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The Jefferson Trust, a donor-led initiative of the UVA Alumni Association, awards grants to innovative ideas across Grounds that enhance or expand the University community and the student experience. Recently it has awarded grants to the UVA Medical Design Program (2015 and 2019) and to the Pediatric Mental Health Teletherapy program (2021).

The Trust has two funding opportunities that any current student, faculty, or staff member can apply for funding. They are:

• annual cycle (open now for 2021-22) 
• flash funding cycles (closed for 2021)

The Jefferson Trust has updated its annual grant process for the 2021-22 academic year, implementing a two-step submission process. Applicants must now complete a short Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which will be reviewed to determine if the proposal moves forward to the full application. Letters of Inquiry will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with notifications made within two weeks of LOI submission.

Timeline of New Process:

1. Now | LOI forms are available in the grant portal.
2. Oct. 1, 2021 | Last day to submit an LOI. LOIs submitted after 10/1 will NOT be eligible to apply.
3. Oct. 25, 2021 | Full applications due for approved LOIs.
4. Jan. 28, 2022 | Some applicants will be asked to meet with the board to provide more information.
5. Feb. 2022 | Funding status notifications sent to applicants.

The spring Flash Funding cycles will not be impacted by this change and will be conducted with the existing one-step application process. 

The Jefferson Trust encourages you to plan ahead and to visit  their website for more information or contact Amy Bonner, Grants Administrator, with questions.