Global Development Lab 2026
Fund a Student-Led Global Development Initiative
Who Are We?
Global Development Lab (GDL) is a UCLA student-run organization that endeavors to create a community of undergraduates with a passion for international development and establish a space for students to learn about and engage in community development projects which generate social impact. Our vision is that students gain the skills necessary to experiment with initiatives of their own, while at the same time gaining an understanding of development that is sustainable, culturally-relevant, and in alignment with the goals and needs of their community partners. Your donation will go directly towards student-created development initiatives that have the power to change lives from Los Angeles to communities around the world.
How the Funds will be Used?
As the lab enters its tenth year, we want to provide more students with the chance to compete for funding and to implement the projects they work on throughout the year, as our organization relies completely on grants and outside funding. Through your support, we can award grants to the projects that our judges–a panel of development experts and UCLA faculty–determine to be the most innovative and impactful, allowing these groups to implement their projects and make a meaningful difference in the community that their initiative targets.
Past Project?
Thanks to your generous donations in years past, we've been able to fund numerous winning capstone projects. Last year's grant-winners Allyssa Lessinger, Caitlin Nguyen, Manasi Vartak, and Claire Chen proposed "KITS at UCLA", their capstone project designed to expand access to hands-on STEM education for elementary students in underserved LAUSD communities. KITS uses UCLA student volunteers and campus makerspaces to create and distribute free, monthly STEM kits to Title I schools, providing students with an opportunity to explore their interests and ignite passions in STEM fields where enrichment opportunities are often scarce. Starting with a pilot at Nora Sterry Elementary School, the project allows students to choose from a catalog of engaging STEM activities such as robotics, engineering challenges, and science experiments, encouraging curiosity and confidence. With only the $1,000 of seed funding given by GDL, KITS is designed to be flexible, student-centered, and scalable. Now imagine the impact your donation could have!
Tax-Deductible?
Donations are tax-deductible and we will create a quarterly newsletter to update donors on the progress of each of the projects. Donors will be able to see the impact of their donation through the students' implementation of development initiatives at home and abroad that truly make a difference on communities around the world.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS
Should this fund reach the campus minimum required for the establishment of an endowment or quasi-endowment, The UCLA Foundation reserves the right to convert this fund to an endowment or quasi-endowment. Please click here to learn more about how the UCLA Foundation invests and manages its endowments.
$20
Transportation & Recognition
Cover the transportation costs for local projects! Winners in previous years were able to provide sexual education to classes of 30+ kids in underserved communities across Los Angeles County for just $20 in transportation costs! Additionally, every donor who provides a gift of $20+ will receive recognition at the end-of-year Project Showcase! (fully tax-deductible).
$50
General Lab Support + Shoutout
Your generous gift will provide immense support to the Global Development Lab and allow us to cover the costs of weekly meetings and other administrative costs that go into supporting the development of these critical interventions. We will also be giving you a shoutout on our social platforms at the end of the campaign! (fully tax deductible!)
$100
Empowering Future STEM Leaders
This gift will help fund KITS (Kids Innovating Through STEM) at UCLA, a project that brings free, hands-on STEM learning directly to elementary students in underserved LAUSD schools. Through monthly, student-chosen STEM kits, children gain early exposure to science and engineering concepts that spark curiosity, build confidence, and foster long-term interest in STEM. Your generous support directly expands access to enrichment opportunities often unavailable in Title I schools, empowering young students to see themselves as future innovators. (fully tax-deductible!)
$300
Fighting Food Insecurity
This gift will support the development of the FREEateries app, designed to combat food insecurity among UCLA students. By consolidating updated information on free food resources both on and off-campus, the app will provide easy access to vital nutrition for the 37% of Bruin students facing food insecurity. Your generous contribution will help reduce stress, improve health, and enhance academic success for students in need, ultimately supporting their well-being and retention. [fully tax-deductible]
$500
Empowering Girls Against FGM
This gift will support the Coalition of Students Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) project, which empowers young girls in Tanzania and Sierra Leone through digital storytelling and advocacy. Your contribution will help fund training programs that teach girls how to use video to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and advocate for their own rights. Additionally, your donation will support UCLA students who will intern with local NGOs to drive global awareness and change. [fully tax-deductible!]
$1,000
Fund an Entire Project
Your generous gift will be given to the winning project as a grant at the end of the year so that they can implement their ethical and sustainable project. You will be able to see their project presented at our Project Incubator Showcase at the end of the school year and the direct impact you will be making with this gift. This gift can provide hundreds of underserved students in Los Angeles with critical sexual education, improve educational resources in underserved communities of the LA county, fund STI testing for hundreds of individuals, and change lives. (fully tax-deductible)