Application Process

Students must first apply to the sponsoring organization of their planned service program. This process needs to start early since these programs can fill up and usually have long lead times or an extensive application process.

*Special Note: The Deese Initiative Grants cannot be used to perform service in countries where the United States does not have a favorable relationship or where travel by U.S. citizens is not advised. Applicants and recipients affected by travel warnings or restricted travel should contact Ashley DeMichael (ashley.demichael@asbury.edu). See the U.S. State Department website for current information: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

Once a student is accepted into a program which meets the selection criteria, applicants should submit a proposal that follows the below seven guidelines. View a sample winning proposal.

1. Cover sheet, including:
   • Student’s name, major, academic classification
   • Name of the sponsoring organization
   • Name of the city and country where the service project will take place
     • Please note that proposals to destination countries considered “low-income” or “middle income” will be given priority in review over countries designated as “high income.” You can check designations by country here: World Bank’s “World by Income.” If your destination country is designated as “high income,” you will need to include a brief statement (one page, double-spaced) indicating how your specific destination community is marginalized in some way.
   • Paragraph (no more than 100 words) describing the service project
   • Name of a faculty recommender
2. A brief statement (one page, double-spaced) exploring personal qualifications for undertaking this work and the relationship of the service project to future goals. Include a description of previous experience abroad (if any).
3. A brief statement (one page, double-spaced) describing how the service project proposal will benefit the mission of the sponsoring organization.
4. A list of goals and the specific tasks student plans to employ to accomplish the goals. Please include pre-departure goals and tasks to demonstrate to the committee that you are preparing for your experience.
5. A detailed budget proposal, using the Budget Worksheet
6. A letter of support from the sponsoring organization
7. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member supporting the specific initiative.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.*

*Application materials may be submitted in one of two ways:

1.  Either in one pdf document emailed to ashley.demichael@asbury.edu, OR
2. In print in one stapled packet to Catalyst II (main floor, Kinlaw Library). Please note if you wish to submit the materials in print, the Catalyst II Office closes at 5pm on weekdays.