FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply to the fund?
What types of employing organizations will be considered?
Can other UNC students who don’t study at Kenan-Flagler apply for this grant?
What steps should I take to be considered to receive SISG financial support?
What type of job offer do I need to be eligible to receive funds from SISG?
I don’t have a job offer yet, can I apply to this support?
Who will decide on the amount that each student will be granted?
How much financial support is awarded per student?
Am I eligible for SISG funding if my employing organization does not provide any compensation?
What are the expectations for SISG grantees?
What are the sources of funding for SISG?
Who should I contact for more information?
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Who is eligible to apply to the fund?
SISG is intended for students enrolled in the Full-Time MBA Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler pursuing internships during the summer. First and second-year students are eligible, but priority will be given to first-year students. Students enrolled in other Kenan-Flagler programs (BSBA, MAC, non-full-time MBA) are encouraged to apply, but decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
What types of employing organizations will be considered?
The employing organization may be:
-Nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)), public sector organizations, or nongovernmental organizations (NGO)
-Social purpose businesses (revenue-generating businesses operated by a nonprofit that directly serves the mission of that organization)
-Social Venture Capital or Impact Investment firms
-Mission driven sustainable/social start-ups
-B-Corp certified companies
Organizations may not have the promotion of a particular political party or candidacy as its core mission. Organizations may not be primarily religious in nature, but may have a religious affiliation.
Can other UNC students who don’t study at UNC Kenan-Flagler apply for this grant?
No. The fund resources will be used exclusively to support UNC Kenan-Flagler students.
What steps should I take to be considered to receive SISG financial support?
SISG will accept applications on a rolling basis between August-April every year. The online form and a list of required documents can be found in the Application section of this website.
What type of job offer do I need to be eligible to receive funds from SISG?
Only positions that demonstrate the application of business skills and knowledge are eligible. Projects that are exclusively research-oriented are unlikely to be approved.
I don’t have an internship offer yet. Can I still apply for SISG funding?
If a student does not have an offer by the application deadline, the student must still complete the online application by the application deadline in order to inform the funding committee that he/she intends to apply for assistance. When he/she has an internship offer, the application can be updated with the required documentation.
Who will decide on the amount that each student will be granted?
A committee will analyze the applications received and determine the stipend amount to be granted to each applicant. The committee will be formed by a representative from the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability, the Full-Time MBA Career Management Center, the Advancement Office, the MBA Net Impact Chapter, and previous SISG award recipients.
In making fund disbursement decisions, the committee will consider the following:
-Does the organization provide a clearly defined public benefit or service?
-Is the internship well-defined, with adequate supervision and clearly specified deliverables?
-Will the internship require skills and knowledge consistent with an MBA education?
-Does the employing organization have financial need, and has the organization made a sufficient commitment to the program by funding the internship to the maximum of its ability?
How much financial support is awarded per student?
Social Impact Summer Grants (SISG) will give a stipend of up to $5,000 in total compensation or $500 per week for up to ten weeks. The amount awarded per student is dependent upon the contribution from the organization as well as the availability and demand for SISG funding.
Am I eligible for SISG funding if my employing organization does not provide any compensation?
Yes, although it must be demonstrated that the employing organization has funded the internship to the maximum of its ability.
What are the expectations for SISG grantees?
Students will be required to submit their final project deliverable or report and a brief testimonial after the completion of their internship. In addition to serving on the SISG Committee the year following their summer internship, SISG recipients are expected to be actively engaged in promoting and building awareness for the program during their second year.
What are the sources of funding for SISG?
Contributions from private gifts play a fundamental role in helping make The Stacia L. Wood Social Impact Summer Grants a success. Please consider making a gift to The Stacia L. Wood Social Impact Summer Grants (#173318). Student-led fundraising events provide a supplemental funding source for SISG.
Who should I contact for more information?
Please feel free to contact the Ackerman Center for Excellence in Sustainability with questions.