Program Proposal Guidelines
Program Proposal Guidelines
Program Overview
Intellectual Vitality (IV) offers funding to support events that actively promote and exemplify the core principles of Intellectual Vitality:
- Introducing students to the values, practices, and principles associated with Intellectual Vitality.
- Encouraging and developing habits that foster rigorous, reflective, and open-minded intellectual engagement.
- Establishing and strengthening a robust campus culture where IV thrives beyond formal classroom environments.
- Empowering students, tutors, and faculty members to take meaningful ownership and active roles in shaping an intellectually vibrant community.
Funding allocation is managed by the Student Advisory Board (SAB) in close collaboration with the Faculty Advisory Board (FAB) and does not imply endorsement of event speakers, viewpoints, or presented ideas. SAB and IV sponsorship support community-driven intellectual exploration, rigorous dialogue, and earnest engagement, independent of any ideological or partisan alignment.
Funding is awarded for the operational and logistical aspects of facilitating the program and may not be used for stipends or payments to members internal to Harvard. This is different than honoraria for external guests.
Program Requirements
Format 1: Panel or Debate
- Involves structured, moderated discussions or debates between qualified speakers and includes a diversity of perspectives, ability to engage rigorously, respectfully, and productively with various viewpoints.
- Encourages interactive audience participation and exchanges among speakers.
- Examples can be found here.
Format 2: Interview and Q&A with a Speaker
- Features moderated one-on-one conversations with invited speakers who present diverse or controversial perspectives, stimulate robust discourse, and foster critical intellectual dialogue within the community.
- Robust mechanisms for challenging the speaker’s ideas, either through the moderator, audience engagement, or both, are required.
- Examples can be found here.
Format 3: Peer-to-Peer Conversation Groups
- Designed to encourage candid, respectful, and open-minded dialogue among students through intimate gatherings or small-group discussions.
- Prioritizes trust-building, relationship cultivation, and creating safe yet intellectually provocative spaces for engaging with sensitive or challenging normative issues..
- Examples can be found here.
From past experience, the following formats for IV-sponsored events most consistently meet the outlined grant criteria and are therefore more reliably funded. Creative and experimental proposals that may not fit the designated formats are also welcomed, provided they clearly advance IV’s mission and demonstrate thoughtful engagement with the stated funding priorities.
If you are proposing an event that does not follow one of these formats, please contact us—the SAB would be happy to discuss whether your idea aligns with the funding objectives. Regardless of format, applicants may be invited to meet with members of the SAB or FAB to discuss their proposal and its alignment with IV’s principles and objectives.
Feedback and Program Evaluation
Panel or Debate
- Post-event feedback reports from organizers are mandatory.
- Organizers are encouraged to include visual documentation (photos, recordings) and participant testimonials as appropriate to assist in ongoing program evaluation.
Food, Honoraria, and Travel Guidelines
- Food expenses per participant are limited to $25. Alcohol is prohibited.
- Speaker honoraria, travel, and accommodation costs may be available; inquire with SAB or Camila Nardozzi, Director, Intellectual Vitality Initiatives.
Finality of Decisions
- All SAB funding decisions are considered final.
- Financial Guidelines and Limits: are binding and may not be appealed. For questions or concerns, contact Camila Nardozzi.
Required Forms for Grant Funding
Applicants must complete and submit both of the following forms:
- Application Form
- Feedback & Receipts Form (to be submitted after the event)