Center for Civic Innovation Fellowship

Want to make a change in our community

Ready to become a civic leader?

Interested in turning your civic idea into real outcomes?

Visit our new site for 2021 Fellowship details

We believe civic innovation is an essential exercise of community empowerment.

To intentionally foster civic innovation, including equity-related projects, we've developed this program to give innovators the space, network, and support to realize success.

We seek fellows

who are passionate about bringing change to our community. Fellows understand how challenging this work can be, and bring a sense of humility combined with a track record of perseverance. We encourage fellows from all backgrounds but prioritize funding for those from historically underrepresented groups or those working on equity-related projects. Your project can be in the "idea" or "ready to pilot" phase. You need to be committed to taking action during the fellowship but not need to have demonstrated progress to apply.

Applicants are

individuals who have a civic project or idea that is ready for a pilot phase up to micro-organizations (budgets under $10,000). Projects do not need to be tech or data related, but participants should be open to how tech and data can support their goals. This is a leadership development program, meant to build the foundation to become a civic innovator, with focus on growth mindset, design process, business education, technology/data literacy skills, government and community relations, intervention practices, and other topics to build problem solving skills.

Applicants Receive

• Access to work space and technology
• A core team of advisors to support your endeavor
• Support for tech or data needs
• Expert-led training, workshops, and activities
• Cohort of peers working to improve the community
• Community event for you to share and discuss your project and its progress
• $1,000 stipend (can be used for project or personal expenses)

What is expected...

• Participation in an end-of-program community event where you will share your progress
• Flexibility and openness - this is a pilot program for us!
• Attendance at the planned training and workshops
• Willingness to help other cohort members find success
• Monthly meetings with your mentor group
• Completion of regular activities intended to promote your project's progress
• Participation in an end-of-program community event where you will share your progress

Who is sponsoring this...

Who has answers to my questions...

Please use the contact form on the Smart Cville website and shoot us your question! We'll do our best to update this page with frequently asked questions.

Sounds great! How can I apply?

Complete the application here, it's due by 5/30/2021.