)
Innovation For Impact Club
The Innovation for Impact (I4I) Club brings together students from across the University of Notre Dame to address global challenges through empathy, collaboration and creative problem-solving – bringing to life Fr. Sorin’s vision of the University as a “powerful means for good.”
Founded in spring 2022, the Innovation for Impact Club serves as the non-academic student engine of the Powerful Means Initiative, transforming classroom insights into real-world action. Through the club, students lead hands-on projects, organize fundraising campaigns, engage directly with global partners like St. Bakhita’s in Uganda and prototype solutions that address pressing social challenges. As a key pillar of the initiative, the club fosters student leadership, creativity and purpose-driven collaboration. Students benefit from the mentorship of alumni and professionals who serve as industry advisors, enriching the experience with expert insight and career guidance. Through I4I, students gain valuable skills and perspectives while contributing to meaningful, community-driven solutions.
For more information, please email ifori@nd.edu.
Current Projects
Finance
Develop the financial structure for a microloan program, including the application process, investment criteria, and measurement/tracking system. Explore the development of a structured mentorship program to support Innovation Scholars receiving microloans.
Grants & Funding
Identify and apply for an international grant on behalf of Saint Bakhita. Work closely with the Saint Bakhita Foundation and a local partner organization focused on supporting social impact initiatives.
Events
Support Saint Bakhita’s goal of self-sustainability while expanding our impact into the broader South Bend community. Increase campus-wide awareness of Innovation for Impact, Powerful Means, and our shared mission. Elevate the member experience by helping new and returning members see the club’s potential to create meaningful partner impact while developing professionally. Potential initiatives include Fireside Chats, supporting the Run for Impact 5K, and organizing a Business Trek.
L.I.F.T. (Let's Improve Futures Together)
Develop a roadmap and business model for the reusable fabric pad project, as well as a roadmap and prototype for the menstrual cycle tracking project.
Tutoring
Coordinate Zoom-based English tutoring sessions connecting Saint Bakhita scholars with Notre Dame students, alumni, and local high school students. Explore broader opportunities to supplement the educational needs of both staff and students at Saint Bakhita.
Athletics
Plan and execute the Run for Impact 5K and associated fundraising efforts. Build partnerships with Notre Dame athletic teams to collect in-kind donations, such as gently used shoes and soccer balls.
STEM
Develop an implementation plan for the biogas cooker project and research the current use of the fruit dryer to identify opportunities for improvements.
SBVTC Marketing
Develop an actionable marketing strategy for Saint Bakhita, including opportunities across the website, local radio, flyers, and other outreach channels, with materials and strategies ready for implementation.
Club Leadership
Loading author data...
Loading author data...
)
)