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Bonner Community Fund

The Bonner Community Fund exists to support student-led service initiatives, community partnerships, educational programming, and professional development opportunities that align with the mission of the Center for Community Engagement at Stetson University. The Fund is intended to encourage innovation, strengthen community partnerships, and provide students with opportunities to create meaningful impact. 

Although the Fund is supported through the Bonner Program, funding opportunities are open to all currently enrolled Stetson University students, including law school students. 

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Fund Overview

There are several ways to utilize this funding, from student-led, on-campus projects to broader actions in the DeLand/Volusia County area. A small portion of the Bonner Community Fund is also available to support student learning at conferences or conventions if the content can be tied back to supporting community-engaged work in the local region. 

In summary, appropriate use of this funding falls into three broad categories: 1) Community programs, 2) student programs, and 3) trainings. 

These are student initiatives or projects enacted in conjunction with a local nonprofit. Possible examples include: 

  • Purchasing hands-on lab materials and equipment to facilitate a science program for Black Homeschoolers of Central Florida.
  • Renovating a warehouse into a full-service food pantry with The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia. 
  • Hosting a career-focused conference for Sisters Build Network Inc students to learn more different types of professions. 

These are student-led service projects, programs, and community-based experiences that align with Bonner Common Commitments and Stetson University values. Possible examples include: 

  • Sponsoring a butterfly crosswalk mural painting at Mathis Street and Adelle Avenue in Spring Hill. 
  • Curating an exhibition highlighting student study abroad experiences and the importance of community care. 
  • Executing a service trip to offer relief aid to a coastal community following a natural disaster. 

These are presentations, workshops, conferences, or seminars with learning goals integrated into a local experience. Possible examples include: 

  • Presenting at the American Public Health Association annual conference on the free and confidential HIV testing and counseling provided by Rising Against All Odds. 
  • Attending the Phoenix Generation Conference in Orlando, FL to learn about promoting civic engagement on campus. 
  • Going through Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) certification training to better support students at Camp Boggy Creek. 
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Applying for Funding

The Bonner Leadership Team (BLT), in collaboration with Bonner Program staff, will oversee the Bonner Community Fund process, including proposal promotion, application review, and reporting requirements.  

Funding requests may be submitted by: 

  • Any currently enrolled Stetson University student. 
  • Student organizations or groups.
  • Student-led projects developed in conjunction with community partners. 

The Bonner Community Fund can support projects up to $500. Funds must include a detailed and realistic budget. Applications must be submitted before project implementation. All requests will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Alignment with community engagement values
  • Feasibility of the proposal
  • Community impact
  • Budget appropriateness
  • Sustainability and collaboration

Preference will be given to projects or programs that demonstrate strong community impact, high levels of community partner collaboration, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. 

 Apply for funding 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the Fall and Spring semesters only and reviewed during the monthly BLT Community Fund Committee meeting cycle. To be considered during a given month, applications must be received by the first Monday of that month, excluding Mondays that fall on a federal holiday. 

The Bonner Community Fund will support projects based on available funding and the quality of submitted proposals. With approximately $1,700-$2,000 available per semester, the committee anticipates funding three to five projects per semester, depending on requested amounts, project scope, and available resources.

The committee may adjust the number of funded projects each semester to ensure funds are distributed effectively and support projects with meaningful community impact.

Students setting up for a photo in front of the Stetson University Bonner Program logo.

Accountability/Tracking

Both Bonner staff and BLT members will implement consistent tracking and accountability measures to ensure Community Fund resources are managed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with program goals. Regular monitoring, documentation, and review of fund activities will support informed decision-making, maintain financial integrity, and demonstrate the impact of investments on community engagement and student leadership.

Applicants whose proposals are denied or partially funded may:

  • Request feedback from the Community Fund Coordinator
  • Revise and resubmit proposals for future review cycles
  • Attend a committee meeting if clarification is needed

Bonner Community Fund money may be used towards: 

  • Supplies for a community service project
  • Transportation costs for approved service-learning or community engagement activities
  • Materials for educational workshops
  • Printing and publicity for service events
  • Speaker or training fees
  • Food for approved community-building or educational events
  • Conference registration fees
  • Community partner donations directly related to service projects

Bonner Community Fund money may not be used towards:

  • Personal purchases or reimbursements unrelated to approved community engagement activities
  • Gifts, prizes, or personal items
  • Alcohol, tobacco, or prohibited substances
  • Entertainment unrelated to educational or community purposes
  • Political campaigning or partisan activities
  • Religious programming intended to promote a specific religion
  • Requests submitted after the event/project already occurred
  • Purchases without receipts or prior approval
  • Individual personal travel unrelated to service or training
  • Salary or direct payment to student applicants unless specifically approved

Recipients of Community Fund awards must submit a final report within 60 calendar days of receiving the funds or by June 1 of the award year, whichever comes first.

Final reports should include:

  • Summary of the project or event
  • How funds were used
  • Number of participants impacted
  • Photos or promotional materials (if applicable)
  • Challenges encountered
  • Outcomes and reflections
  • Recommendations for future improvements

Failure to complete reporting requirements may impact eligibility for future funding.