Dr. Richard Deming Fund
Overview
The Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College is pleased to announce the inaugural call for proposals for the Dr. Richard Deming Fund for Student-Led Research and Community Engagement in Honors. This fund is made possible by the generosity of Dr. Richard Deming and establishes a lasting investment in students, community and mentorship through the Honors College. Each year the fund may support multiple awards with total funding available up to $40,000. The support is intended to be shared by multiple student-led research and community engagement projects which are directly aligned with the student’s academic discipline. These projects are intended to deliver experiences and direct impact through engagement and civic or social impact initiatives. These projects may represent any SDSU academic discipline or interest and shall engage with the student's identified community-based projects and must be mentored by an SDSU faculty member represented by the academic discipline. Collaborative projects with multiple students and faculty are welcomed.
Deming Fund applications for 2026 are now open. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Deming Funding Application
The following materials will be requested within the online application:
- A one-page statement of the applicant’s educational and professional goals and an explanation of the role of the mentorship in allowing the applicant to achieve these goals. This should include reference of the impact of the proposed project.
- A one- to two-page original proposal for the student’s project written by the student.
- Applicant's unofficial transcript and/or course listing.
- Applicant's resumé or description of co-curricular activities (not to exceed one page).
Applicants are required to attach the completed Budget Template form, which is available within the application
Mentor Assessment of Applicant
Mentors are welcome to offer insight and to discuss the scope of what may be possible in the project timeline, though they may not contribute to the writing of the proposal.
The Mentor's Assessment of Applicant form will automatically be sent to the project mentor after the student has submitted their portion of the Deming Fund application.
Deming Fund Evaluation Tool
Assessment by Deming Fund Reviewer(s)
- Mission Alignment: Addresses topics such as social justice, elevate human dignity. Are driven by meaning, purpose and passion.
- Community impact
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Intellectual/Research Merit and Feasibility
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Community impact
- Mentor Commitment
- Student commitment and student impact
- Overall Project (no number but only:
- Comments
- Budget comments
Review Timeline – Each year proposals are due on March 31 and Sept. 30. Applications will be accepted between Sept. 30 and March 31 as funds are available.
Theoretical or Research Framework: Although proposals are not required to follow a specific model here are a few possible frameworks that could guide your work:
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