Spring 2022 Innovation Grant Applications

Applications for Spring 2022 Innovation Grants are now closed. We look forward to announcing our selection soon! Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Applicants

What does the Leadership Initiative mean when it talks about Leadership? 

The Davis Polk Leadership Initiative conceptualizes leadership as existing along three dimensions (Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading Change) and five domains (Vision and Strategy, Management and Teamwork, Problem Solving, Cultural Literacy, and Learning and Improvement).  For more information, please see this matrix.

What is an Innovation Grant, and what do you look for in applicants?  

Innovation Grants are microgrants of up to $1,000 that are intended to kickstart ideas from individuals or groups of students, staff, or faculty at CLS who seek to effectuate positive change inside the Law School or beyond.  Innovation Grant recipients should show strong engagement with and capacity for leadership, a demonstrated track record of academic (or professional, faculty/staff) excellence, and a compelling, concrete project proposal.

You can find descriptions of prior Innovation Grant projects here.

What is the time commitment for the Innovation Grants?

Innovation Grant recipients should expect to spend 4-6 hours toward the start of the semester on grant-related training, meetings, and the like.  After that, additional time will depend upon the nature of the project, though intermittent check-ins with the Initiative will be required.

Innovation Grant Recipients may be asked to help build interest in the program throughout the CLS community by identifying other leaders who may be interested in applying or by participating in information sessions. Participation in such work would be optional. 

Are Public Interest/Public Service Fellows eligible to apply? 

Yes!

My project idea is geared toward the private sector, and is not really a public interest project. Can I still apply?

Yes! Positive change in the community can mean many different things to different people. We are actively looking for participants across the full spectrum of interests and career aspirations.

I'm applying for an Innovation Grant with a group.  What should we know about the group application process?

Your group should plan to collaborate on the application, just as you would collaborate on your project if selected to receive an Innovation Grant.  Please note that the application allows you to upload up to 10 CV/resumes and up to 10 unofficial transcripts so that each member of your team can include their relevant documents.  JD/LLM students should submit their transcripts; faculty/staff members are not required to complete this field.

I just submitted my application. Now what?

Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline.  Those selected to proceed to the next round will be contacted to schedule an interview via Zoom.  After those interviews, deliberations will occur and selections will be made.  

I have a great, timely idea for a project, but I’ve missed the application deadline.  Is there anything I can do?

Yes!  The Initiative sets aside a small portion of its funding for ad hoc Innovation Grants that arise based on current events, unforeseeable circumstances, and the like.  If you’re interested in applying for an off-cycle Innovation Grant, contact [email protected] to learn more.

I'm not sure if I am ready with a project idea to apply for an Innovation Grant, but I am interested in learning more about leadership offerings at CLS. Do you have anything for me?

We are thrilled to meet with anyone who is interested in learning more about leadership opportunities, coaching, and/or training. Please email [email protected], and we will set up a time to talk. You can also directly email Eunice Hong, the Director of the Davis Polk Leadership Initiative, at [email protected]