What is the Philly Service Award?

The Philly Service Award is a city-wide high school competition in Philadelphia focused on facilitating and supporting community service projects developed and executed by students. It's an initiative designed to uplift and empower students and faculty in their shared desire to positively impact their communities.

Who can participate in the Philly Service Award?

All pre-registered high schools in Philadelphia will be eligible to participate in the Philly Service Award competition.

How can a school pre-register for the competition?

Head to the “Register Your School” page or give our team a call at (610) 665-3458, and we will be glad to help you. You can see all of the pre-registered schools here! Pre-registered schools will be emailed a link to the application when it becomes available.

How are the grants distributed?

Registered high schools that qualify for the competition will receive a grant to fund their proposed community service project. Schools must complete the formal application and be approved to receive the grant.

Are there any specific guidelines for the community service projects?

While we encourage creativity and innovation, there are certain guidelines to ensure that projects have a positive impact and are feasible within the grant budget. Funds cannot be used for school improvement projects; the project must benefit the city. Additional funds cannot be raised; schools must stay within the grant budget. Additional guidelines will be outlined in the application.

How are the winners of the competition determined?

Projects will be evaluated based on their impact, feasibility, innovation, and level of community engagement. A panel of judges will review each project, and winners will be announced at the annual Philly Service Award ceremony.

How many projects receive funding each year?

Annually, over 100 student-led and developed community service projects receive funding through the Philly Service Award.

Can a school participate multiple times or in successive years?

Yes, schools can participate annually in the Philly Service Award. However, each year, they would need to present a unique project proposal, and each school will only receive one grant per year.

How does the Philly Service Award benefit Philadelphia?

The Philly Service Award fosters large-scale positive change for the city. We support over 100 student-led community service projects dedicated to improving the city annually. This initiative uplifts communities, improves residents' lives, and encourages engagement among all stakeholders.

Is there a way for individuals or businesses to support or sponsor the Philly Service Award?

Absolutely! We welcome support from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Opportunities for sponsorship and partnerships can be found on our official website or by contacting our team directly at hello@phillyserviceaward.com.

How can students get more involved in the Philly Service Award beyond their school’s project?

Students can volunteer with the Philly Service Award team to find more ways to get involved with their project after the grant cycle has ended. Stay tuned for more details in May 2024!

Why focus on high schools and students for community service projects?

We believe in the power of youth to drive change. By focusing on high schools and students, we tap into the passion, creativity, and innovation that young minds bring, ensuring a brighter future for Philadelphia.

Where can I get more information or updates about the Philly Service Award?

For more information, the latest updates, and announcements, sign up for our newsletter and follow our social media channels.

How can I contact the Philly Service Award team for specific queries not addressed here?

You can contact our team via the "Contact Us" section on our website or hello@phillyserviceaward.com. We'll be happy to assist you with any inquiries you might have.

How long has the Philly Service Award been in operation?

The Philly Service Award is a new initiative by the founder of the Herb it Forward Foundation. We're proud of the impact we've already made in such a short time and look forward to many more years of community-driven change.

Are there any collaboration opportunities with other organizations or initiatives?

Yes, we're always open to collaborations that align with our mission of uplifting communities in Philadelphia. Organizations interested in partnering with us can reach us via email at hello@phillyserviceaward.com.

What happens if a project goes over the budget?

Schools can only plan their projects within the grant budget of $1,000. Any school that exceeds this budget will not be eligible for The Philly Service Award ceremony in May. 

Can schools collaborate on a single project?

Schools are restricted from pooling resources together in an effort to level the playing field for schools that do not have access to the same financial and physical resources.

How do you ensure the proper utilization of funds?

Schools must provide a budget breakdown as part of their project proposal. Once a project concludes, schools must submit a report detailing their expenditures. Random audits and project visits may be conducted as needed to ensure transparency and proper fund utilization.

Are there any additional opportunities for participating schools?

Yes, there are multiple opportunities for cultural and educational experiences during the school year. Special events and programs will be offered to all participating students.

What is the timeline for the Philly Service Award competition?

The competition starts with registrations at the beginning of the academic year, followed by project proposal submissions, evaluations, funding, and project execution. Winners are announced at the end of the school year. Head to our “About Us” page for more details.

Do you offer any workshops or training sessions for participating schools?

We are hosting a welcome celebration for all participating faculty representatives. We will be hosting several Question and Answer sessions online. We can also be reached via email for questions at schools@phillyserviceaward.com.

Can international or out-of-state schools participate?

Currently, The Philly Service Award is exclusive to registered high schools within Philadelphia. We aim to support our local communities, but we're open to collaborations or expansions in the future.

How can the general public support or get involved with the Philly Service Award or its funded projects?

The public can support the Philly Service Award by sponsoring, volunteering, attending our events, following us on social media, or simply spreading the word about our initiative.