Applications are evaluated by the following criteria:

Successful projects...

Align with the community's goals, priorities, and/or questions
Show collaboration with the community partner
Consider community capacity and long-term impact
Has a clear plan for implementation, which includes:
- Well defined goals, activities to achieve those goals, and a plan for evaluation (knowing how those goals are met)
- A feasible timeline for completing the project
- A well defined budget that outlines how the funds will help achieve those goals
Advances students' own learning
Aligns with the WIF mission

Each section of the application is tailored to addressing these goals. See the application template for more information, which includes more guiding questions to help students address these criteria.

The selection committee

Five members of the selection committee review and rate all submitted applications. The members are representatives of the Morgridge Center for Public Service, academic and instructional staff at UW-Madison, UW-Madison students, and community partners. While the selection committee is familiar with community engagement, they are likely not familiar with the specific focus areas of your project. Please write your application answers as if you were describing your project to a well-informed professional from outside your field of interest.

What information do I need to submit?

Check out our page about what information you need to put the application together! What information do I need to complete the application?