Funding is available from Princeton-affiliated sources for Princeton students who independently secure unpaid internships, propose special projects or plan to conduct independent research.

SAFE Funding Portal

The Student Activities Funding Engine (SAFE) connects students with university funding for a range of activities on- and off-campus, including internships, summer study abroad, senior thesis research projects or other independent projects.

Princeton Resources

• Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment (ACEE): For summer research projects related to the ACEE, particularly for field work and lab research
• Alumni Association Funding Guide for Princeton Undergraduates: For public service initiatives and academic work
• Center for Information Technology Policy:  For scholarship internships for both grads and undergrads
• Class of 1978 Foundation Grant: Financial for undergraduates who wish to benefit communities or constituencies in need by participating in direct, hands-on community service activities.
• Class of 1991 Fund: For independent work and community service summer internships
• Council of the Humanities: For internships in writing, journalism and publishing
• High Meadows Environmental Institute Funding
• Learning and Education through Service (LENS): Ensures that every Princeton undergraduate student has the opportunity to secure a meaningful summer service or social impact internship before graduation.
• Lewis Center for the Arts Awards: For summer projects in the creative and performing arts
• Pace Center for Civic Engagement: For public service internships affiliated with a Pace Center program or project
• PIVOT: An online tool from the Graduate School matching research interests to potential external funding sources for research support, fellowships, equipment, travel funds and other related research and educational endeavors from federal, state, and private sponsors
• Princeton Research Funding Gateway: The Office of the Dean for Research hosts the Gateway, a database of funding opportunities, to help faculty, postdocs, graduate students and staff discover possible support for research
• Program in Law and Public Affairs: For internships in public interest law
• Program in Hellenic Studies Seeger Fellowship: For study programs in Greece, archaeological work, independent research, creative projects in the arts and internships
• Streicker International Fellows Fund: For undergraduate students interested in carrying out substantive research or educational projects while immersed in a foreign culture
• Summer Social Impact Internship (SSII) Fund: For undergraduate students with low/unpaid social impact internships. 
• U.S. Health Policy Scholars Program: For juniors pursuing global health-related internships and independent research

Fellowships for Independent Projects

The following is a sample of awards that require applicants to propose an independent project.

• Martin A. Dale ’53 Fellowship: Awarded for an independent project of extraordinary merit that will widen the recipient’s experience of the world and significantly enhance his or her personal growth and intellectual development.
• Princeton ReachOut ’56 Fellowship: Open to Princeton seniors who commit to spend their first post-graduation year performing a public interest project. It emphasizes innovative and entrepreneurial projects.
• Daniel M. Sachs ’60 Graduating Scholarship: The Scholarship’s core concern is to encourage the development of individuals whose life’s work is likely to benefit the public interest. The Sachs Scholarship at Worcester College, University of Oxford allows the Sachs Scholar to read for any appropriate degree from the University of Oxford. The Sachs Global Scholarship enables study at any foreign institution or the pursuit of an independent program of the Scholar’s own devising.

Funding for International Projects

The Office of International Programs maintains information on the range of fellowships and awards.

Academic Departments

Some academic departments have funding available for students who do work related to their concentration or to that field of study. Please check with each department for current information.