among students and/or trainees are highly encouraged. All activities must comply with the current phase of the JHU reopening plan.
• Above all, make it fun and memorable!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the grant program?
A: The purpose of this program is to foster the interconnectedness of the student community and to broaden the reach of the University’s JH NEEDS U campaign and its objectives to promote COVID safety on JHU campuses.

Q; What types of projects are you looking for?
A: We do not have pre-set projects in mind; our goal is to support the ideas (big or small) you think are most valuable.

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Any current Johns Hopkins student or trainee is eligible to apply.

Q: If my project receives funding, when will the funds be dispersed?
A: Funds will be available by mid-February 2021. They will be disbursed to a department or office which will hold the funds for you and allow you to use them for the intended purpose.

Q: When do funds need to be used by?
A: Funds should be completely used by May 2021, although this will be coordinated with the department or office that will hold your grant funds.

Q: If my project receives funds, what else do I need to know?
A: Grantees will be responsible for:

• Documenting expenses.
• Using funds for the stated purposes and within the specified timeframe.
• Acknowledging JH NEEDS U as a sponsor on all communications and outreach and using appropriate branding per provided guidelines.  
• Completing a brief project summary at the completion of the project period. Details will be provided.  

Still have questions? Contact jhneedsustudentgrant@jhu.edu for more details.