Through the Daniel Community Scholars Program, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama funds Blackburn student projects to address the needs of Alabama communities. Returning students may work on their own or in groups to develop and present proposals to a panel of Advisory Board members, Fellows, and university staff members in the fall semester. Selected projects must be completed within a two-year period and prior to the graduation of the project lead.
In order to maintain the high quality of projects, it is strongly suggested students make consistent progress during an initial 3-month planning phase, as outlined below. The process of developing a project proposal requires students become familiar with a community, speak with leaders in that community, understand its assets and needs, work collaboratively to develop potential solutions, and identify the resources necessary to implement a project.
Daniel Community Scholars Program Returning Student Proposal Guidelines
- September 1 or February 1 – Submit notice of intent to apply by e-mail to blackburninstitute@sa.ua.edu
- September 15 or February 15 – Preliminary draft of 1 or 2 closely related ideas you will pursue, background research on issue, and potential community partner(s) – phone conference to discuss risk management plan and/or legal issues
- October 1 or March 1 – Report from initial contact with community partner(s) and updated project plans with timeline
- October 15 or March 15 – First draft of budget and implementation timeline
- November 1 or April 1 – Rough draft of full proposal reviewed with advisor
- November 15 or April 15 – Final written proposal due by e-mail to blackburninstitute@sa.ua.edu
- December 1 or May 1 – Submission to panel of Fellows, Advisory Board members, students, and university staff members
- December 15 or May 15 – Notification of application status
By following the above timeline, students are likely to address most concerns from the panel.
Applications may be submitted by the November 15 (for following spring, summer, or fall funding) or April 15 (for following fall or spring funding) deadlines without having completed any of the prior steps, but there will not be an opportunity to revise/resubmit until the following deadline.
Written project proposal must address each of the following components:
- One identified project lead and any other project team contributors from the Blackburn community, including background, preparation for the project, and anticipated graduation date;
- The issue or community need you intend to address and supporting data;
- The historical context of the issues in this specific community;
- The proposed action you intend to take;
- The ways in which you have and will continue to work with your identified community partner(s);
- The itemized budget for your project (the typical maximum is $7,500, but larger budgets can be approved if justified by the project and community support);
- The potential for sustainability of the program or its outcomes; and
- Letter(s) of support from community partner(s).