Experiential Learning Gap Funding Grants (GFGs)

GFGs are for CAS undergraduate students who require supplemental financial support to participate in an experiential learning opportunity they have been offered and/or admitted to. The EL Connector works to promote access to transformative educational experiences for all CAS students, and GFGs are an integral part of our mission.  

Current CAS undergraduates with documented plans to engage in an eligible activity are invited to submit a request for funding.   

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in the College of Arts & Sciences with a planned graduation date that falls after the conclusion of the experiential learning activity for which they are requesting funding. 

Grants are capped at $700, and only applications from individuals (not groups) will be considered.

Eligible Activities

The types of experiential learning supported by the fund include the following (expand each type to view a specific example): 

 

Ineligible Activities

GFGs cannot be used to support the following: 

  • Participation in volunteer experiences at for-profit companies 
  • Graduate/professional school visits or interviews 
  • Direct contributions to fundraisers/charities 
  • Course materials such as books and supplies 
  • Exams/tests or preparation for exams/tests 
  • Startup funds for new projects 
  • Stipends for internships 

Application Requirements

The following materials are required before a request can be considered. 

  • Documentation of your acceptance to participate in the activity for which you are seeking funding 
  • Confirmation form from a BU faculty member or administrator connected with the activity (e.g., the PI of your lab, the staff member who runs Alternative Spring Breaks) who can attest that alternative funding is not available 
    • Once you submit your request, staff from the EL Connector will consult with you about the appropriate individual to complete the confirmation form. 

Application Instructions and Process

Please read through these steps before starting your application, and be sure to complete them in the order indicated. 

#1 – Find and apply to an experiential learning activity that interests you. 

#2 – Obtain an offer to participate in an activity. 

#3 – Investigate potential funding sources for the activity (this webpage is a good place to start), and inquire if funds might be available through your academic department.

#4 – Submit a request form. 

#5 – After consulting with a member of the EL Connector staff, request a confirmation form a BU faculty member or administrator who can attest that alternative funding is not available. 

Application Timeline

The request form goes live at the start of each academic year and remains open until funds are exhausted. Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis, in the order they are completed. A complete request includes the request form, documentation of acceptance to the activity, and the form submitted in support of your request by a BU faculty member or administrator.  

Review of completed requests can take up to two weeks, and grants cannot be awarded for activities that happened in the past. Please submit your request at least four weeks before the activity is scheduled to take place. 

Selection Criteria

Intended to increase access to experiential learning opportunities, GFG awards prioritize students who would not be able to engage in the activity without support. Other considerations include: 

  • the relevance of the activity to the student’s major, CAS coursework, and/or future career goals 
  • the availability of other funding sources to support the activity (i.e., students must demonstrate that they have adequately investigated alternative funding sources) 
  • whether or not the student has received a GFG previously (i.e., priority will be given to first-time requests)