Campus & Community

IOP inaugurates new grants program

2 min read

The Institute of Politics (IOP), consistent with its mission to stimulate students’ interest in public service, announced the creation of a fund to encourage undergraduate student groups to participate in political activities. Student groups are invited to apply for grants – ranging from approximately $100 to $2,500 – to perform politically oriented projects. Student groups may obtain applications by visiting the institute or its Web site at http://www.iop.harvard.edu.

Grant applications are due on the first of every month. The newly formed grants board, composed of three undergraduates and three IOP representatives, will consider the applications during the first week of that month. Grants will be awarded at the board’s discretion.

“We are pleased to be able to initiate this grant program for undergraduate organizations. I hope all kinds of student groups will become further involved in the political process and the IOP,” said David Pryor, the director of the institute. Pryor, a former U.S. senator, also announced the first two grants issued by the board:

The Harvard AIDS Coalition was awarded a $1,600 grant to host the Student Global AIDS Campaign’s 2001-02 New England Conference. The conference will include Zackie Achmat of South Africa, the founder and director of the Treatment Action Campaign.

The Society for Exploration and Development of Space was awarded a $1,000 grant to send student representatives to a conference in Washington, D.C. While in Washington, the students will also meet with members of Congress and ask them to further advance the nation’s space program.