The Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation provides modest seed funding for initiatives that align or respond to SU themes​.

The purpose of this seed funding is to support Social Impact initiatives that cannot be financed by means of normal funding mechanisms. It provides start-up capital and is not meant to cover normal running costs or subsidise existing programmes.

View the comprehensive Funding Criteria ​and Evaluative Framework 2025:

2025 Funding cycle

  • Proposals should be submitted to faculty and PASS environment SI committees and these structures can determine the specific submission date and timeline for reviewing applications.
  • Kindly note, all applications must be submitted from the SI Committees to the SIFC – 31/03/25​

For more information, e-mail: socialimpactfunding@sun.ac.za.

Other Funding Opportunities

Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC)

Periodically, the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), City of Cape Town (CCT), Western Cape Government (WCG) and National Research Foundation (NRF) put out calls for funding for Social Impact initiatives.

MacJannet Prize

The MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship is an esteemed international award that recognizes and celebrates university-based civic engagement initiatives. The MacJannet Prize was established by the Talloires Network and the MacJannet Foundation to recognise exceptional student community engagement initiatives and contributes financially to their ongoing public service efforts.

As part of Stellenbosch University’s commitment to social impact and transformation, the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation actively supports and promotes initiatives that align with the values of this prestigious prize.

Evaluation Criteria

Initiatives will be assessed based on the following key criteria:

  • Student Leadership
    Are students able to work independently, with support from faculty and staff? Are their ideas and contributions valued in the project design? Do they carry out a significant portion of the work?
  • University Support
    Has the university demonstrated commitment to promoting active citizenship and civic engagement? Has the university supported this program, either financially, in kind, or through policy and recognition of its value?
  • Community Partnership and Involvement
    Do the university program coordinators consult the community in program design? Do the aims of the program meet community needs? Are community members able to contribute to the program?
  • Demonstrated Positive Impact on the Community
    To what extent has this program positively affected the community? How many community members have benefited, and to what degree?
  • Demonstrated Positive Impact on the Participating University Student
    Has this program contributed to building civic values and skills for students? Has the program impacted students’ choices about career path or future involvement in community outreach activities?
  • Sustainability
    How will the program find the needed resources to continue running into the future? What policies or mechanisms support the ongoing success of the program? Are communities engaged in sustaining the program for the long-term?
  • Global Impact and Relevance
    How does this program contribute to one or more of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

For more information, contact Chevaan Peters: chevaan@sun.ac.za.