Community Fund

The Bonner Community Fund exists to support Bonner Scholars when implementing programs or training that benefit the local community and a partner organization. Applications are accepted until all funds have been expended. Please review this page to understand what the fund is for, what is needed for the application, and the requirements to complete the grant fund. Once you are ready, the application can be found on Wildcat Sync.

Top left: Amanda Fuenzalida '24 (left side) planned a chalk art festival as park of April is for the Arts through the Town of Davidson. The event raised funds for the Ada Jenkins Community Center. Olivia Howard '24 (right side) volunteered at the event and participated in the chalk art.

Bottom left & Right center: Taft Harrell '26 & Sam Waithira '24 completed a vertical garden for the Davidson Community Garden to increase growing capacity and boost water conservation.

Application Overview: 

The application asks for:

● Project/ Program Overview - Please describe your project and how it addresses an unmet need or issue present in the community. 

• What are your goals? What are you hoping to accomplish? What are your personal motivations for taking on this project and/or what skills do you bring or hope to develop?

● Community Collaboration/Stakeholders - Please describe your relationship with your community partner, and their role in the development of your project. Describe how it aligns with their mission and goals and any previous work the organization has done on this issue. Who are individuals or organizations that would be invested in or impacted by your project?

● Workplan/Timeline - Please briefly describe your plan of action for preparing and implementing your project. How will the project or its outcomes be sustained beyond your project?

● Budget - Please provide a breakdown of the expenses for which you are requesting funding. 

• (Ex: Books - $10/ea. For 30 books needed for classroom = total of $300).

Application Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed by the Bonner Love Committee based on the following timelines:

• For project implementation between May 1 and September 1, applications must be submitted by March 29.

A timeline for the 2026-2027 academic year will be provided in September. If you are planning on applying for a program to be completed between now and May 1, please email bonnerscholars@davidson.edu with your project idea and timeline. You will need permission to apply from a Bonner staff member before completing an application.

Projects/programs should not begin prior to notification of funding (if it is required for the program to happen). Do not commit to community partners until your application has been reviewed and approved by the Bonner Love Committee. Funds cannot be used to pay for previous expenses.

What to know once awarded: 

Students receiving grant funding will default to utilize payment options (Davidson credit card, direct payment to vendors) through the Center for Civic Engagement. When appropriate, funds can be deposited directly into a Bonner Scholars bank account to be spent by them. This option is subject to taxes.

Required to conclude the grant: 

A Post-Grant Report including a written reflection, photographs (when appropriate), and a final budget with an actual accounting record is expected upon project completion. Please provide all attainable receipts. If a vendor does not provide receipts, you are expected to keep a detailed log of the purchase.

• Future release of stipends may be delayed until these items are received.

• Instructions on the Community Fund Post-Grant Report are found here.

Special Considerations