'When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back and you give other folks the same chances that helped you succeed"

Michelle Obama

We believe there is one phenomenal asset all St. Paul's students share-our innovative and intelligent community. 

Our goal is to cultivate this asset for good. We want to help the extended SPS community make the School and the world a better place.

Instead of cultivating scions of industry, let's cultivate scions of service. 

These grants can benefit any type of community involvement, whether it be a graduate looking to fund legal work at the border, a young scientist trying to find cures for rare diseases, or an SPS student or teacher looking to implement social activism programs on campus. In addition to applying for a community grant, students or alumni can nominate others to receive a grant. If you have noticed a family member, friend, or student doing great things in your community, reach out to us for assistance. We're here to help motivated hearts and minds be the change!

The Ruiz Activism Award, given in memory of Jason "Jay" Ruiz of the Form of 1991, is awarded to students who embody Jay's spirit of activism and need financial support to start a program or project in Concord, their home communities, or at SPS.

Jay was the exceptionally rare person who everyone adored. Born and raised in the East New York Section of Brooklyn, NY, Jay was recruited by the "A Better Chance" program to attend St. Paul's School. Whether it was in the wrestling mat or on the football field, Jay truly made his mark in every arena of school life. He was one of the leaders of the 1990 SPS student protest to make Martin Luther King's birthday a state holiday in New Hampshire. Any St. Paul's student is eligible to apply.

These annual awards will fund a service program at SPS or in your community. It can be used to cover the costs of the program or event, and the amount awarded for recipients will be determined by SPS 2020 Society.

The Andris Conversation Award, given in memory of Jason Andris of the Form of 1992, is awarded to the student, group, or alumnae/alumni who, by Jason's spirit of kindness and decency, demonstrates a vision to make the world a better place by finding innovative ways to improve the environment.

Jason loved St. Paul's School. He was a source of light, inspiration, and kindness for everybody who crossed his path. At SPS, Jason played on the club soccer team, nordic ski team, and coxed for the crew team. He served as the treasurer of the Missionary Society and led the John G. Winant Society. Always seeking new adventures, Jason enjoyed traveling the world, sailing, and golfing. He was funny, cheerful, and most importantly, an incredibly kind person who cherished friendship and treated people with respect. Jason was passionate about land conservation and sat on several boards, including the Lamington Conservancy and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, where he brought his wonderful qualities to make meaningful, long-lasting change.

This annual award, up to $5000, supports a project proposed by an SPS student, group, or alumni which addresses the environmental crisis or seeks to protect the SPS community and its surrounding environment or the home communities of alumni.

The Hipp Award, given in memory of Robert Aurelius Hipp of the Form of 1972, is awarded to the exceptional student or alum who, by Hipp's spirit of humility, kindness, and decency, strives to improve their home community, SPS community, or greater world.

Robert Aurelius Hipp was among the first Black students to enter SPS. He was a phenomenal athlete, playing at the varsity level in baseball and basketball, running cross country, and playing club football with the undefeated Delphians. He was quiet yet strong but was never given the notice he so richly deserved, earning him the nickname "Invisible." He was the kind of person whose strong, humble presence gave others the steadfast foundation and comfort to shine. He was exceptionally kind, and always maintained a sense of humility. He tragically died at the young age of 26 from a brain tumor.

We hope to cement his legacy and bring his strengths into the light by awarding the student or alum who is looking to helm a project to make their community better. Additionally, to model the School's mission of "service to the greater good," any SPS teacher, student, or alum may nominate any worthy person in their own communities for the Hipp Award.

Late one October night in 1990, two members of the Form of 1991 assaulted then 5th former Lacy Crawford. Crawford told her story in her memoir, Notes on a Silencing, in July 2020.

The St. Paul's School administration silenced her then and tried to do so again in 2018 when she came forward as a part of the Attorney General of New Hampshire's investigation of the School. 

The Crawford Courage Award shall go to the person who stands up by their convictions and has displayed exceptional courage in speaking up or acting in the face of injustice and wrongdoing. As displayed by Crawford's memoir, the telling of stories matter. Media—film, journalism, non-fiction essays, and even social media campaigns—can transform audiences into activists and hold long-standing institutions accountable for their actions.  

Any person nominated by the SPS community (student, group, faculty, or alum) is eligible for this award (up to $10,000). Preference is given to those that use media as a form of activism, a tool tightly linked to direct-action campaigns, or to hold institutions accountable. 

The board of the 2020 Society of SPS and Crawford will review the proposals.