The Ripple Effect Fund, a collaboration between Knox Community Hospital (KCH) and Kenyon’s Office for Community Partnerships (OCP), empowers Kenyon students to identify community needs and turn their ideas into meaningful action.
Students can propose and lead projects that strengthen the local community while developing leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and community engagement skills. Projects may focus on health and wellness, youth engagement, sustainability, education, recreation, food access, beautification, connection and belonging, or other student-identified needs.
Have an idea? Submit your proposal today.
How It Works
Student proposals are accepted twice each academic year:
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September for fall projects
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February for spring projects
Proposals are reviewed by OCP and KCH based on student leadership, community impact, and alignment with the goals of the Ripple Effect Fund. The initiative aims to support two student-led projects each semester.
From Idea to Impact
Students lead their projects from concept through completion — identifying a need, developing a solution, engaging others and creating measurable community impact. Following each project, students reflect on what they learned and share their experience and outcomes.
With student participation and appropriate permissions, project stories and impact may be shared through Kenyon and KCH social media, campus and community communications, and student-focused storytelling.
Your idea can create a ripple. The Ripple Effect Fund is an opportunity to turn student vision into community impact — and inspire others to do the same.