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The IOP Gov 2.0 grant will provide a $5000 stipend to an individual or group of Harvard undergraduates committed to dedicating the upcoming summer to a entrepreneurial venture relating to domestic politics or government. Have a cool startup idea related to American politics? Ready to revitalize your representative’s social media strategy?  Think you’ve thought of the next SeeClickFix? Do you have a vision that takes community organizing to the next level?

Funding will be awarded to the individual or team with the most innovative idea to reshape American civic life. Applicants may propose anything from a student-run start-up to a new project that operates within the context of an established organization. The IOP will be happy to assist in locating such organizations, where appropriate.
(Tentative) Application Schedule

• Information Session: 6:00PM, Tuesday, February 21st – IOP, Room L-275
• Proposal Prospectus Due: 5:00PM, Friday, March 9th -- emailed to amy_howell@harvard.edu
  • Submit a one-page written description of your idea. What is your idea? How it will it  improve civic life and engagement with government? How do you plan on making substantial progress on your idea over one summer? What expenditures do you anticipate?
  • All applicants should also submit resumes that highlight any relevant experiences
• Finalists Announced: Wednesday, March 14th via email
• Finalist Seminar:  Wednesday, March 21st 4-6 pm – IOP, Room L-275
  • This seminar will bring in leaders in political entrepreneurship to share advice and provide constructive feedback. The goal will be to refine project proposals in order to make them more viable.
• Finalist Presentations:  Monday, March 26th, 2012 4-6 pm – IOP, Room L-275
  • Each applicant will present their finalized proposal to a panel of political entrepreneurship experts.
• Winner Announced: Monday, April 2nd, 2012
  • The panel will award the grant to the most innovative, viable project.
  • Apply Now!