Nielson Social Change Innovation Grant
The Nielson Social Change Innovation Grant program is facilitated by the Center for Social Change and Community Involvement. Made possible through the generosity of Patrick Nielson ’71 and his wife Dorris Nielson, the grant supports Lewis & Clark College undergraduate student-initiated projects and is designed to:
- Fund effective and transformative social change initiatives;
- Encourage innovation and creativity to explore what is possible;
- Equip communities that our students care about, both locally and globally, with the tools required to positively impact social change;
- Develop and test ideas, solve problems, and create opportunities.
The grant provides undergraduate students with funds to cover costs such as equipment or technology, educational resources, travel expenses, or other items used to strengthen grassroots efforts for progressive, systemic social change. This fund prioritizes applications that address community outreach and education, leadership development, root cause and power analysis, and coalition building. Proposals that directly address racial equity and social justice will be prioritized.
Grant recipients may receive an award of between $500 and $5,000. Multiple grants will be given annually to an individual or group (undergraduates only) who submits a winning proposal.
Application Process
Applications open in Spring 2026! In the meantime, familiarize yourself with the grant process and prepare your ideas for submission once applications open.
Contact us if you would like to get feedback on your application before applying.
Meet the 2025 Nielson Grant Recipients
Student innovators, Iman Agić and Deenie Bulyalert, were awarded the 2025 Nielson Social Change Innovation Grant to support their projects “Empowering Young Girls: Menstrual Product Accessibility in Sarajevo’s Elementary Schools” and the “Table Rock Foundation Enchanted Youth Camp” respectively.
Empowering Young Girls: Menstrual Product Accessibility in Sarajevo’s Elementary Schools by Iman Agić
Place of project: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Major: Computer Science
Graduation Year: 2026
Iman will be working on improving access to menstrual products in Sarajevo’s public elementary schools. She’ll be installing menstrual product machines in 4–5 schools and partnering with Violeta, a regional hygiene brand, to supply pads and tampons. Iman’s project aims to empower girls with dignity, health, and equal access to education.
The project will also include workshops for teachers and staff to help support students and to help de-stigmatize menstrual health. In addition, a simple website with resources for students and families will be developed for them to access resources and information. Iman will also be collaborating with the Sarajevo Canton Department of Education, the eCommerce Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and others to make the project sustainable in the long term.
As someone who went to a few of these regional school, Iman says “I know how hard it can be when basic things like this aren’t available. My goal is to help create a more supportive and open school environment, and hopefully set a model that can be expanded to other schools in the future.”
Table Rock Foundation Enchanted Youth Camp by Deenie Bulyalert
Place of Project: Grants Pass, OR
Major(s): Psychology, Biology, Entrepreneurship
Graduation Year: 2027
Here in Oregon, Deenie Bulyalert will be directing the Table Rock Youth Camp, which focuses on hosting an overnight summer camp every year for 30 first-generation, low-income youth. This year, the camp’s theme will be related to art and ecotherapy, and how youth can use art and the environment to navigate the world.
The Table Rock Camp land is the original home of the Takelma, Shasta, and Latgawa peoples. Deenie’s project seeks to continue honoring indigenous connections to the land past, present, and future by providing a meaningful connection between humans and nature to build economic, environmental, spiritual, and social well-being in our local communities.
As Deenie put it, “This land provides a safe space and opportunity to explore ways to relate to one another as humans and to the earth. It is land that is used to foster and care for people dedicated to the future and the generations to come with many generations having already lived, adored, and given their energies for all who have yet to have the opportunity to experience the space.”
These camps give youth the opportunity to be outside, learn leadership and wilderness skills, and connect with local leaders. The camp will be partnering with Project Youth Plus to host this adventure while also bringing volunteers, elders, and other community members from local indigenous tribes and other townships to collectively change a person’s life. The project hopes to continue expanding relationships to the communities and groups impacted by social and economic disparities, aiming to offer this space and education to future generations.
Past Nielson Social Change Innovation Grant Recipients