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READY TO SUBMIT? CLICK HERE for Submission Page

Thank you for your interest in the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship! The application cycle for 2025-26 is now closed. We will keep this page available as a resource for future applicants. We hope you will apply next cycle (Winter 2026).

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Welcome to the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship application process! My name is Sara Gia Trongone, and I am the WIF Graduate Assistant at the Morgridge Center this project cycle. I am your main contact for any questions and comments about the WIF program and 2025-2026 application. I am available through email (trongone@wisc.edu) and am happy to set up in-person or virtual meetings to discuss your project.  I would highly recommend going through all of the materials on this Canvas page before submitting your application. 

Please keep in mind the following deadlines: 

  • Priority deadline: Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11:59pm
  • Final deadline: Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 11:59pm. Unfortunately, we cannot accept late submissions. Submissions only to the link below will be accepted. 
  • Students awarded a fellowship will be notified in mid/late-March. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems with any links to resources. I look forward to reading your applications! 

 

HOW

Submit the following through the online application:

  • An application form (typed or clearly printed) with original signatures;
  • An abstract of the proposed project (250 typed words or less);
  • A description of the project (no more than 5 typed double-spaced pages);
  • A current UW-Madison transcript: either a “student record” obtained via My UW or an official seal-bearing transcript is acceptable;
  • Letters of support from the academic advisor and the community advisor;
  • Budget: an estimate of what the project will cost and how these costs will be met.

 

 CRITERIA

  • The project description (not more than 5 double-spaced pages) should include: (a) the purpose of the project, (b) a summary of the major activities to implement project, (c) a feasible timeline for completion, (d) a discussion of how the project will yield one or more of the following benefits to students and community advisor, and (e) a plan for evaluating benefits and impacts.
  • Letters of support are required from the academic advisor and the community advisor. Letters should attest to the value of the project and should discuss the collaboration of all three parties in its planning, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Feasibility of the project within the time frame and resources available must be clear. Other monetary or in-kind resources for the project should be noted in the proposal and verified in letters of support.
  • Proposals should be comprehensible to faculty/instructional staff in related disciplines and to community organizations. Proposals must demonstrate collaborative planning among the student, the academic advisor, and the community advisor; however, the proposal must be written by the student.
  • Selection committee members will select projects that address community-identified priorities and utilize community knowledge, resources, and infrastructure.
  • Priority will be given to projects that work towards social change and equity.