Eight projects win Building Bridges grants - Harvard Gazette

""There is interest across the University in creating new opportunities to deepen connections, build understanding, and strengthen relationships," said Harvard President Alan M. Garber. "The threefold increase in Building Bridges applications this year demonstrates students' eagerness to take risks and to learn from one another. It is an exciting and promising sign of renewal within our community, and I am honored to support an excellent slate of projects.""

"The presidential initiative, which seeks to build community across faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, received three times as many applications and is funding twice as many projects as it did in its inaugural round last year. Grantees, led by students from the College and six graduate Schools, were awarded up to $5,000 and will launch projects during winter and spring 2026."

"Last year, student project leaders took a variety of approaches to fostering respectful dialogue among their peers on challenging issues. This year is no different. Projects will delve into a diverse set of topics, including exploration of the rural-urban divide, progressive-conservative values, Black and Jewish solidarity, and shared identity through art. "Our students continue to show that building community across difference is not an abstract aspiration but a daily practice they are eager to pursue," said Sherri Ann Charleston, chief community and campus life officer at Harvard, whose office administers the program. "From the Law School to the College, our students are seeking not just to coexist, but to understand.""

Eight student-led projects won 2025–26 President's Building Bridges Fund grants to spark constructive dialogue on campus. The initiative seeks to build community across faiths, cultures, and backgrounds and received three times as many applications while funding twice as many projects as in its inaugural year. Grantees from the College and six graduate schools received up to $5,000 and will launch talks, film screenings, and art installations during winter and spring 2026. Projects address topics such as the rural–urban divide, progressive–conservative values, Black and Jewish solidarity, and shared identity through art, reflecting strong student eagerness to engage across difference.

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