Application Deadline: January 15 at 11:59pm
Since 2004, the Deese Initiative Program (formerly the Asbury Initiative Program) has awarded 180 grants to 178 students who have served in 59 countries. The Deese Initiative Program is intended to encourage service opportunities for Asbury University sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors to perform volunteer work in the areas of international community; social and economic development, including credit and business cooperatives; public wellness and treatment; literacy and education; and other public services in developing countries.
The program enables eligible Asbury University students to have valuable experiences outside the classroom, which may motivate them to consider careers in international service. Students may participate with religious, secular, or governmental organizations. The grants will cover up to $10,000 for expenses related to transportation to/from the site, lodging, meals, miscellaneous expenses related to the service project, and a stipend to partially cover lost wages. View the application process and checklist.
Asbury University gratefully acknowledges the establishment of the Asbury Initiative Program, which was established in 2003 with a pledge of $1 million from Phyllis McRoberts ’53 West and her husband, Stephen R. West, in honor of the life and ministry of Ernest M. Steury, M.D. ’53 and Mrs. Jennie Sue Groce ’54 Steury who served as missionaries in Kenya with World Gospel Mission.
The Asbury Initiative Program received permanent funds from Wynelle Scott ’61 Deese in 2015 allowing it to continue as one of the most incredible opportunities on campus for students. The Judge and Mrs. J.W. Deese Initiative Program continues to further the purpose of volunteer work in the areas of international community, social and economic development, public wellness and treatment, literacy and education, and other public services in developing countries.
*Special Note: The Deese Initiative grants cannot be used to perform internships in countries where the United States does not have a favorable relationship or where travel by U.S. citizens is not advised. Applicants and recipients affected by travel warnings or restricted travel should contact Ashley DeMichael. See the U.S. State Department website for current information.
Global Initiatives & Programs
studyabroad@asbury.edu
"When I found out I had received the Deese grant, I was elated and full of joy. So much dedicated time, meticulous planning, and constant prayer had gone into preparing for this singular decision. The only thing that I remember rushing through my mind was a repeated prayer thanking God for the privilege to serve."
The Deese Initiative Grant Program requires that the proposals be judged competitively by a selection committee. The selection committee will utilize a rubric to evaluate the viability and quality of the written proposal, the presentation of the service project opportunity, and how well the student makes the case for his or her participation in the service project. Details on how to create a proposal are included in the application process information.
Once a student is accepted into a program which meets the selection criteria above, applicants should submit a proposal that follows the below seven guidelines. View a sample winning proposal.
Please note that proposals to destination countries considered “low-income” or “middle income” will be given priority in review over countries designated as “high income.” You can check designations by country here: World Bank’s “World by Income.” If your destination country is designated as “high income,” you will need to include a brief statement (one page, double-spaced) indicating how your specific destination community is marginalized in some way.
As per the Deese Initiative Grant guidelines, the Grant will cover expenses related to transportation to/from the site, lodging, meals, miscellaneous expenses related to the service project, and a stipend to partially cover lost wages. The terms of the Grant guidelines do not provide for personal items unless a case can be made that the grant should provide these. The Grant generally does not provide funding for equipment or for the general operation of the sponsoring organization. Participants are encouraged to seek funding from other sources – churches, civic organizations, family, personal funds, etc. – for equipment, support of the sponsoring organization, materials and supplies, and other costs not covered by the Grant. A reasonable administrative fee by the sponsoring organization may be included.
The selection committee has an obligation to be good stewards of the funds that have been made available for the Deese Initiative Grant Program. The budget worksheet is intended to help you provide the selection committee with a detailed budget proposal. Therefore, please provide appropriate detail.
Download Budget Worksheet.