Urban Innovation Fund

Urban Innovation Fund

The Urban Innovation Fund provides an opportunity for Rutgers Camden faculty, staff, and community partners to collaborate on addressing issues of concern in the City of Camden. By leveraging tools from programs, courses, and projects, we aim to meet the needs of both our students and the community. Please note that the budget for your project should not exceed $40,000. This funding is available specifically for community and publicly engaged scholarship or research projects. 

Staff from the Urban Innovation Fund standing in front of a blue banner

Final Reports

Previous Recipients of Urban Innovation Funds 

Application

Urban Innovation Fund Overview

The Urban Innovation Fund fosters collaboration among Rutgers University–Camden faculty, staff, and community partners to address critical issues impacting the City of Camden. By leveraging resources from programs, courses, and research projects, the fund supports initiatives that benefit both students and the local community.

Since its inception, the Urban Innovation Fund has invested over $400,000 in community-engaged research projects, creating meaningful impact across Camden. This partnership between Rutgers–Camden researchers and community organizations exemplifies our commitment to scholarship that drives positive change.

Fund Goals

  • Advance high-quality, publicly engaged scholarship
  • Expand knowledge about the City of Camden
  • Support projects aligned with community priorities, including education, health, economic development, environmental justice, public safety, and civic participation

All funded projects must align with the Rutgers University–Camden Strategic Plan and actively involve undergraduate and graduate students.

Apply Now

Submit your Letter of Intent for the Urban Innovation Fund by Friday, January 9, 2026.

Urban Innovation Fund Letter of Intent Application

For examples of past funded projects, visit: Urban Innovation Fund | Rutgers University-Camden 

Please contact Daniel Fidalgo Tomé, Ed.D., M.Ed., Director of Community Engagement for additional information.