Student Impact Grant


Student Impact Grants provide funding for a variety of University of Iowa undergraduate and graduate student activities outside the classroom, such as research, travel, and service projects. The goal is to enable students to pursue opportunities that might not otherwise be possible without financial assistance.

The President's Office has generously allocated $7,000 per semester to help enhance the student experience through these grants. The designated funds come from generous philanthropic gifts made by alumni and friends who have chosen to provide unrestricted support to the university.

Grants are awarded twice a year. Applications are typically accepted for the summer/fall semester beginning in January and for the winter/spring semester beginning in September.

The grants are made possible by a partnership between the Office of the President and Student Advancement Network (SAN).

GRANT GUIDELINES

Award Application Process

Applications will be considered for funding based on the timeline below. An online form will be available for students and student groups to use when the application period opens. A maximum of $7,000 in total grants will be awarded. Grant amounts will range from $100-$1,000 awards.

Summer and Fall 2025 Semester Award Grant Cycle

  • January 27: Application opens
  • February 21: Application deadline (5 p.m.)
  • April 11: Grant recipients will be notified about funding requests for winter or spring semester.
  • April 21: Signed recipient agreement form due
  • April 29: Winter/Spring 2024 grant recipient presentations detailing how the funds were used and how the grant enhanced the recipient’s Iowa experience. This event is open to the public.
  • May 19: Award transfers/payments for summer projects
  • August 25: Award transfers/payments for fall projects
  • December 2: Summer/Fall 2025 grant recipient presentations detailing how the funds were used and how the grant enhanced the recipient's Iowa experience. This event is open to the public.

Student Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must be enrolled full time as a University of Iowa undergraduate or graduate student for the fall 2025 semester and be in good standing as defined in the University of Iowa Code of Student Life.
  • Student groups or organizations must be recognized by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership or by a University of Iowa department.
  • If your program is funded in full by other programs or funding methods your program is not eligible.
  • Program/experience must abide by all university guidelines. Grant funding does not permit activities that conflict with these guidelines.
  • Program/experience must abide by all university research guidelines. Grant funding does not permit activities that conflict with Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines. Funding does not provide IRB permission for the project.
  • Funding requests must be shown to improve or enhance the student experience and may not be used to reimburse research subjects. Recipients will share about this outcome during a biannual Student Impact Grant Presentation event.
  • Once a student receives a grant, they are not eligible for another University of Iowa Center for Advancement student grant within the next three years.
  • Grants are not renewable.
  • Recipients must present during the Summer/Fall grant recipient presentation detailing how the funds were used and how your Iowa experience was enhanced because of this award. Presentations will be held on Dec. 2, 2025.

Review Process

Members of the University of Iowa Student Advancement Network will review all submissions and make a recommendation. A University of Iowa Center for Advancement employee will oversee the scoring and review process. After review, recommendations will be sent to the Office of the President, which will make the final decision on all grant awards.

Awardees will then be notified of their selection to receive a grant, and payment will be provided by the Office of the President through a transfer to the student's U-Bill or student organization's account. The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid will be consulted to ensure that funding does not affect other financial aid that a student may receive.

If you have questions, please contact Hannah McClintock at hannah.mcclintock@foriowa.org.

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For 75 years, Gene Novotny has supported Iowa's student-athletes as both a fan and I-Club member. PHOTO: 1957 University of Iowa Hawkeye Yearbook Gene Novotny, as pictured with the Iowa men's golf team, competed in every regular season meet as a sophomore. Gene Novotny (58BA), of Long Beach, California, has been a member of the I-Club for nearly 50 years. As a native Iowan, his black-and-gold pride runs deep. "Growing up in Iowa City, I always was an Iowa fan," says Gene. "It was hard not to be." Gene's passion for the Hawkeyes started at age 10 when he went to his first Iowa football game in 1946. He didn't have tickets, but that didn't matter. "Bill Kay (49BSPE), who was an All-Big Ten tackle, worked at a downtown restaurant that my parents frequented," says Gene of the future draft pick of the New York Giants. "I would go to the games with him. Bill would tell the workers to let me in, and they would." For Gene, his time at Iowa Stadium?now known as Kinnick Stadium?was the beginning of a lifetime love for University of Iowa athletics. In a span of 16 years, 1946 to 1962, Gene never missed an Iowa home football game?despite living out of state for some of those years. He remembers the likes of defensive back Emlen Tunnell, who went on to play for both the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, or spectacular seasons such as the 1956 Hawkeyes, who went to the Rose Bowl for the first time in program history. Gene was part of two train loads of students who went to Pasadena, California, and successfully cheered on the Hawkeyes?led by Forest Evashevski?to a victory over Oregon State. He also has fond memories of competing on the Iowa men's golf team as a sophomore. "I played in every dual meet during my sophomore year but lost out on going to the Big Ten Tournament," says Gene. "I worked at the old Finkbine Golf Course throughout high school and college. I spent a lot of my time and have a lot of great memories from my time at Finkbine." Gene moved to California in 1962 as part of his sales career with what is now known as Baxter International. But even with 1,800 miles between him and Iowa City, he hasn't stopped loving and supporting the Hawkeyes. Up until just a couple years ago, Gene came back to Iowa City every year for a home game, and he's attended nearly every Iowa bowl game appearance in California. No matter where Gene calls home, one way he continues to support the Hawkeyes is through his giving. Gene financially supports Iowa's men's and women's golf teams, and he makes a yearly contribution to the I-Club?which helps University of Iowa student-athletes continue to find success in competition, in the classroom, and beyond. "I give to support Iowa because I love Iowa," says Gene. "I love the Hawkeyes and if I'm able to give back, why shouldn't I?" Learn how you can make a difference by contacting Katie Wynn, director of athletics annual giving, at katie.wynn@foriowa.org or 319-467-3496. You can also explore ways to make an impact by checking out our I-Club website.

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