Coming Fall 2026!
The Belmont Formation Collaborative is launching Living with Purpose Groups: a new, university‑supported initiative designed to deepen connection, belonging and purpose across Belmont University.
These communities bring together faculty, staff and student organizations around a shared sense of purpose. Each group is resourced to create meaningful programming that advances Belmont’s mission and SOUL framework, moving purpose from an individual idea to a shared, lived experience across campus.
This work is made possible by a three-year,
$300,000 grant from the:
Arthur Vining Davis Foundations
Questions & Answers
Living with Purpose Groups are formally recognized, purpose‑centered communities co‑led by faculty and/or staff and partnered with one or more student organizations (called Purpose Partners).
Each group is supported with training, funding and strategic guidance through the Belmont Formation Collaborative (BFC).
Groups engage in:
- Intentional mentoring relationships across roles and generations
- Purpose‑driven projects, events and service opportunities
- Guided reflection grounded in Belmont’s SOUL framework:
The goal: to cultivate a campus culture where purpose is practiced together, strengthening student formation, relationships and community impact.
Living with Purpose Groups are selected through a structured Call for Proposals process and participate in a year-long experience. Ten groups will be selected.
Each group includes:- At least five faculty and/or staff sponsors (mixed faculty–staff teams encouraged)
- At least one student organization partner
- One VP‑level sponsor for advocacy and accountability
- Up to $7,500 in annual funding
- Onboarding and facilitation training
- Ongoing support, assessment and recognition
- Fall Semester, 2026:
- Develop an understanding of shared purpose as a group
- Complete BFC training and plan group initiatives
- Spring Semester, 2027:
- Launch programming and campus engagement efforts
While formal proposals should be submitted by faculty and staff sponsors, any member of the Belmont community can help initiate a Living with Purpose Group.
Groups may include:
- Faculty and staff interested in mentoring and purpose-driven work
- Student organizations seeking deeper partnership with faculty/staff
- Interdisciplinary teams aligned with Belmont’s mission
- Committed to collaboration across roles
- Interested in fostering belonging and formation
- Motivated to lead initiatives that engage the broader campus
- Summer 2026: Interest building and connection opportunities
- September 1, 2026: Call for Proposals opens
- September 30, 2026: Application deadline
- Early October 2026: Selected groups announced
- Late October 2026: Onboarding and training begin
- November 2026 – Early Spring 2027: Planning and development
- Spring 2027: Program implementation
Next Steps:
- Begin forming your team
- Identify potential student organization partners
- Watch for the Call for Proposals
- Prepare to apply in September
The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations were organized in 1952 and are supported by two trusts established by Mr. Arthur Vining Davis. The Foundations aim to bear witness to Mr. Davis’ successful corporate leadership and his ambitious philanthropic vision.
Since their inception, the Foundations have given over 4,700 grants totaling more than $400 million to support inclusive higher education and healthcare, high-quality public media, vibrant spiritual communities and a clean environment. In supporting these sectors, the Foundations are investing in our common future.
Interested in Learning More?
Learn more about the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations and the Belmont Formation Collaborative or sign up to receive updates about Living with Purpose Groups.