Civics in the City
Civics in the City supports New York City colleges and universities in developing undergraduate curricula that connect civic knowledge with public service to help students sustain and improve their city.
Funder: Teagle Foundation
Due Dates: August 1, 2027 (Concept papers) | Early January 2028 (Invited full proposals)
Funding Amounts: Implementation: $100,000–$300,000 over 24–36 months; planning: $10,000–$25,000 over 6–12 months
Summary: Supports New York City colleges and universities in connecting undergraduate civic learning with public service and participation in city life.
Key Information: Projects must advance at least two of four educational goals, and institutions must absorb ongoing costs of successful programs after funding ends.
Description
Civics in the City is a Teagle Foundation initiative supporting undergraduate civic education at institutions of higher education in New York City. It connects classroom learning about American history and democratic principles with opportunities to practice public service, stewardship, and problem solving. The goal is to close gaps in students’ civic knowledge and develop their desire and capacity to sustain and improve their shared city.
The initiative supports faculty-led curricular work grounded in primary sources and major texts in history, literature, and political philosophy. Projects may connect learning to neighborhood service, care for city infrastructure, and work on pressing local problems. Proposals must address sustainable curricular change, assessment of student learning and faculty practices, and dissemination of lessons learned.
