Kristin Nash, MPH
Nov 11, 2024
We’re pleased to introduce the 2024 recipient of the William G. Nash Social Impact Grant, Riley Sullivan, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and co-founder of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union (CHRU).
Now well into its third annual cycle, the William G. Nash Social Impact Grant continues to support college student-run businesses and initiatives that aim to positively impact society by providing grants, support, and mentorship to help them expand and grow.
We wanted to introduce you to a 2024 recipient, doing important work by providing harm reduction resources to help college students stay safe and healthy.
Riley Sullivan, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, co-founder of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union (CHRU) and recipient of a 2024 William G. Nash Social Impact Grant, gave us more insight into the work of CHRU:
"CHRU is unique because we are a student-led, harm reduction-focused program. In the past year, we provided over 3,000 naloxone kits and 1,000 fentanyl testing strips, which went directly to students. We’ve had a tangible impact on our campus, with 15 overdose reversals reported by students,” Riley said.
“However, we are not solely an overdose prevention program. CHRU also provides substance use education, covering the potential hazards of different substances, safer-use practices, and psychedelic safety."
Riley and the team at CHRU sought a grant to support their organizational growth and development, enabling them to expand their overall capabilities and impact.
So far, the William G. Nash Social Impact Grant has enabled the team to invest in software and office space to enhance their operational efficiency. Funds have also been allocated to purchase and distribute 3,500 fentanyl testing strips and 3,000 naloxone kit materials, directly supporting their harm reduction goals.
The grant also allowed CHRU to file for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, an essential step in building a sustainable foundation for their organization.
Additionally, CHRU has begun collaborating with other collegiate harm reduction groups to create a national coalition. This coalition aims to share best practices and expand harm reduction efforts to more campuses across the U.S.
We have been thoroughly impressed by the CHRU team’s organizational skills and prudent financial planning, ensuring they maximize their impact in this important area of harm reduction and student safety.
Their selfless commitment to taking action and supporting others is inspiring. WGNF is proud to support them through the William G. Nash Social Impact Grant and wish them every success in their efforts.
You can learn more about the work of Riley and the Carolina Harm Reduction Union (CHRU) team on their website and Instagram page.
About the William G. Nash Social Impact Grant Program
The William G. Nash Social Impact Grant program seeks to support college student run businesses with grants of between $2,500 - $7,500, support and mentorship to help them expand and grow.
Your business can be at any stage from idea, through to up and running and we particularly look to support those whose businesses have the potential to impact society in a positive way.
The main criteria for funding include: 1) you and/or others on your team is/are a student or recent graduate and 2) your business makes some type of social impact. Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will begin soon. Please feel free to reach out to info@williamgnash.org with any questions about the application process.
We are proud to honor Will’s legacy by supporting young changemakers and their visions for impact. And we look forward to receiving your application!