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CityStudioSTL Community Exchange Grants



The Community Exchange Grant [CxG] is an annual grant encouraging more equitable engagement with the St. Louis community in the Sam Fox School’s courses and studios. The grant encourages faculty to actively engage with the city’s residents and places by bringing community voices into the classroom and students out into St. Louis. We encourage applications that bring diverse and/or underrepresented speakers, voices, and perspectives to the classroom, including those representing diverse racial, socioeconomic, and gender perspectives.


The CXG grant is open to all Sam Fox Faculty teaching a studio or seminar offered to Sam Fox Students in the 2024-2025 academic year. Formerly known as the Community Guest Small Grants, this grant can be used towards costs that work towards the following objectives:

  • Build bridges between Sam Fox students and faculty with the St. Louis region
  • Strengthen students’ understanding and knowledge of St. Louis’ built environment and the people actively creating it
  • Engage in active dialogue with St. Louis community leaders, residents, and organizations
  • Support building or strengthening a relationship with a community group or partner in the St. Louis region

Application Process:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible as funds are available until expended. To be considered, applications must be received at least 2 weeks before the funding request. Faculty may submit multiple applications in one academic year.

Application Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed in the order received by the Office for Socially Engaged Practice. Applications will be prioritized if they provide a mutually beneficial experience and/or bring diverse experiences, voices, and perspectives to the classroom.

Award Information:

Eligibility

  • Open to all Sam Fox Faculty with a current appointment who are teaching a studio or seminar in AY ’24-‘25
  • Funds cannot be combined with a course receiving a CityStudioSTL Faculty Grant
  • Incomplete, late, or ineligible applications will not be reviewed

Funds can be used for the following:

  • Honoraria for a St. Louis community guest. Honoria can be for a class presentation, participation in a review, guided site tour, or related activities that contribute to learning objectives
  • Costs associated with St. Louis community-engaged learning (ex. entry admission)
  • Transportation costs to a St. Louis site (limited basis)
  • Other (Describe other applicable uses that meet the above objectives)

If inviting a Guest, refer to the following criteria to confirm their eligibility:

  • Guests must have an active project, initiative, or other direct experience connected to the St. Louis region
  • If inviting a guest for multiple interactions, consider the total time required for your request when determining an honorarium amount
  • Full-time WashU employees (including faculty) are not eligible to receive funds from this grant

Funding Process:

  • For requests that involve a guest – funds are automatically issued after the Guest has completed their participation. If this is a burden, contact OSEP to discuss your application.
  • Faculty members will be the primary point of contact for all application and documentation purposes.