Civics in the City Initiative

The Teagle Foundation’s “Civics in the City” initiative supports projects aimed at strengthening civic education among undergraduate students in New York City. This program reflects the Foundation's longstanding mission to reinforce liberal arts education as essential for meaningful work, effective citizenship, and a fulfilling life. With its deep-rooted commitment to enhancing educational outcomes in New York City, the Teagle Foundation launched this initiative as a local extension of its national work in civic education, previously embodied in the “Education for American Civic Life” program. The foundation emphasizes civic education that not only imparts historical and democratic knowledge but also encourages active public engagement, stewardship, and civic responsibility. Through Civics in the City, eligible institutions in New York City can apply for grants between $100,000 and $300,000 for implementation projects that span 24 to 36 months. The size of the award depends on the scope of the project. Additionally, the Foundation offers planning grants of $10,000 to $25,000 for shorter terms of 6 to 12 months. All supported projects should demonstrate strong alignment with institutional priorities and show promise for long-term sustainability. The grant is structured with the expectation that successful projects will be integrated into the institution’s ongoing operations post-grant. The program prioritizes ambitious, faculty-led curricular reform initiatives that bridge classroom learning with civic involvement across the city. Ideal proposals will explore primary sources on subjects such as the founding of the American republic, New York City history, democratic texts, and civic leadership. Proposals are encouraged to blend academic inquiry with practical applications, offering students firsthand opportunities to engage in public service, infrastructure care, or solving urban challenges. All successful proposals are expected to address sustainability, meaningful assessment practices, and active dissemination efforts to maximize impact and inform broader audiences. Eligible applicants include a wide array of accredited higher education institutions based in New York City, such as community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities. Both single-institution and consortia applications are permitted. Projects must demonstrate thoughtful curriculum development and be capable of being taught by current tenure-track faculty. Proposals should also incorporate plans for evaluating the effects on both student learning and faculty practices, including provisions for a follow-up study 3 to 5 years after the grant period to assess long-term impacts. Applicants must follow a two-stage application process beginning with the submission of a concept paper by August 1, 2025. The concept paper should be 3 to 5 pages long, include a 200-300 word abstract, state whether the applicant is seeking planning or implementation support, and specify the amount requested. Full proposals will be solicited by invitation only after an initial review of concept papers. Invited applicants must submit complete proposals by early January 2026, with funded projects starting as early as March 2026. For more information or inquiries, applicants may contact Tamara Mann Tweel, Senior Program Director for Civic Initiatives at the Teagle Foundation, via email at ttweel@teagle.org or by phone at 212-373-1972. The Teagle Foundation is located at 570 Lexington Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10022. The grant cycle is expected to remain open for approximately three to five years, with annual opportunities anticipated for future submission rounds.

Proposals should emphasize sustainability, faculty engagement, and include mechanisms for assessment and dissemination. Long-term integration into the institution's curriculum is essential.