Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund Grants

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals and young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs.

Background: Founded in 1987, one year after Amy Adina Schulman, age 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. Since inception, nearly 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—totaling nearly $1,000,000.

Organization Type: 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

Geographic Scope

• Africa
• Asia
• Latin America
• Middle East
• United States

Award Philosophy

Small grants (depending on length of service) are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions and gifts sent to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

Grant Focus Areas

Grants are awarded for work in the following areas:

• Building a more just and egalitarian society
• Enhancing understanding among peoples
• Advancing nonviolence and peace activities
• Promoting environmental concerns
• Advocating civil and human rights
• Working with emotionally, physically, educationally, or economically disadvantaged populations
• Participating in progressive educational initiatives
• Israel/Zionist youth movement activities

What They Don't Fund

Grants are NOT awarded for academic programs even if there is a volunteer component.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Service Requirement:

• Volunteer on a full-time basis (30 hours per week) for a progressive social justice program or project
• Have regular supervision under the direction of an established organization
• Serve for at least 3 months

Required Application Materials

1. Two letters of recommendation
2. Letter of acceptance from the organization with which the applicant will work and receive supervision
3. Proposed plan describing how the applicant will educate and encourage their peers to participate in similar social action

Post-Award Requirements

Awardees agree to:

• Send written reports to the Fund during their project
• Send written reports upon completion of their project