Davis Projects for Peace

Successful grantees are able to articulate what they mean by peace and to think through how their project will contribute to that ideal.

Successful projects require careful planning of the sequence of project activities, given the time and funding available.

Successful projects often occur in places where the grantee already has strong existing relationships, and builds on other assets in the community.

Ideally applicants demonstrate knowledge of the issue(s) being addressed, are creative in their approaches, and remain sensitive to the potential effects of their work on others.

Paradoxically, successful projects may also have various failures and missteps along the way!  It’s helpful to have contingency plans in place - and always stay in touch with your campus liaison to discuss any problems.

Lehigh University is one of about 100 colleges and universities selected to participate in Projects for Peace. We’ve participated for about 10 years, and we’ve had over 10 successful projects. On our campus, project proposals are reviewed by a selection committee made up of staff from the Office of Creative Inquiry and the Office of International Affairs. The committee is particularly interested in projects with potential for sustained, ongoing impact.

• Begin to develop a definition of peace. Imagine what a peaceful world be like. Working backwards, what needs to be place to achieve that vision?
• Consider what you have to contribute: what knowledge, skills, relationships, interests, passions do you have? How do these relate to your vision of peace? Is there a faculty member or mentor who can help you develop your idea?
• Draft a purpose statement: what will your project achieve and why is it important?
• Start sketching out the implementation plan: list the essential tasks and put them sequence.
• Begin thinking about the budget: what expenses can you expect for each of your tasks?
• Dream about the results: at the end of the project, how will you know if it is a successful project? What do you need to stay on track towards that goal?

• Contact information for the campus advisor:
  • Bill Whitney, wrw210@lehigh.edu, STEPS 109E
• Meet with the campus advisor to make sure you understand the application process on our campus. Come with your ideas and questions. To schedule an appointment, reach out to wrw210@lehigh.edu.
   
• The proposal includes a narrative and a budget. Support for developing these materials are available from https://www.middlebury.edu/projects-for-peace/summer-grants/guidance. The Lehigh application does not require you to fully complete these elements, but you should be prepared to do so if you are selected by Lehigh for nomination.
   
• Important deadlines on our campus: 
  • Applications are due by JANUARY 15th. Lehigh submits its nominated project/s on February 5th. Notification of awardees will be given by March 6th.