The Meantime Coffee Co.
Social Impact Grant
The Meantime Coffee Co.'s Social Impact Grant is a one-time $1000 student grant opportunity designed to support one current full-time UNC undergraduate student OR a group of current full-time UNC undergraduate students in pursuit of a project with a social impact focus designed to make a difference and support our community. If you have a project idea that addresses or explores a social concern, we encourage you to apply.
Projects that can receive this award include emerging social entrepreneurship ventures founded by 1 or more UNC student(s), independent or team-based student research projects, or other socially impactful creative projects. The project should be completed one year after receiving the grant award funds. If the funding is supporting a long-term project then the phase of the project that the grant funds will support should be completed during the one year period. Applicants should submit an itemized budget table outlining how the grant funds will be utilized to support the project. Additionally, recipients must complete a short post-award reflection and report one year after receiving funding.
Considerations when applying for The Meantime Coffee Co. Social Impact Grant:
Relevance to Social Concerns in Orange County: Projects focusing on issues relevant to social concerns in Orange County that directly address issues facing our community will be given preference. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to incorporate a commitment to DEI into their proposal.
Innovation and Creativity: We're looking for unique and innovative ideas that have the potential to create meaningful change and inspire others. The resources and collaborations leveraged through the venture will be considered.
Feasibility and Sustainability: Projects should be realistic and have a clear plan for implementation. The potential for the venture to continue and grow after one year should be highlighted and will be considered when proposals are reviewed.
Community Engagement: Projects that involve and benefit community members directly will be given preference.
Impact: Applicants should clearly articulate the intended immediate and long-term impact of the project.
The Social Impact Grant is one pillar of The Meantime Coffee Co.’s ongoing commitment to social investment in and around the Carolina community. Our annual community donations have allowed us to sustainably invest thousands of dollars directly into nonprofits and initiatives whose work is supporting our local and larger community. The Social Impact Grant is an extension of The Meantime Coffee Co.’s annual social investment initiative that allocates a portion of this funding to support the work of passionate students at UNC. This grant also supports The Meantime’s professional development and community engagement programs. Applicants for the Social Impact Grant will have the opportunity to receive financial support for their project in addition to receiving mentorship from leaders in social innovation across UNC’s campus. We believe in the power of young leaders to drive change, and we're excited to see the innovative ideas that you can bring to the table.
Apply now and be a part of the change!
| Timeline | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| Applications Due | November 8th 11:59pm |
| Applications reviewed and interviews completed | November |
| Decisions Announced | November 31st |
| Project Completed | Within 1 year of receiving grant |
Application Details
All proposals will be reviewed by a multidisciplinary team made up of current Meantime student executives and members of Meantime’s Board of Directors.
Eligibility Requirements:
All applicants must be full-time UNC undergraduate students. All students including seniors are eligible to apply.
Students who have previously received the grant are not eligible to apply. The Social Impact Grant does not fund events for registered UNC student organizations; reference will be given to thorough project proposals that have received no or little additional funding for their proposed project.
Please review all the information below before beginning your application. All materials must be submitted by Nov 8th 2024 at 11:59pm EDT. Applicants will receive an email within 48 hours of the submission deadline confirming we have received your material for review.
There are three required parts to a complete application; the fourth is optional:
Online Application
Applicant personal information
1 page PDF Resume for all applicants including their unofficial Tar Heel Tracker UNC Transcript)
1 Project Proposal:
Project Description (500 words or less): Explain what the project is, outline its primary goal(s), provide a plan and timeline that outlines how you aim to meet these goals. Explain why this project is important, outline any future projects that may result from your work or how you plan to continue the project after the grant period has ended, and describe any potential outcomes (i.e. fiscal or social impact, publications, media, conference presentations, etc.).
Description of community impact (100 words or less): Describe the intended initial and long-term impact of this project and how it will support the Carolina community.
Personal Statement (150 words or less): Demonstrate why you and your team are suited to lead and complete this project. Additionally, explain how it may support your future academic or professional aspirations.
Budget: Table specifying how funds will be used (inclusion of project leader’s time and labor is absolutely acceptable)
Statement of Financial Need: Brief statement disclosing any other sources of funding you have already obtained to support this study, if any.
Letters of Recommendation: *Up to 2 letter(s) of support from partnering organization(s) AND/OR one letter of recommendation from a university faculty/staff member or relevant adult mentor can be submitted for consideration. If you opt to include letter(s) of support, please have your recommender email a one page recommendation to sustainability@meantimecoffee.com with the subject line: ‘[Student Name], Grant Recommendation’ by the application deadline.
The Meantime Coffee Company’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: When reviewing applications for the Social Impact Grant, reviewers will consider the diversity of all applicants and strive to hold equity and inclusion at the core of all decision-making. Applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented or marginalized communities, are strongly encouraged to apply. Like all of Meantime’s social investment endeavors, we aim to ensure that our grant recipients and all other relevant stakeholders represent the diverse perspectives and experiences of our community. Additionally, reviewers will consider the project's potential impact on underrepresented or marginalized communities within the Carolina community. Projects with a significant focus on uplifting underrepresented voices in the community and/or providing them with support via new initiatives/programs will be given priority. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate a commitment to DEI into their proposal.
Social Entrepreneurship \ˈsōSH(ə)l ,äntrəprəˈnərˌSHip\
noun. 1. an approach by individuals, groups, start-up companies, or entrepreneurs, in which they develop, fund, and implement solutions to social, cultural, or environmental issues