The Office of Access & Engagement is thrilled to announce the Community Innovation Grant program, an initiative to encourage student-led civic projects through micro-funding, mentorship, and visibility.
The Community Innovation Grant program empowers student organizations to identify local challenges, propose creative solutions, and implement small-scale initiatives that strengthen Birmingham communities. In partnership with the Office of Student Engagement and REV Birmingham, the projects will focus on Downtown Birmingham and Five Points South communities.
Innovation Grant Eligibility, Requirements, and Program Dates
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Who Can Apply
All applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Active, registered UAB student organization in good standing
- Organizations must be registered for the current academic year:
- Returning orgs must re-register by August 31
- New orgs must register by Sept. 30
- Have no existing university funding (Organizations who receive university funding through the RCM model are not eligible. Organizations who receive funding from USGA are eligible to apply. Fraternities and sororities may apply, as they do not receive university funding.)
- Organization must have a verified bank account prior to receiving funds. These accounts should not be the same as any one individual's account and should be set up by applying for a Tax ID (called EIN by the IRS) specific to the group. Organizations must have a Tax ID to request funding.
- Organization must have an advisor who signs off on the proposal
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Program Requirements
- Attend a virtual workshop covering how to apply, budget creation, realistic project planning, and guidance from REV Birmingham
- Create a revitalization project to be implemented in the Downtown Birmingham and Five Points South communities.
- Submit a complete proposal including detailed proposed project specifics, budget, timeline, campus and community partner information, and advisor approval
- Follow allowable and non-allowable expense guidelines as outlined in official UAB Expenditure Guidelines.
- Submit itemized receipts for all purchases
- Submit a final reflection summarizing project outcomes, community impact, and lessons learned
- Complete project implementation no later than the end of the Spring 2027 semester
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Important Dates
All applicants are encouraged to review and remember the following important dates for the Community Innovation Grant.
- August 31: Returning organizations must be re-registered.
- September 24: Applicants must attend a virtual workshop, hosted by REV Birmingham.
- September 30: New organizations must register.
- October 5: Community Innovation Grant application closes.
- October 19: Finalist organizations are announced.
- November 9: The student organization finalists participate in the Pitch event.
Step 1: REV Birmingham Workshop
Applicants will be required to attend a virtual workshop, hosted by REV Birmingham, on Sept. 24. The facilitated workshop will discuss real neighborhood revitalization projects and the considerations for feasibility, scope, and implementation. Student organizations will learn how to:
- Develop realistic, community-aligned, and implementable projects
- Refine ideas before submitting applications
- Ensure pitches are grounded in actual Birmingham needs and constraints
Step 2: Apply for the Community Innovation Grant
Applications for the Community Innovation Grant open on Aug. 23. Student organizations must apply through the online PDF application. Completed applications should be emailed to
Step 3: Grant Finalists
Student organization applications will be reviewed by a committee of judges. Applicants will be notified of their selection by Monday, October 19.
Step 4: Pitch
The student organization finalists will participate in a Shark Tank-style pitch event on Nov. 9. Finalists will present their revitalization projects to a panel of judges. The winners of the Community Innovation Grant will be announced following the pitch presentations.