Ivory Prize

Each year, Utah State University honors exceptional student achievements in community engagement through the Ivory Prize for Excellence in Community Engagement. Funded by the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, this prestigious award includes a $10,000 grant to support a community project designed and led by the recipient in partnership with an established community organization. In addition to the project funding, the recipient(s) will also receive a $2,000 academic scholarship.

Applications must be submitted through USU’s Scholarship Universe platform. All materials should be uploaded as PDF documents and must include the following:

Brief Overview (approximately 500 words)

Leadership Role: Clearly describe your leadership role in this community engagement project. What responsibilities do you hold, and how have you guided or influenced the initiative? Please be aware that only projects that are already in development or execution will be considered; purely conceptual ideas are not eligible.
Project Purpose: Provide a concise summary of your project's purpose and the expected outcomes. Please be aware that projects involving political activities or advocacy efforts are not eligible
Justification for Funding: Briefly explain why your project is a strong candidate for the $10,000 Ivory Prize. What makes it impactful, innovative, or necessary at this time?

Statement of Need (approximately 250 words)

Define the specific issue or challenge your project addresses. If it impacts a particular population, describe this group and include relevant demographic or statistical data to support your case.
How will the Ivory Prize expand or elevate a program or project that has already established community impact and support.

Project Description (approximately 750 words)

Project Goals: Outline the goals of your project using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely).
Expected Outcomes and Methods: Describe the intended outcomes and the methods or strategies you will use to accomplish them.
Measuring Success: How will you evaluate the success or impact of your project? Include specific tools or metrics you plan to use.
Timeline: Provide a clear timeline of your project.
Sustainability Plan: What is your strategy for sustaining the project once the funding ends? Include any plans for future funding or partnerships.

Supporting Documents

Required:
- Letter of support from your community partner on the organization’s official letterhead
- Project budget using this provided budget template.
Optional:
- Additional materials that support your proposal, such as photos, promotional materials, articles, presentation slides, or testimonials

2026 applications are due in Scholarship Universe by April 1.

Apply

Past Recipients:

Year 1 (2020): Kara Bachman & Amria Farnsworth for USU Gleaning (renamed Harvest Rescue)

Year 2 (2021): Melissa Alarcon & George Garcia for Project Motivation high school mentoring program

Year 3 (2022): Nicole Burnard for the establishment of the WAB Warming Center

Year 4 (2023): Danielle Berger for the Hope Community Garden & Porch Pantry

Year 5 (2024): Sydney Fisk for the USU Permaculture Garden Project