Robert Nelson Foundation Community Service Fund - Civic Engagement

The Robert Nelson Foundation Community Service Fund

Mr. Robert Nelson was a special man who lived his life demonstrating kindness to others. Mr. Nelson grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and spent almost 40 years of his life in the radio and television industry. He cared about others, and this fund continues his legacy of community service.

With the focus of providing current students and/or student organizations with the opportunity to engage with the community by helping individuals in need. This need may be assisting individuals who are homeless, have a disability, or are veterans, for example. Funds will be used to allow students and Registered Student Organizations to perform community service activities which create an impact on the individuals they serve. Funds will be used for materials or other needs for tangible service projects rather than donations to non-profit organizations.

If you have questions, please reach out to Melissa Baker-Boosamra ([email protected]).

See FAQ's below:

Who can apply? GVSU students who would like to organize and complete a community service project. Students must apply for support for a community service project in coordination with either (1) a Registered Student Organization and faculty or staff advisor; (2) a GVSU class and faculty member, (3) a GVSU athletic team and coach, (4) GVSU RHA and advisor.
- RSOs must have an updated roster on LakerLink and ensure their Financial Officer completes the required training before requesting funds.
- A student applying in coordination with a GVSU class, athletic team, or RHA must have a faculty or staff advisor sponsor their application.
What can I use funds for? Funds must be used to support community service activities through purchase of material items used to complete a service project (ex. paint, garbage bags, seeds).
How do I apply? Students must submit requests 4 weeks prior to the community service event in order to allow for timely review of the application and purchase and delivery of supplies. Students will need to demonstrate the goal(s) of the project, and identify a community partner organization(s) and faculty or staff advisor. Please be sure to be clear about how requested funds will positively impact the community and GVSU students.
How much funding can I apply for? Grants are available up to $500 each. Applicants and groups cannot receive more than 1 grant per project or more than 2 grants per year.
What happens after I apply? Applications will be reviewed by Office of Student LIfe staff and student committee on a rolling basis, until funds are exhausted, up to $10,000/ academic year. Once an application is submitted, the Office of Student Life staff will contact you with a response to your application within 10 days of application. If approved, students will work with the Office of Student Life staff to purchase requested supplies using the Office of Student Life purchasing card. All purchases must be made in accordance with GVSU Business and Finance policy.

Community Service Project / Event details

Is this community service project / event taking place as a part of a student organization or a class? *

Name of student organization? *

Class and instructor name/email? *

Specify (include advisor/faculty/staff name and email who you are partnering with) *

Community Service Project / Event name *

Robert Nelson was a special man who lived his life demonstrating kindness to others. Mr.Nelson grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and spent almost 40 years of his life in the radio and television industry. He cared about others, and this fund continues his legacy of community service.

The Robert Nelson Community Service Fund is meant to support GVSU students in giving back through community service projects and events. To apply for funding, please indicate below how the Robert Nelson Community Service Fund will contribute to the success of your project or event. Please explain what you plan to do, how the project or event will benefit the community, what group(s) of people will benefit as a result, specifically how you will use the funds, and your intended positive impact. In addition, please share any community partner organization(s), GVSU registered student organization(s), and / or GVSU class(es) and how they will be involved. Applicants must have support of GVSU faculty or staff advisor, faculty member, or coach. Funds must be used to support community service projects. Funds can only be used for materials, supplies or equipment to support your community service project / event. Funds are not to be donated to other organizations. You will be required to provide an itemized cost list.

Tell us about the goal(s) and intended impact of your service project. Who will benefit? How? *

Are you partnering with any Local Non-Profit or on-campus office? Please include the name and contact information of partner, if yes. *

Location *

Reservation made if it's on campus? *

Building name and room number *

Off-campus location *

Intended event date *

Expected Attendance *

Expected Non-GVSU Attendance *

Contact Person

Please list the name of the e-board member/officer/group member/ class project fellow that will be the main contact point throughout the process. This contact person will also be asked to have a short meeting with a team member from the Office of Student Life Civic Engagement Team to confirm the details of the proposal.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone Number *

Title (i.e. president, financial officer or general member for student orgs) *

Funding

Recipients of Robert Nelson Service Fund are eligible for up to $500 funding per event.

Funds may be used to purhase materials and / or supplies to complete your service project (ex. paint, paintbrushes, seeds, etc).

Itemized Cost Breakdown (include supplies name) *

Human Verification *

Page last modified August 11, 2026

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