Rich Family Endowment

The RFE program is now open! Fall deadline: October 5, 2026, 9AM
 

InfoReady Submission Portal

Enroll in the Canvas page using this link!
 

Students: As you prepare your application, we invite you to come to the CCL's drop-in advising hours, where you can meet with an advisor to talk through your RFE proposal, whatever stage it is in. We hope to see you there!

Partners: The CCL will be supporting students in their applications and convene the selection committee. Please reach out to Syd González (sg312@rice.edu) at the CCL if you have any questions. To schedule a meeting with Syd González, click the link HERE.

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Program Overview

The Hilda and Hershel Rich Family Endowment (RFE) provides funding to support student-led projects that foster leadership, innovation, and positive societal impact. Applicants may receive an individual stipend of $900 (up to 3 per project), and up to $5,000 in logistical support. Projects must engage the Houston community, the Rice University campus, and foster leadership, innovation, and creativity while aligning with the CCL’s mission to promote equitable and inclusive communities. Proposals for Fall 2026 are due October 5th at 9AM.

Mission

The purpose of the Hilda and Hershel Rich Family Endowment is to provide an opportunity for students with established leadership skills to pursue a positive societal impact, through direct service, advocacy, and/or other relevant activities. Successful applicants will engage the Houston community, the Rice University campus community, and foster leadership, innovation, and creativity among Rice students.

Overview

In addition to the Rich Family Endowment (RFE) goals, applications should align with the mission of the Center for Civic Leadership, which is “to foster community-university collaborations that analyze the complexity of social issues and take actions to promote equitable and inclusive communities.” Applicants should demonstrate that they are approaching their project from an informed and ethically sound position to align with RFE.

Students who are selected for funding will be supported throughout the development of their project with workshop modules, alumni mentorship, and collaboration with their community partner. Students implementing RFE funded projects will meet three times with the RFE program lead:

1. An on-boarding workshop at program start in Fall
2. A mid-term check-in
3. An off-boarding workshop in Spring 

RFE projects will be featured at the CCL showcase conducted twice a year. All students funded by RFE will attend a leadership impact event offered during the Fall and Spring semesters where attendees will engage in high impact leadership development activities. Awardees will also be expected to complete a series of self-placed models that help project leaders to develop and organize their projects from start to finish. 

Timeline Overview

Pre-Deadline

• Canvas Module 1

• Canvas Module 2

Application Deadline: October 5, 2026, 9AM

• The student(s) apply

Following Application Submission

• The committee reviews applications

After Application Has Been Approved, Throughout The Program:

• Students will attend an onboarding, midterm, and off-boarding workshop

• Students will participate in a Leadership Impact Event

• Students will submit a midterm report

• Students will meet with community partner(s) regularly

• Students will engage the Rice campus to participate in the proposed project

• Students are responsible for ordering items for their project

Program Implementation Phase: (Program implementation must happen within the same academic school year of applying)

• Students implement their projects

After Project Implementation:

• Students conduct an assessment of the project

End of Grant Report and Reflection: (Post modules must be completed within a month after the program is fully completed)

• Students complete an end of grant report and reflection

Final Stage:

• Students prepare and present their projects at a Showcase event

Contact: Syd González (sg312@rice.edu)