You do not need to have confirmed a specific community-based organization in order to submit your application. It is important, however, to provide an idea of the type of CBO you think is likely to be a good match for your idea. If your application is selected, the program will help you identify local prospects for CBOs that have the potential to successfully implement your idea.

No, absolutely not! Identifying a mentor is not part of the criteria that will be used to evaluate your application. If you are selected for the second round, and have not identified a mentor, we will work with you to find one.

Absolutely! We welcome – and encourage – innovative and winning ideas from UM graduate students who are affiliated with any degree program or discipline. Issues of health – and health equity – intersect with all sectors of society. Solutions may be found in unexpected places!

Participating CBOs must have 501(c)(3) status. Please also note that for the purpose of this competition, you are not allowed to select a community partner (or its affiliate) with which you have or will have an employment and/or financial relationship.