Awards and Funding

Duke Civic Engagement Awards

Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award

The Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award recognizes a rising sophomore, junior, or senior at Duke who has made a difference in the work of a local school or nonprofit organization. Award recipients receive $15,000 toward their tuition for the following academic year.  To be considered, undergraduates must have exhibited a strong dedication to service while at Duke and must be nominated by a member of the faculty or staff, a fellow student, or a representative of a Durham non-profit or public school.

The annual award was established in 1989 as a way to honor the life and values of Lars Lyon, a Duke undergraduate student who passed away at the age of 21 after a battle with cancer. Lyon is remembered for his generous spirit, as he spent his time at Duke volunteering with multiple service organizations, such as Circle K International, Ronald McDonald House, and Play Units for the Severely Handicapped (PUSH).

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Congratulations to Elaijah Lapay, the 2023 Lars Lyon Volunteer Service Award recipient! Read more here.

Duke Employee Community Service Award

The Duke Employee Community Service Award recognizes a Duke employee who has performed truly outstanding volunteer service in the Durham community. In honor of the recipient, a $200 donation will be made to the school or nonprofit where the recipient volunteers. Nominations may be made by fellow Duke employees or by representatives of local non-profits or public schools.

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Congratulations to Domonique Redmond, the 2023 Duke Employee Community Service Award recipient! Read more here.

NC Campus Engagement Community Impact Student Award

The NC Campus Engagement Community Impact Student Award recognizes one outstanding student service leader from each NC Campus Engagement member campus. Impact Award recipients should demonstrate commitment to partnering with others to address community issues, ability to lead and inspire fellow students, and sustainable impact in their area of work. Each member campus selects its own CISA recipient, who is then recognized by the NC Campus Engagement.

Nominations for this award are open in the Fall.

Congratulations to Kiran Sundar, the 2022 Duke recipient of the Community Impact Student Award! Read more here.

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, presented by the Office of the Provost, recognizes one graduating senior, one graduate/professional student (House Staff included), and one member of the faculty and staff of Duke University or Duke Health for their outstanding commitment to service.

The deadline for submissions has passed.

Learn more here.

Congratulations to Sam Miglarese, Amanda Joos, and Liyu Woldemichael, the 2022 recipients of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award!

Other Duke University Award Opportunities

Betsy Alden Outstanding Service-Learning Awards

In the Spotlight Awards


Community-Engaged Scholarship Collaborative

The Community-Engaged Scholarship Collaborative aims to cultivate a community of practice among faculty, students, staff and community partners by bringing together, working with and building on many existing initiatives and sources of support for engagement at Duke University. The Collaborative provides two funding opportunities in addition to a number of learning opportunities. Learn more.


Co-Sponsorship Funding

Duke Civic Engagement has limited funds available to co-sponsor events with other Duke programs, departments, and student organizations. Co-sponsorship funds of up to $500, but typically $250, may be put toward events that demonstrate a clear connection to civic engagement and are in alignment with our Principles of Effective Community Engagement. If you are seeking co-sponsorship funds, please complete the Co-Sponsorship Funding Request Form.