Lang Center

for Civic & Social Responsibility

Projects for Peace is a global program that encourages young adults to develop innovative, community-centered, and scalable responses to the world’s most pressing issues. Along the way, these student leaders increase their knowledge, improve skills, and establish identities as peacebuilders and changemakers.

Every year 100 or more student leaders are awarded a grant in the amount of $10,000 each to implement a “Project for Peace,” anywhere in the world, typically over summer break. Projects for Peace are grassroots activities that address root causes of conflict and promote peace. A hallmark of the Projects for Peace program is its flexibility: proposals may be submitted by any U.S. or international student enrolled at a partner institution; students may be any age or any major; they may implement the project alone or with others; the project may take place anywhere in the world, including in the U.S.

Projects for Peace was created in 2007 through the generosity of Kathryn W. Davis, a lifelong internationalist and philanthropist who died in 2013 at 106 years of age. She is the mother of Shelby M.C. Davis whose family funds the Davis UWC Scholars Program. Mrs. Davis’ legacy lives on through the continuation of Projects for Peace, sparking initiatives for building prospects for peace in the world. The Davis family and friends believe, like Mrs. Davis did, that today’s youth—tomorrow’s leaders—ought to be challenged to formulate and test their own ideas. 

Note: This grant is not in service of Swarthmore College and does not create an employment relationship between the student(s) and Swarthmore College.

To Apply

First years, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are enrolled at Swarthmore College and in good standing are eligible and encouraged to submit a *draft* application packet by 12 Noon (EDT) on Friday, December 2, 2022. The application is here. Draft applications will be reviewed and feedback provided before the final application deadline of 12 NOON (Eastern) on Wednesday, January 25, 2023.

All project proposals require a heading that includes: Title of Project (cannot be changed, once the proposal is submitted); Country where project is to take place; Sponsoring institutional partner; Designated project leader name and remaining team member names and schools; Date range of project implementation.

The project proposal consists of:

1. A two-page narrative description of the project, 
2. A one-page, itemized budget,
3. Transcript(s),
4. Resumé, and
5. Letter(s) of support from a community partner.

Some applicants may be invited to an interview during the first or second week of February. Final decisions will be rendered by Davis UWC Scholars office to campus officials in mid-March, with funds released in early - mid April. Projects should be completed during the summer, with final reports due to Jennifer Magee (jmagee1) by September 1. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Past Grant Recipients